PERMANENT LIPSTICK by Ginger Knoxx
After my experience from hell at Sasquatch! Festival, I am sure you can understand that after arriving home in one piece I just wanted to hide out, keep my hard earned cash in my pocket, lay low and take it easy. Deciding it was time for a little physical and mental rejuvenation, I started going to Bikram Yoga again. It makes you feel all purified and wholesome to sweat your ass off and toxins out for 90 minutes in 90-degree heat (it's intentionally that hot) and let your mind be wiped free of anything stressful.  BUT an invite to a house party that included The Smithereens front man Pat DiNizio playing in the living room for a very select group of about 40 people was something I just couldn't say no to.

Saturday, June 3
Recently I heard a very humorous radio DJ talking about the crappy gifts people show up with when invited to get-togethers and potlucks at friends' houses. So The Italian and I made sure we got something good - Naughty Nellie Ale - from the corner store and headed over to Daddy D's plush pad in the North End for a DiNizio house concert.  Anderson was working double time on a monster grill amidst tropical plants in the backyard, turning out awesome chicken skewers and fat salmon steaks. Pretty Boy Sean was all smiles while filling me in on what I'd missed at The Boneyard lately. DiNizio is one cool mutha (watch yo mouth)! He played the fav hits - "Blood and Roses," "A Girl Like You," "Blues Before and After" - proving that he doesn't really need a band. DiNizio shared funny anecdotes about the making of some of The Smithereens' albums and played some of his new solo stuff. I totally scored on getting his autograph on the photos The Italian took from DiNizio's adventure last winter in T-Town. Pappi Swarner will be so stoked since he's in them! The party wound down, and we had just enough time to drop in at Magoo's (since we were right around the corner it would have been a crime not to stop by). Of course, I had one of Jamie's luscious Manhattans. It's kind of joke at this point that I can't go there and not have one, but I do love them so. Hollywood gave me the quick lowdown on Syren. Seems the staff is changing over before it can open. The Italian and I talked each other into having one last nightcap at The Corner. I was bummed Red wasn't working as I haven't seen his quick-witted self in a grip. And the door guy? Man, does that seem like overkill, but I'm sure they are better safe than sorry.

Tuesday, Devil's Day 6-6-06
The Temple Theatre - 3 Inches of Blood and guests
Inside the music was blaring, and I DEFY totally killed. I knew they'd be awesome, and they did not disappoint. A sassy woman with devil horns and a black corset with strategically placed electrical tape on her tatas jumped on stage to get the crowd going. I totally thought there would be more people. Mind you, there were probably close to 300 partiers there, and it was still early with many bands to go.  A ton of people crammed in the designated smoking area, which has to be the smokiest outdoor place on Earth. Naja wore a fabulous blue dress with brilliant eye shadow to match, and I just loved Del's hair with the red accents. That crazy girl made up a "Ginger Knoxx Theme Song." She swore she'd sing it every time I enter a room (totally unnecessary, but still hilarious). Not surprising, it's raunchy and graphic. I got a sweet hug from Brian, whom I hadn't seen in ages. Murphy, who's gearing up for Trash and his Aerobic Disco Birthday bash this Saturday, was looking hot in a grimy Hollywood boulevard kind of way. Chesty Meow had her brother posse in affect. The mohawked one and curly fro one were standing on either side of her and Ebony like guards, because nobody F's with Chesty and Eb - or they'll have Bluecifer to answer to. Durango 95 was badass. Those guys freakin' rule. Singer Andrew owned that stage and had all the moves of a seasoned front man despite his young age. I see fame, and hopefully fortune, in their future. Foiled by the gods of no re-entry, I did not get to see 3IB. When did going to a show become like visiting a friend in prison?

Time of the Essence
I am continually amazed by the South Sound community's boundless generosity and willingness to step up when someone needs a helping hand. Recently Mike Coucoules, the Malcolm Clark Band's talented bass player, was injured in a hit-and-run accident. People mobilized immediately and put together a benefit show at Seafarer's Bar & Grill to help Coucoules with medical costs. Loads of people showed up, jammed out and threw down cash for the cause. More than 40 musicians entertained the crowd.
Another benefit worthy of opening your wallet for is the Time of the Essence, or T.O.T.E., Cancer Benefit Saturday, June 10, in Olympia. It's an all-day, all-ages event with live music by Ether, End Theory, From The Fall, 66 Curses and others, plus a beer garden for those with proper identification and yummy food. A $5 donation is being asked for admission. Saturday, June 10, noon, $5, Black Lake Grange, 6011 Black Lake Blvd. S.W., Olympia.

Give me a wink and a kiss here. Knoxx knows.