Los Angeles 8-10

Thoughts from the observation deck:

Ford Theater is a spectacular venue tucked into the Hollywood hills. Open air seating and stage, steep hillside full of trees and bushes behind the stage, no seat more than 97 feet from said. The weather was perfect. It was a challenge to wind ones way through the steep canyon road to get there but it is my new favorite local joint.

Opener Sam Burton was a tall gentleman who played guitar and sang some very sad songs. He was accompanied by his friend Eli on keyboards. He was nervous but I liked his performance. Several audience members compared his lyrics and demeanor to Nick Drake. Other’s, not so much. When I asked if there were any of his CDs at the merch table I got a very quick and firm “no”. So there’s that.

Lu was in fine spirits and spoke often of being grateful to be back in LA and the healing nature of performing here. Lu dedicated Rock n Roll Heart to Robbie Robertson and spoke about his music and influence. Same for Tom Petty before Stolen Moments. Stuart and Doug conducted several guitar rave ups, the highlights being Are You Down and Out of Touch. Strong work by Butch and David on the former.

Legendary FF members (or what is left of it) were in force. Great to see Stoger, GrumpyMama, Cindy, and Erica all rubbing elbows. Dusty Wakeman and Gia Ciambotti were also in house. Don’t tell anyone I said that about the forum.

Photo courtesy of Erica Neilsen.

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