If I could kick 2007 in the ass and out the door I would.  Wait, I did.

Last night I properly said good-riddance to 2007 at First Night and in style.  Apparently all the other Weekly Volcano scribes had plans already, so I was asked to emcee.  That’s right, baby, Vee-Eye-Pee (VIP). To me this was an honor.  Not only did I get to represent this wonderful rag, but also I got to be a part of one of the coolest events to ever hit the streets of Tacoma.

I was running late, of course, but made it with 13 minutes to spare before introducing Valentines Performing Pigs at the Rialto Theater.  Don’t laugh.  This act is serious shit.  They’ve been on Leno, Oprah, and Letterman. 

After navigating my way out from the bowels of the Rialto Theater, I found KAke chillin’ to some Loose Gravel.  I scored some free hugs from a couple of really cool strangers, and we danced a bit before heading off to El Toro. I’m pretty sure we got there just in time as the place filled up and there became a line out the door for at least the next hour straight.  Volcano scribe Brad Allen and his League commanded a corner table.  I saw many shots thrown back.

I hightailed it over to Sanford & Son where I introduce Folksingers From Hell, hug Cheryl and Alan, then speed back to finish my dinner at El Toro.  I was gone maybe 30 minutes when I come back to find Carmen schmoozing KAke and our families.  Leave it to Carmen to bring some spectacles only Elton John would be proud of.

After eating I run back to Sanford & Sons to emcee one of the coolest performance acts I’ve ever seen â€" Abztract Synergy.  I watched in awe as I thought to myself, “This is why I love Tacoma.  The ability to sit in this cozy, unique little library in the basement of an antique store, and be this close to such free spoken art.”  I think I might’ve even felt a tear come to my eye.

I get the texts from KAke and Mr. DeRosa that they’re at The Elephants inside TAG’s old digs.  I crawled down front just in time to catch the end of my and KAke’s girls dancing away.  The fiery breeze of talent displayed up on stage of the Broadway Center made it easy to smile, feel the beat, and love life.

Just as the girls were getting cranky, we walked outside to the Pierce Transit Park right as Handful of Luvin’ began playing.  Um, wow.  Just wow.  Good gravy in all that’s made from butter, I am in love.  I was so drawn in.  The voice, the violin, the rhythm, I couldn’t help but want to dance.  I was drawn to the stage, and immediately began taping.  The crown was nuts, the dancing, the energy, and vibes of happiness.  These people loved this band, and I craved more before they were even done.  I will definitely be seeing more of them soon.

First Night was perfect.  Parking was easy, tons of people there, but not overcrowded.  It was organized well, and there was a ton of variety.  Thank you Bennett Thurmon, First Night Brain Trust, Pierce County, City of Tacoma, all the performers, sponsors and volunteers who made it all happen.  And thank you Weekly Volcano for allowing me to be a part of it. â€" Steph DeRosa