Day 18

On one hand, we’re settling in. On the other hand…

“Well, my mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right
My mind’s not right, my mind’s not right”

We’re so fortunate. We can work. We have shelter. We have food. Stay inside? We have books and music and movies and fabric and LEGO and puzzles for days…months…years.

Hopefully we’ll travel soon. Visit soon. See you soon.

“I see water on the bridge
Well, you better hold my hand through this
Turn around, turn around, take me back, I can’t calm down
Turn around, turn around, take me back, I can’t calm down”

Tikiyaki Minus Orchestra →

While I’ve written mostly lately about supporting bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, artists of all types are also in a bind. Bands can’t play shows, and live music sustains working bands - streaming sure as hell doesn’t keep the lights on or the amps plugged in.

One of my all-time favorite bands is The Tikiyaki Orchestra (sometimes appearing as Tikiyaki 5-0). Band leader Jim Bacchi has decided to use this downtime by doing some home recording as Tikiyaki Minus Orchestra and has just posted a 4-song EP called “Sketches with guitar and bongos“ to Bandcamp. $5 cheap, and you can elect to pay more if you are so inclined.

Go have a listen, and if you aren’t yet familiar with the rest of the Tikiyaki Orchestra discography, then go get that also.

Thanks Jim!

Tonga Hut North Hollywood GoFundMe

At some point, maybe at many points, this pandemic is going to hit home personally. This is one of those cases.

I’m calling this fundraiser out specifically because these are friends of mine, and this is our home bar. If you have patronized the Tonga Hut and can spare a few dollars, please consider kicking in.

I know a lot of people aren’t in a position to help. You’ve already been impacted by this pandemic, no worries. If you can’t contribute monetarily, please raise a glass and wish the Tonga Hut well. It’s been there for us since 1958 and we want it to remain in place for a long long time.