Open Mic at Owl In Las Vegas

Owl Wall Logo

Open Mic at Owl in Las Vegas and My Thoughts on Some Types Of Humor

A friend of mine let me know he was going to be filming an open mic event at a new bar named Owl tonight and invited me along if I had time. I decided it would be good to get out for a bit and enjoy some local talent. I really, really wanted to enjoy some local talent. When you read what I experienced below you will understand why I repeated that statement. 

What I witnessed instead was a collection of the city's common trash. By the definition of trash, I mean that most of the dialog can be overheard in any long waiting taxi line, lifestyle choice lounge, or tweaked out neighborhood street corner. It is not original and in most cases not humorous. It is the sad examples of human behavior mistakenly called humor. 

The topics ranged from sexually explicit issues to racial jokes. In light of recent events, most of this was in extremely poor taste and I would suggest that the owner or manager seriously screen and audition the folks that are going to be sharing the light on their stage. This is not to reflect badly on the event coordinator and MC. He did a great job introducing the players and arranging for a full schedule of performers. Better luck next time. (May I suggest musicians?)

Open Mic MC and Players

My thoughts on one specific "comic" were that his friends probably laugh at him not because he was funny, but the fact that he was that stupid. Tasteless commentary is not funny. The lack of a filter is not funny. Toilet humor reveals a childish and immature intellect. Classic comedians like Buddy Hackett and George Carlin got away with their trashy humor because they chose it carefully and warmed their audiences up to the final punchline. These two comedians got extremely raunchy in their acts, but they tied in timing and strong storytelling with their jokes. 

None of the amateur comics had much of a response from the audience until I decided to walk out of the room after the last comedian made a very vulgar statement and verbally dragged me into his act. I'm sorry, sir (using that term loosely) the total disregard for your audience and the fact you hazed your critic was a really bad move. No one was laughing. I pondered the fact that a pig had more class than this fellow.

The Talent

The night was not a total bust. There was a lovely guitar set with a gentleman playing original songs. The music was comfortable, lyrics bright and warm, and the sound - easy to listen to. His voice was pleasant. This was the talent I was expecting. Thank heavens this performer came before the last acts or I would have missed any performance of good taste.

I will certainly think twice before attending an open mic at this location or any for that matter. I seriously do not relish spending my time in offensive language and dialog. If I wanted that I'd just go to the worst side of town and eavesdrop on the patrons there. No serious effort needed.

Camping Early Spring in the Valley of Fire

Campground Destination - Valley of Fire

Early Spring and late Fall are the ideal times to visit The Valley of Fire area in Southern Nevada. The air is cool and crisp at this time and the temperatures comfortable. The nights get a little chilly, but they are pleasant with a thick scattering of stars overhead and a roaring campfire. It is a perfect stargazing space.  A Springtime expedition will delight nature lovers with a flower show on the desert floor and Autumn will impress with its own beautiful array of color.

When inviting several friends out for the first camping trip of the year and it was decided that the Valley of Fire would be an ideal setting. The park was not on my list of places I had visited and I was excited to make this short journey from the city of Las Vegas where I lived.

About The Park

Visiting The Valley of Fire is permissible year round. The campgrounds are open and so are the trails. The road in and around the park is winding jaunt through desert wonder. It would be a perfect place for a day cruise on a motorcycle or in a convertible. Red stone formations are scattered across the entire park. 

Valley of Fire (Zazzle Image)

The Flora and Fauna

Catch the desert blooms around Easter weekend. The foliage will amaze and delight. The Beaver Tail Cactus puts out one of the most stunning pink ever seen in the flower world. The heady greens of plant life in the Mojave Desert are dotted and streaked with neon florals. The scene is rivaled only by Las Vegas, which is about 70 miles away.

Beavertail Cactus Blossoms (Zazzle)

Camping Valley of Fire

Camping is most comfortable during the cooler seasons. The summer temperatures would be unbearable for more than an afternoon or early morning visit. The camp areas fill up very fast so get to the park early for a spot. This happened to be the last available space in the park on Easter weekend. Restroom facilities and showers are scattered throughout the park, so the camping does not have to be roughing it to the extreme.

Camping out is recommended during these months: March to May and September to November. If you are to visit any other time of year it will be either too hot or rather cold. Risks of health issues are extremely high during summer. Heat kills quietly. Bring plenty of water. 

Hiking Trails 

There are unique walking and hiking trails through, around, and over the rocks. The sand is really soft and deep in many of the tour areas so expect a nice workout while catching the beautiful scenery. The picturesque views will exhaust batteries and fill up photo galleries quickly so plan images carefully.

For additional information on the park visit the nationa park's website:
http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park/

Flowers
by Maria Burgess

Valley of Fire
by Maria Burgess

Las Vegas Local Bands - Today Ends Tomorrow

Today Ends Tomorrow is a local band that is a mix of new age rock with an old school feel.

Las Vegas has produced many successful bands including Imagine Dragons and The Killers. The city has an ideal setting for talented people to showcase their music from the big stages to small venues. They build their following and work hard on their sound and presence and hope something hits and rockets them into the open arena of public view. Maybe they just want to get their views out through their sound and song lyrics. Bands like Today Ends Tomorrow is one of these local gems. 

John McEwan is the frontman for the band. He is also the heart of it. He writes originals and handles the lead guitar and vocals. His style reminded me of Queensryche and Metallica. There is a touch of Iron Maiden in their sound as well as Judas Priest.  It is a sweet blend of new age rock with an old school feel. Classical metal is certainly an influence.  

I spoke to John McEwan recently about his music and enjoyed a moment in his sound. He says his promotional manager has a tough time classifying their music. If anything they are a unique set and an enjoyable sound.  His songs carry a message of hope and of God. They portray anguish over today's social climate. The spiritual side of Rock and Roll doesn't surface often, but when it does it carries with it a powerful message. 

The melodies are comfortable and the instrumental parts are energizing, emotion movers of guitar riffs and runs. John's voice is soothing and powerful. He loves what he does and you can tell that from the energy he pours into his exhibition. He is a talented soul and mentioned that his whole life revolves around those six strings. He humbly says he is a hack -- I beg to differ. This is one of their practice videos. I for one want to hear more of their music and wish them all the luck and good fortune this universe has to offer. 

Today Ends Tomorrow - Promo Medley

Where Is The Truth