Molly Ringwalds liven up local crowd

It was 8:30 when I arrived at Sidekicks last night. For two hours my friend Sarah and I sat waiting. And waiting. And waiting. The minutes felt like hours waiting on the Molly Ringwalds to begin.
I'm not sure if my impatience was caused by my distaste for bars like Sidekicks or the anticipation of the show, but I was growing more and more bored at the minutes ticked by.
Sidekicks is not a bad place, but I prefer more low-key hangouts. Plus, at big clubs you have to wait at least 20 minutes each time you visit the bar. To me, that's more frustrating than fun.
At 10:30, music pounded from the speakers and fans flocked to the stage. The show was as great as ever.
Favorite songs were played while cheesy costumes and tight choreography humored fans.
The guys joked amongst themselves on stage but weren't easily understood due to poor acoustics and their thick English accents.
However, the music easily translated. Popular 80s songs brought out the best dance moves and air guitars. As always, it is a good night when the Molly Ringwalds are in town.

Molly Ringwalds return on Thursday

After the holidays most of us could use some relief.
Whether it be having to explain each drab detail of your love life to your great aunt or simply eating obscene amounts of cookies and fudge, the Christmas season has its way of draining you.
So, I resolve we put the holiday ho-hums behind us and get back to having some fun.
Thursday night, Side Kicks will host Shreveport-Bossier City's favorite cover band, The Molly Ringwalds. The '80s cover band has performed for local crowds before, playing hits by Madonna, U2, Journey and other favorites from the decade.
The show begins at 9 p.m. and is a sure bet to shake off the holiday blues.

Locals get starstruck at Superior

Wouldn't you know the day after I finish writing my column on celebrity spotting, something that hasn't happened to me in just about a year, I'd actually see a celebrity.

After work Monday, I headed to Superior Grill to meet with some friends from out of town. It has become a tradition for us to catch up over a few of the best margaritas in town. Considering it was a Monday night, I thought we could easily get a table at the local hot spot and have a casual night among friends.

Upon my arrival, I hear the buzz that not only Jessica Simpson is there, but so is her sister, Ashley, and her father, Joe. In addition to the entire Simpson gang, Ryan Dunn, a popular stunt guy from "Jackass" was also at the table on the patio.

I suppose the celebrities didn't care so much about anonymity since their table was swarming with security and the girls got a police escort each time they went to the restroom.

I'm not easily starstruck, but glancing across the room and seeing a table full of celebrities makes dinner with old friends even more interesting. Clearly, it doesn't matter what night you choose to go, every night at Superior Grill you could spot a star.

To put it bluntly, what were the Grammys thinking?

Grammy nominations are out. Clearly I need to practice my karaoke because after such a poor list I'm thinking even I can be a rock star. OK, perhaps that's a little harsh ... or should I say blunt? There's only one nominee I really have a problem accepting.

James Blunt? Four nominations?

I may buy the album tonight just so I can listen to it backwards and make sure there are no hidden messages brainwashing listeners. "I know this album is overrated and overplayed, but you're going to like it. And you're going to nominate me for Grammys. Lots and lots of Grammys ... hahahaha."

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mary J. Blige, Gnarls Barkley, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, Imogene Heap, Pharrell, Willie Nelson, Yeah Yeah Yeahs ... I can get behind musicians like these. James Blunt, I'll pass.

I'll fight my next battle on Feb. 11 if he wins

(Photo: James Blunt appears during the 49th Annual Grammy Awards nominations news conference in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Dec. 7. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok))

Christmas in the Sky flies high

Writing a story wearing a cocktail dress and high heels is no easy task, especially on deadline.
Saturday was my first, but probably not my last time to write on the spot. But if any celebration merits such immediate attention, it's Christmas in the Sky.
Raised in Shreveport, I've heard about the gala for years. And even though I wrote the story on the event, it's hard to actually put everything into words. It's extravagant. Amazing decorations, costumes, luxurious auction items make the event worth every dime of the $200 tickets.
As a reporter, I felt somewhat out of place. Everyone was having a blast, even the costumed characters working the event. I had a little over an hour to observe, take notes, interview people and head to the press box to write a story for the next morning's paper. Unfortunately, it was all work and no play for me.
While the party continued downstairs, I headed to the fourth floor press box. As partygoers sipped on lovely cocktails and yummy food, I filled up a Styrofoam cup with Pepsi and sat down in front of my computer to write the story.
It's not very glamorous, but unlike most people downstairs I had a minute to rest my feet.

(Vocal Trash performs at Christmas in the Sky. Photo by Times photographer Greg Pearson)

Kevin McAllister stirs up trouble, again

Crowds at Betty Virginia park will scream, "Kevin!" on Sunday night when the sky turn dark.
Movies and Moonbeams will present "Home Alone" as their final presentation for the year.

The movie starts at 6 p.m. at Betty Virginia Park on Line Avenue and costs only $1.

In addition to watching Macaulay Culkin's character take down two home invaders, the event will include giveaways, games, refreshments and more. Prizes from Gymboree, Hollywood Video, Chuck E. Cheese's and Regal Cinemas will be given away.

It's the perfect reason to pack up your family and friends and head to the park. Just don't leave anyone behind.

Band's farewell show draws large crowd

Last weekend Shreveport lost Losing Anna. The band that earned the affection of local fans has called it quits. But first they gave us one last great show.

It's often said with sitcoms and other performances to stop while you are ahead. Give people something they love but stop while they still love it. I suppose that's what Losing Anna has done.

While Tuesday's Debut and Stellamaris opened the show, the crowd kept pouring in Flannagan's until the building was packed. I've been to a lot of shows at the venue and I'd never seen the place as busy as it was last Saturday.

When Losing Anna started playing, fans packed around the stage to take in the music one last time. The energy in the room fueled the band, making it one of their best performances.

The good music will be missed, but the group ended on a high note.