2007 October 5 - San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO @ The Independent
5 October 2007
Friday, 9:30pm

ON THE GO- I drove into San Francisco around 2pm.

I met up with my Washington state cousins at their friend's home located on the Great Highway. This was a great house indeed. It faced the Pacific Ocean just west of Golden Gate Park.

My cousins were in town for the Strictly Bluegrass weekend. I was in town for strictly GOGOs. I had a couple hours to catch-up with them before I had to meet-up with my husband back at our hotel. So… we strolled along the beach. Sounds easy? right...That stroll turned into an all out battle with the off shore wind just to stay upright. Jeez! My ears rang all the way back to the house.

We were staying at the Best Western Hotel Tomo located about a mile from the club. After checking in, I wanted to check out the venue. It was now 6pm now. On the way, we walked through historic Alamo Square. It was picture perfect as imagined. If only I had a camera.

We discovered the club nestled amongst small auto repair shops, stores and lots and lots of great eateries. Here's a sample:

Nopa (urban rustic food - open until 1am) - 560 Divisadero, 1/2 block south
Ziryab (Morroccan/Mediterranean - open until 1am) - 528 Divisadero, 1 block south
Fly Bar (sandwiches, pizza, salads, beer) - 762 Divisadero @ Fulton, 1 block north
Tsunami (sushi, sake - open until 1am) - 1306 Fulton @ Divisadero, 1 block north
Little Star Pizza (pizza, jukebox) - 846 Divisadero, 1.5 blocks north
Brother In Law's (BBQ) - 705 Divisadero, right across from the club
Herbivore (vegetarian) - 531 Divisadero @ Fell, 2 blocks south
Club Waziema (Ethiopian) - 543 Divisadero @Fell, 2 blocks south
Jay's Cheesesteak (comfort food) - 1 block south

Nothing like this back in the 'burbs.

The door to the club was open. yeah! Of course we peeked inside. The Independent is a small, 21 and over club. I estimated it held two to three hundred people. I could see the GOGO’s drum set all ready set up on the small stage. This is good. Roadies moved electrical wires about. I asked the box office guy if there were any more tickets available for the show. No way. Therefore, I would have go to the show solo. The GOGOs would go on about 9:30 pm. I'd be back.

.

We went to dinner with a friend in the Mission District. About 9 pm they drop me off in front of the club and promised to be back to get me in 90 minutes. GOGO shows are always 90 minutes long.

Location of the Independent

My ticket stub

FOR STARTERS - The opening act was an Oakland band called Gravy Train. What can I say. Maybe a cross between the Village People and the village idiots. Entertaining if you're into - camp and circumstance. Did anyone see Rocky Horror Picture Show?

HOW IT GOES - That night the girls were in great form. Easily the best show yet. They all seemed very relaxed playing in this small venue, especially Gina and Jane. They were definitely in their element. They interacted quite a bit with the incredibly enthusiastic crowd.

Jane commented on how frightened she was that morning when a loud, thundering noise woke her up. We're talkin' major wake & shake. She thought it was an earthquake. It turned out to be the Blue Angles jets flying overhead doing some early morning air show maneuvers. That weekend happened to be Fleet Week as well.

Jane then shared with us some more frightening news. That very morning… Gina cut her finger while gardening at her rock goddess SF mansion. AGHHHH! However, the show must go on. Bandaged finger and all.

GOGOs San Francisco

photo by tweedlebopper

WORTH NOTING
- Before starting their encore, Gina goofed around on Kathy’s bass and Kathy thumped on the drum set. Belinda plucked on the key board however, Jane stuck with her guitar

-Gina stated that she had been trying to get the band to play at The Independent for the last 30 years. Hmmm...let me do the math - maybe.

-Belinda stated that if she lived back in the States…it would definitely be San Francisco!

HIGH NOTE- After the show I made my way toward the stage. I was still hoping to get a set list or show souvenir. Security and staffers tried to clear out the audience as fast a possible. Maybe there is only one way in and out. However - I lingered on. Roadies handed out a few remaining set list and picks. I tried to get one too. Maybe I'm not pushy enough.

I stood in front of the stage. I looked over to the left side of the stage. There stood Gina just hangin' out. Yeah!…I have a pen this time….but wait a minute...no paper to autograph. Jeez!

Then, for some reason I look down. On the floor in front of me was the old album sleeve to Beauty and the Beat. Cool! There they were, a picture of the five of them just staring up at me and saying…pick me up. At first I just stare down at it. What luck! - and what a great thing to have autographed.

I picked it up and headed over to Gina. I handed it to her and ask if she would mind signing it. She took it from me, looked at it and said…Tell you what, I’m gonna take it back stage and have all the girls sign it. What a sweet heart. She returned in a few minutes and handed it back me… with a signature by all the appropriate pictures. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou

What a great souvenir!

I then saw Kathy chatting with some friends/ fans. Then Charlotte came out. All just hangin' out and chatting with fans. I peeked out the exit door to see if my husband was around. I wanted to share the joy.

Outside, I saw him walking towards the club. I told him to come inside, quick! Now.. all the GOGOs were out and about. He reluctantly came inside. I pointed them out and showed him my prized autographs. Cool! They then went out the door we had come in. Maybe there is only one door in and out of the club.

Back at the hotel I gazed on my recently autographed album sleeve. I’d have to be very careful with it - make sure it didn’t get wrinkled. I would put it with my Meet and Greet wristband from the night before.

LOW NOTES - No camera.. no personal pictures... Maybe I should get a camera before the next tour?

---------------------
I think the GOGO's are starting to recognize me.