Who Knows If It Will Work

Hilary Clinton is beginning to outline a plan for universal health care coverage for Americans. Who knows if the plan is viable or even realistic, but I’m happy that someone is bringing this very important issue to the forefront of politics. With so much debate over the war, there has been scarcely little debate over other pressing issues here domestically. It’s a start I guess. By the way, I saw a rerun of a skit where Kanye West runs into Mike Meyers before performing at Saturday Night Live. Hilarious, I tell you. And besides that, Kanye West really is a great rapper. I think we’ll be talking about how good he really has been years from now.

CNN.com

Branford Marsalis

Last night I went to Jazz Alley. Branford Marsalis was playing. His band was great and the improvisation of the band added to the fun. If you ever get the chance, Branford is definitely worth checking out. Jazz Alley was a good time. The show wasn't very long, but the music, food and drinks were definitely up to par. If you want a good show in an intimate setting, Jazz Alley may be a good pick for you.

Jazz Alley

At The Mandolin

It’s already Friday. Man, it was a busy week. I was at The Mandolin Café last night listening to a friend’s band. It was pretty cool, the place was packed. I hadn’t been to The Mandolin in quite a while. They added a cool little bar in the middle of the floor that was getting a lot of use. The place has a nice vibe; coffee, beer, wine, music, couches…what’s not to like? Another acquaintance is playing at Jazzbones tonight. It should be a good show, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it. We’ve got plans all weekend and I’ve got to get some things done. We’ll see… And to make things better, baseball opening day is Monday. Go M’s! Sun, beer, and strikeouts make a good afternoon.

Warm Weather, Music, More

With Spring and Summer right around the corner, the warm weather will be here and not a minute too soon in my opinion. This will also be a time when downtown Tacoma will feel a little bit more complete than in years past. Past years have seen more construction with the additions of a new hotel and convention center among other projects. With the downtown area moving into a new direction, something else needs to be added to help celebrate all of the work that has been done. And what’s the point of it all if you can’t show it off and have a little fun? What we need is an event. Something annual, fun, mostly outdoors, and pedestrian friendly. I think an outdoors music event with a bunch of different bands would be really cool. Something like Wintergrass but outdoors. A few different stages and plenty of food and concessions booths and maybe even some old hotrods and nice boats on display in the marina. It would be a great event to show off Tacoma and what it has become. There are still many local Western WA residents who have never even ventured into Tacoma since the 80’s. Not only would an event like this give the Tacoma residents a chance to get out and enjoy the city, visitors from all over can come to listen to some bands, sightsee downtown, and get out in a town that they may have forgotten about a couple of decades ago. Tacoma shouldn’t necessarily be our own little secret.