Earlier this year, my friend Maya in Arizona came up with a plan, that I should fly west, hang with her and her adorable toddler daughter for one night and then take a road trip with her to see Red Elvises at Rusty’s. Our litle plan also involved seeing a different band the following night in northern California, but that’s a whole n'other story, outside the scope of this humble report. We got into L.A. a little later than we anticipated, thanks to heavy traffic on the 10 freeway, got checked into our hotel as soon as possible and started getting ready for the show.
We got to Rusty’s a little after 9:00 p.m. Santa Monica Pier parking lot full? I don't think so! We drove right past the forbidding sign and paid the parking fee. Hey, as long as they're still willing to sell parking spaces, I'm willing to search for one. Actually, Maya had that task since she was driving.
We got inside and had a look around. Good 'ol Rusty's, still rocking the Pier. I saw longtime band friend Alex Moy and we introduced our friends to each other. Quite a few people were in there already, a few of whom I've seen there before. When Maya and I went closer to the stage, there stood super videographer Rhodes Ingerton with his big giant camera, ready to shoot some mondo video. It was fun to see Rhodes again and I hope to see some of that footage before long! I really don't remember the order in which I saw various people, so hopefully no one will get offended. The band was already there too. I'm pretty sure Maya and I said hello to Igor, and it was great to see him again... I hadn't seen him since October, in Florida. At some point Maya and I greeted Adam too. Elena came over for a "hi" and a hug. Later she gave me an adorable refrigerator magnet of the buildings of Red Square that she brought back from Russia for me. That girl is SO sweet! It was really wonderful to see her again. Unfortunately, Maya and I didn't have time to order food, and soon it was time to snag spots in front of the stage.
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It was kinda like old times... and kinda not. First off, let me just say the music sounded great!! And that's what any concert is all about. The lineup is tight, and I seriously doubt anyone will be disappointed in the sound. They're not a bad looking bunch, either (lol). But those of you who have seen Igor, Elena and Adam before would attest to that, I'm sure. The new members, Milka, Kfir, Lior and Ben all have their own unique looks, and they're all fine musicians too. Any change takes a little time to get used to... and of course, I'm sure I speak for many people when I say that Oleg's delightful eye expressions and the sheer joy he exudes when playing will be missed. But, as he himself told me during the break, it's a new band now. And it's one that still delivers the kick ass rock 'n roll we're all used to hearing.
They began the first set with “Drinking With Jesus,” then moved on to “Me and My Baby,” which Milka sang beautifully. Next was "Love Rocket," and I was delighted that Igor sang the first verse... It sounded good, and fit right in with Milka's terrific voice on the second verse. After that I don't remember who sang what on that song, but all of it was enjoyable. The septet - yes, seven in this current lineup - then powered through “Ticket to Japan,” “Million Miles,” “Boogie on the Beach,” and “Lara’s Wedding,” which were all very lovely and fun. Next was “Strip Joint is Closed,” and Milka told the crowd if anyone wanted to buy her a whiskey, that was the time. A couple of minutes later, a guy obligingly made his way over to the stage with a glass of scotch or some kind of whiskey for her. Milka gratefully accepted it and mouthed the words, "I love my job!" Now, I have to admit, when I first heard a girl was singing such an obviously guy-oriented song, I wondered how that would play out, but believe me, Milka sang "Strip Joint is Closed" with exactly the right amount of angst and pseudo-drunken observation that it takes. Igor rocked out mightily on “Don’t Crucify Me,” which is always awesome, then people formed the usual conga line for “Sad Cowboy Song.” The band did the traditional group drum solo, with Adam doing his drum solo for quite a few minutes after the rest of the band temporarily left the stage. They closed the first set with the inevitable “I Wanna See You Bellydance.” My notes for this read, "7 people onstage, no room for guest belly dancers." Well, that was true, there was no way the usual audience-participation belly dancing could happen on Rusty's small stage with seven musicians and all their gear up there, but I, for one, had just as much fun dancing to this song on the dance floor. It's all good... and maybe it can happen in some bigger venues with larger stages, who knows.
During the break I went to talk to Oleg, who, as I mentioned earlier, was there, watching the show from the sidelines. I found him near the bar and we hugged and talked for a few minutes. It was wonderful to see him again, especially since I have no idea when I'll see him next. Hitomi, who you've read about in some of my previous reviews, and Sonjia, who I met in October, were both there looking cute as buttons, so it was lots of fun to see them again too. I got another beer and Maya and I sat on the back patio for a little while talking and making plans to go eat after the show.
Silliest moment of my night? I walked back inside, toward the bar, and ran into Oleg and Hitomi again, standing there talking to people. The Katy Perry song, "Hot and Cold" (or is it called "In and Out?" or "Up and Down" or simply, pop drivel... no offense intended to anyone who actually likes that song...) was playing, and Hitomi got me started dancing a little bit to it... ack! (lol). But only for a moment. It seemed like the break lasted a long time, but after talking to Igor for a few minutes near the merch table, it was almost time for them to go back on.
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Rhodes, with the camera and Hitome, in the red hat.
Afterwards, the usual people were milling around, and Maya and I talked to long-time band friend Yolanda, Elena and some other lovely people. I introduced myself to Milka and told her how terrific she was. I really think she's an asset to the band - good choice, Igor! Milka's very cool, and has a great voice. The band was busily packing up so they could go get some rest in preparation for the next day's travel. They were starting a five-week tour the following morning, which, of course, they're on now. So be sure and go see them if they come within traveling distance of your location, because you'll have a really good time. You know you will. Make your plans... and go for a roadtrip if you have to... it's well worth the driving, and even the flying!
And now for some after-show socializing...
 Alex and his friend Robin |
 My partner in crime, Maya |
 Yours Truly with the lovely Milka |
 Milka and Yolanda, both looking fine! |