Inspire

Saturday night was my brother's first ever solo show, at the Palms in Weho. The palms has become to feel a bit like home at this point. It is one of the first bars in Los Angeles in which I stepped foot and I myself have performed there more times then I care to remember. It felt like an appropriate setting for witnessing Devin's first step towards performance independence.

Our friend Rawburt hosted the event, a bi-monthly night called "Blender". The evening began with a pot luck dinner, which consisted of meatballs, fondue, pigs in a blanket and my brother's own version of my mother's classic "Hot Hamburger Dip".
After the food, and some confusion over the lack of a proper microphone cord Devin took the stage, Devin seemed a tiny bit nervous but still in control of his piano. He opened the set with a new song of his "Winnepeg Beach", The song went over very well with the crowd and I felt myself beginning to relax, realizing that Devin was going to be able to pull off the performance just fine.
Next up Devin performed a cover song, Kylie Minogue's "Get Out of My Way". I really like his rendetion, it makes me want to hear the original!
His third number was "Not in a Million Years". He introduced the song by explaining that it was not about anyone in particular, but that it was simply his attempt to write something very commercial. I think he achieved his goal nicely. His Friend Kevin performed after him and he started at least 3 songs by explaining that they were about no one in particular, though I had a feeling they were all about his ex-boyfriend.
Devin closed with a cover of Duran Duran's "Oridnary World". I've loved this song since Devin left the cd it's on in my car back in Hays Kansas, I used to play it often while driving around. Angela, Adro and myself all helped out singing along from the audience with the chorus of this one. It's a new favorite moment memory for me.

Devin had only planned to play for songs, but the crowd wanted more so he ended up closing with an encore performance of "Alien Nation".

I was so proud of Devin, it took courage and a lot of work to be able to pull the set off. The inspiration the show gave me woke me up sunday ready to go. I'm still inspired and hope the feeling continues for months to come.