Well I sent in my application for next years Art in the Pearl event, which is a Portland show that happens in September. It is very competitive, only 130 spots for over 1000 applicants, but I'm confident that they will realise the grave error they made last year in rejecting me and invite me this year. Time will tell, won't know until March.

How is a plastic faced, paper crown wearing king, blow torching a slab of inferior beef, even the least bit appetizing?

Even the stripped down version of Secret Chiefs 3, the band I went to see at Wonder Ballroom last night, was amazing! With their constantly changing lineup I have usually seen them with more musicians, the 5 piece they came with was more than enough to satisfy me and the large crowd that attended. Using strange instruments like a 5 string bass and 9 string guitar, and somehow tuning them differently than the norm makes them a fascinating listen and spectacle that makes them my favorite live performers. The drummer, Pej Mon, was unreal, and I am so glad I ventured out late on a Sunday to be a witness. The headliner was Dead Cross, featuring another favorite of mine Mike Patton. I have seen his bands, from Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk, Fantomas, Peeping Tom, and others, but none are as industrial strength as this one. I started thinking to myself "What bands have I seen that are harder to listen to than this one?" and I came up with two...The Locust and Wolf Eyes, and it turns out one of the players in this band is from The Locust. Brutal listening hardcore noise, which even a seasoned veteran such as myself could not take.

Thanks go out to those of you from Tiki Caliente, Tiki Kon, and Tiki Oasis that purchased goods from me, making this by far my best year. I have the necessary motivation to see what I can get done for the coming one and look forward to seeing you again next May!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Sadies concert here last week at the Aladdin Theatre, as my son in law said "They rip!" Can't say the same for the headliner, Justin Townes Earle, who about put me to sleep, but at least the Sadies backed him for most of his set.

Thanks to Jim Heath from the Reverend Horton Heat for the great solo effort at the Doug Fir last night. He is a Gretsch guitar playing singer and song writing extraordinaire, who also happens to be a nice, successful, and encouraging person rarely encountered in the very tough life that is the music industry. I also enjoyed his Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard country influenced cohort Dale Watson, very funny and personable indeed.

Once again my confidence has been rattled as I received my second rejection notice today and won't be a part of this years Art in the Pearl. I was trying to broaden my horizons and do shows that were not related to tiki, but that plan just went out the window. Time to re-evaluate, but I am looking forward to Tiki Caliente, just a month away.

The March 31st deadline passed for the notification I was expecting for acceptance into the June in Vancouver, WA Ester Short recycling show, so I guess I must deal with the fact that I was not on the list. Like everyone, I do not deal with rejection well, and as I was venting my frustration with a friend he calmly said "Did it ever occur to you that you might not be as good as you think you are?" which naturally I never even considered, so it's on to the non-tiki event that I REALLY want to do, the Portland Art in the Pearl. 130 vendors from over 1000 applicants is not good odds, but I am sure I will be there. I find out the middle of this month. You would hope that friends would be more empathetic, but I did get a chuckle out of it.

All right, I'm relieved, I was judged and accepted to the local July Gresham Artwalk event! I always expect to be part of any show I try out for, but this was the first vending gig where I showed my carvings, so it holds a special place. Fairly certain this is my seventh year!

Keeping to my resolution to vend at events that are not tiki related, I sent in my application for the Ester Short recycled art festival in Vancouver Washington this June. It is a juried exhibit, so there are no guarantees, but I figure they would be out of their minds not to have me, right? Also sent in for the Gresham Artwalk in July, which I have done the last six years so I should be in on that one, but is also juried. The biggest one I want to do is Art in the Pearl, in Portland, and which I also sent photos to be judged.

I received a call about a month ago from the Portland Renovation and Landscaping show offering a great deal on a booth for this year's show. They wanted to add some local artists to the mix so I said yes, and although I am now regretting it (three long days) I will be there if anyone in the area wants to attend. It runs Friday the 27th through Sunday the 29th at the Memorial Coliseum.

Sent my money in to Rory at Tiki Cliente/Palm Springs yesterday so I am in. This is my sixth year vending, and for atmosphere and a laid back vibe this one is the best. Middle of May is the date, happy to have a few pieces sold already so my entry fee is paid for. Also have my same spot, which is in a cool 12x6 foot cabana.

I again have to thank my great, good natured and humorous, season ticket holding friend Whitey for inviting me to the recent visit by the Lakers to the Moda Center this week to play the Blazers. Although the Lakers lost, there were moments in their play that made me feel like the future has great potential. I love the hire of Luke Walton as coach, and feel that he will be a long term employee, in the mold of Pat Riley. I am happy with 30 wins this year however, far from the playoffs.