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It’s been more than eight years since I last saw Hanson in concert, which also happens to be the last time they played Vancouver. When I found out they were returning to play an acoustic show at the Commodore Ballroom, I insisted on dragging Becky along with me.

I have this thing with Hanson and a need to turn skeptics into believers.

Being the awesome girl that she is (and knowing how much I appreciate the rock trio of brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma), Becky went above and beyond. Not only did she score us tickets to the show, but also landed an opportunity to meet and interview them, as well as naming me “official” photographer for her writing piece.

Isaac, Taylor and Zac were three of the kindest and most genuine men who obviously have a passion for what they do.

Following our interview (audio will be available in the next day or two, so check back), Becky and I tagged along as Hanson completed a one-mile walk to promote social and humanitarian awareness.

We had time to kill before the show and did so by drinking beer and eating wings. I have beer bloat this morning for the first time ever, so it looks like I’ll be sticking to wine in the future.

While the thought of an acoustic show invokes the ideas of “quiet” and “low key,” Hanson’s show was anything but. The men know how to rock, and they know how to rock it well.

In case you were unaware, Hanson write, record, produce and perform all of their own music and have been doing so for the better part of their lives. Forget the cookie cutter concept.

You know you’re getting old when you’re at a concert, your favourite band is playing and you can’t even stick it out to the end. We left after about an hour of Hanson’s set because neither of us could keep our eyes open any longer. Despite that, the show was fantastic and the day was an experience I won’t soon forget. Our podcast interview with Hanson should be up and airing within the next day or too, so don’t miss that!

My entire set of photos can be viewed here on Flickr.

…So I just woke up and I’m about to shower and then run some errands and buy some Bumble & bumble. and then meet up with Becky and then spend the afternoon with Hanson!

So no posties today - bye!

It’s not a secret that I’m no fan of working on the weekends (one of the perks of a M-F job), but even though I spent both Saturday and part of Sunday in the office, I didn’t mind. The remainder of my Sunday was spent at Crab Park with my favourite boys, followed by grocery shopping, a nap, South Park and Snatch. Sounds pretty decent if you ask me…

There’s less than one week to go until the SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, happening this Sunday, September 14, at Vanier Park in Vancouver (as well as various locations across British Columbia). If you haven’t yet offered a pledge to the campaign and would still like to, you can do so here. Only $625 to hit the goal!

Though it’s still very much not sunk in yet, this Wednesday I’ll be spending the day with Miss604 and the boys men of Hanson. They’re playing the Commodore Ballroom here in Vancouver that night, so be sure to stay tuned for pictures, a review and audio of our interview with them.

Raul has been tirelessly updating his blog with his adventures in Mexico, and you can check out his posts here.

I had a lil’ date with Amy on Friday night to see my first-ever Woody Allen flick. Being that I am absolutely and positively in lust with Javier Bardem (though Amy wasn’t yet convinced), I needed to see Vicky Christina Barcelona. Why tell you what it’s about? Watch the trailer. It’s a splendid film and Javier is just…well, you’ll see.

One of the additional advantages to working on the weekend is outstanding overtime pay, which can be used to purchase essentials. Essentials to one’s fall wardrobe, that is. Susie and I are (fingers crossed) making a run for the border for a little U.S.-flavoured shopping on Saturday. One tip: make sure to flash your out-of-area ID at any mall’s customer service desk for coupons and great deals. I’m looking forward to a shopping day full of IHOP, Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Victoria’s Secret.

Madonna is bringing her Sticky & Sweet tour to Vancouver at the end of October and, um, I want to go. Oh but I have no one to go with (yet), so any takers? Please be normal.

…I used to be in Hanson and dress like Matthew McConaughey.

In 1997, there was no escaping “MMMBop,” either on the radio, MuchMusic or from yours truly’s JVC three-disc stereo system. I spent countless hours that summer sitting on the roof outside my bedroom window listening to Hanson’s debut album, “Middle of Nowhere.”

Fast forward 10 years: 2007 saw the release of “The Walk,” an album recorded and released entirely on Hanson’s own label, 3CG Records. Much of the proceeds from the record, and a single entitled “The Great Divide” in particular, were donated to HIV/AIDS research in Africa. Hanson have since been touring the record extensively, and in each city played, the band completes a one-mile barefoot walk with their fans to continue to raise awareness for a cause the brothers are obviously so passionate about.

Photo: kmarski on Flickr

Being that it’s been eight years since I saw them play the Orpheum Theatre, you can imagine my excitement when I learned they’d be playing the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on September 10, 2008. Through the magic of everyone’s favourite Vancouver blogger, Miss604, I will be able to bring all of you, my fabulous readers, up close and personal with the trio from Oklahoma.

Prior to completing the one-mile AIDS walk (for which I am completely willing to forego my pedicured tootsies) with Hanson, Rebecca and myself will be interviewing Hanson, snapping photos and taking in the show that evening. I’ll remind you all closer to the date, but be sure to check back after September 10th for all the juicy tidbits, audio interview and photos from what will most certainly be a day to remember.

What: Hanson (live and acoustic)
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where: Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC (show is 19+)
How: Tickets at Ticketmaster [click here]

For more information on the band, visit their official website.

Still a skeptic? Check out this acoustic clip of the boys (attempting to play) with Tom Green on drums.

As yesterday was my mom’s birthday, I’m heading home to Vancouver Island tomorrow after work so that we can celebrate as a family. As the days get closer to Christmas, the anticipation in the Valley continues to grow and that only gets me even more excited. If you’re also planning to be in the Valley over the next few days, be sure to check out the 13th Annual Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire.

