DEVO drummer Alan Myers passes away

Sad news today about drummer Alan Myers. Condolences to family, fans, and band mates evolved and de-evolved. In memorial, I’m re-running this post from last year.

When DEVO came to Redding

Devo plays redding ca at the civic auditoriumMark MothersbaughWow, was it thirty years ago? Looking through an old box in the closet, I ran across these photographs I took at the Redding Civic when DEVO came to town in 1982.

Are we not men? We are DEVO!

Sure, it looks like the singer is wearing a flower pot hat, but DEVO fans know them as “Energy Domes.” I was a fan back then, but not enough to have bought a ticket. A friend gave me the ticket. Her 15 year old daughter won the seats from a radio promotion, and mom really didn’t want to go. Front row! Hence, the good shots. The show was much better than I expected.

Devo singerThis was the era of the “It’s a Beautiful World” single, which was a show highlight.

It’s a beautiful world we live in,
A sweet romantic place,
Beautiful people everywhere,
The way they show they care
Makes me want to say,

It’s a wonderful time to be here,
It’s nice to be alive,
Wonderful people everywhere,
The way they comb their hair

(Chorus)
It’s a beautiful world (three times)
For you (three times)

Devo rocks ReddingEverything I’d heard by DEVO was sort-of deliberately sterile sounding, I think. Art music. Almost a parody of itself. Certainly a sarcastic reflection of pop culture.

The funny thing about pop culture is that even self-parody acknowledgement of its own banality becomes more pop culture, perhaps even the best of it.

What I wouldn’t have guessed was how hard they rocked. Obviously, having risen through the punk clubscene, they’d learned to move an audience. This wasn’t studio music played live. They engaged the crowd, playing it hard with abandon. Up front, and hearing mostly the stage monitors, I was impressed. A tight rock band.

Mark Mothersbaugh in redding CADevo singer Mark Mothersbaugh has gone on to become an accomplished artist in both film scores and visual arts. An extremely impressive list of accomplishments by any measure.
They still play as a band too. The DEVO webiste had recent video from a SF show at the Fillmore.
Amazing.
I like the final image in my series. You can tell this was taken some time ago. Outstretched arms aren’t holding up cell phones recording the moment. They were just in the moment.
Devo rocks the civic in 1982
All photos by Skip Murphy, 1982. Below, I wanted to post one of their many online videos, but it was so hard to pick one. This one was recorded just few days ago, 1-13-12 @The Fillmore. Impressive longevity for any band!

Fajitas for Fathers Day via Upstate News

I like to read the Sunday papers in the morning, when I can. A local Redding business named Upstate News delivers the Chronicle to our door. Reading the Food section of the Chron always makes me really hungry, though. Yesterday was quiet, so I decided to follow the featured recipe from writer Lynn Char Bennett for marinated skirt steak fajitas. I didn’t take any pictures of my results since I was too busy eating, but really I did like how it turned out. I can recommend that you try her “Marinade can work some magic” at the link.SkirtSteakFajitaUpstate News will deliver any of several newspapers to your door, including USA Today and the New York Times. They are also planning on delivering the Sacramento Bee soon, so call (530) 246-2333 if you want to inquire about that.

We still like newsprint. And we are fortunate to live in an area where a San Francisco newspaper still feels somewhat local.

Aaron when he’s not busy Dancing With the Stars

Here’s a few images taken today. Aaron is seen here helping my other son in law get his new driveway ready. Aaron is somewhat more comfortable with heavy equipment than he is dancing with Monica Fisher, shall we say. Still, just 7 days till the big event. Will he be able to pull off the upset win?
Aaron does driveway

Aaron does driveway2

Aaron does driveway3
Aaron and Monica1

LaCabana Restaurant in Redding muy delicioso

A few images from one of our longtime favorite Mexican food places in Redding, LaCabana.
LaCabana1

LaCabana2

LaCabana3

LaCabana4

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LaCabana6Located on Market Street across from Sherven Square near Tehama Street. Next to Crown Camera. We recall this from long ago as very politically incorrect Sambo’s Restaurant. Put to better use now as family-run La Cabana. The lovely Karry likes the Chimichangas, and I like just about everything else on the menu. Give it a try if you haven’t already. Muy sabroso. That’s Really Redding.