Photo courtesy of Downtown Courtenay Online
Over the last few years, this event has become somewhat of a tradition for my mother and I. For three days, the great room at the Florence Filberg Centre is bustling with homemade ornaments, knit scarves, luxurious candles, locally-made jewelry, woodworking and so much more. The theme this year is “Nature At Its Best.”

What: The 13th Annual Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire

When: November 9 from 3-9p.m., November 10 from 10am-5pm, November 11 from 10am-4pm

Where: Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia

Who: If you’re there on Friday evening, the Co-Val Choristers will be performing carols at 7p.m. in anticipation of their “A Christmas Peace” performance. If you’re hungry, stop in at the downstairs concession being held by the Evergreen Seniors.

How Much: Your $2 admission gets you a free ticket in the raffle for prizes from local businesses; children are free.

For more information, call (250) 339-9891 or e-mail dickens.faire@gmail.com

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On a side note, I’m very excited to say that part of the piece I wrote with regards to my interview with Taylor Hanson has been posted on Hanson’s official website with a link to the interview on the LAist. Check it out here if you’re interested.

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Thanks for all the great responses to Wanton Wednesdays: Week 2 yesterday. Please feel free to e-mail me with any topic ideas you may have for upcoming weeks.

Here’s a question for today: What is it that is unconventionally attractive to you on someone of the opposite sex (or in some cases, the same sex)?

For me, I love a little bit of a tummy on a guy. In my opinion, rock-hard abs are overrated. A little tummy fits perfectly into the small of my back when spooning, enhancing that safe and secure feeling. It’s positively sublime.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Sonny handed me an incredible opportunity. Hanson was scheduled to play a small gig in Los Angeles, and to coincide with the show, their publicists were interested in conducting an online e-mail interview to promote the show. Knowing the huge Hanson fan that I am, Sonny asked me if I wanted to formulate the interview questions and complete the intro write-up. How could a girl like me refuse?

Photo courtesy of mferrin on FlickrIf you’re curious to check out the interview (and you should be!), head on over to the LAist to hear what Taylor (yah, the bone-alicious one) had to say in response to my questions.

Last night, I forgot to mention something with regards to Hanson that is actually quite a bit more important than having the group write a song for me. The first single from this year’s record “The Walk” is called Great Divide. From the first listen, I fell hard for the song, but in particular for the sense of inspiration that the lyrics give. It wasn’t long after that I found out that the song was written and released to coincide with World AIDS Day. The three Hanson brothers have recently done extensive work with children in Africa, in particular those who have become orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic. Great Divide was their labour of love and tribute to those children and the work currently being done in Africa. Take a couple minutes to watch the video below.

Everytime someone downloads Great Divide off iTunes, the proceeds are donated directly to HIVSA (HIV South Africa). HIVSA is a non-profit organization created to support those infected with or affected by HIV. Click here to learn more about this organization, or visit iTunes to download Great Divide.

Video courtesy of YouTube.

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For those of you from Vancouver Island who are keeping up with the latest Comox Valley debate, it seems as though recent talks have hit a brick wall. The Strathcona Regional District, which encompasses a fair chunk of the North Island, is weighing out the pros and cons between revamping the hospitals currently located in Comox and Campbell River or simply building an entirely new and “centrally-located” facility.

Personally speaking, everyone has the right to fast and efficient healthcare. To place a hospital facility between the Comox Valley and Campbell River defeats both of those factors. In the event of any potential emergency, the trek to a regional hospital would be far too long. When lives are at stake for the sake of dollars, there is no choice except that lives are by far more important.

To learn more about the Comox Strathcona Hospital District, visit this link.

Photo of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox courtesy of hospital’s official website.

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And lastly, before I sign off and head to bed at a ridiculously early hour, need I remind you of three things?

1. LA Ink is on tomorrow night…if you’ve been missing it, then you don’t know what you’re missing.

2. Season 4 of Rescue Me premieres tomorrow night in Canada on Showcase. I’m ready for Denis Leary. Very ready.

3. Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” is being released in theatres this Friday. In case you didn’t know, I’ve been highly anticipating this one. If anyone knows of a local midnight showing this Thursday, please let me know. I was counting on the Rio Theatre, but it seems as though they’re showcasing “Hairspray.” Note that I am not providing an external link to that flick for y’all.

I guess that’s it. It’s time to dive between the sheets with yet another chick flick. Last night I checked out “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (U.S. spelling) and found it beyond delightful. Stay tuned tomorrow for something ridiculously…ridiculous.

Love-love.

Tonight’s plan, post-shower, was to grab a chick flick and head to bed. I realized that I really can’t go to bed on my brother’s 23rd birthday without honouring him with a quick post. A little over a month ago, I wrote something dedicated to my brother and the relationship that we have grown to have over the past few years. To repeat myself again today would be pointless…it all still stands.

Today he turned 23, and is that much more of a man. Within days, he and his girlfriend are making a permanent move to Dawson Creek. I know it’s a responsible decision that will benefit them both in the long-term, but I’ll miss them both terribly, Trevor especially.

To this, Trevor, on your 23rd year, I wish you health and happiness and joy. I love you very much.

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On a quick side note before I sign off for the night, I want to draw your attention to the sidebar, solely for my own benefit. There’s a badge. If you click it, you better my chances of winning a contest. I want Hanson to write a song for me. It would be all kinds of amazing. Won’t you please, please support me? I’ll give you the puppydog lip if you need it.

Bye.