The view from the Topanga overlook
We spent the next few days in Topanga, with a day between the shows for rest. We used Sunday to scout the venue, parking etc. it was a tiny event once we secured our recon work we had plenty of day left to do nothing but wander. We drove down Mullholland, and to the Topanga Overlook where we saw the view of what I guess was Woodland Hills. We went down side roads and drove past the hallowed Camp Wildwood where the band recorded their soon to be released album “Love yourself” due out in July. I really love all the new songs both to listen and dance.
Photo Credit: Jim Eckenrode Camp Wildwood, Topanga
The Vintage store Hidden Treasure, Topanga
We went vintage clothes shopping, or I should say I went shopping at the store, Hidden Treasure which if you are not a local you will probably miss it coming from the east on Topanga Drive, its sort of hidden around a rocky corner of the canyon. It’s a Topanga landmark. Zack took a nap in the subaru. I found a lot of cool things, mostly dresses that I was sure to rip if I even tried to zip. The selection is great something for everyone with one whole room of men’s clothes. I did find something perfect, a black sheer silk bolero with silver sequins. I would wear it the next day for the show. We spent the rest of the day at the bottom of the canyon at the beach watching some guy do a stationary groove to some reggae music. The sun shimmering off the water I fell in love with Topanga.
MJ’s hidden treasure find
Topanga Days is a sweet little country faire that felt like home. There were hula hoops and face painting, henna booths home made strawberry shortcake, brownies with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. And there was music, it was a Nelson two for one. Saturday night I had a few people with the band remark with emphasis to me that Topanga was an early show. I am not known for my punctuality, but I was determined to be on time. I set my alarm for the not very rockandroll time of 6 am so I would have time to get breakfast before we went. We were so early that we had to wait at the parade staging line. We opted to pull a u turn rather than have the officer come stick his head in our car. We parked near the flying pig which was one of the shuttle stops but the venue was in sight so we didn’t see the need for the shuttle. But I guess it is true what they says nobody walks in LA.
The flying pig, Topanga
Insects vs Robots set Topanga Days
It was really sunny and warm at 10:00 AM I knew Z wouldn’t tolerate the sun very long. He grew up in the Valley in triple digit summers and within a year of getting married we packed up the convertible and moved to the BayArea where we have lived on the Coast on one side or the other of Devils Slide most of our married life. If we are lucky enough to get sun it is rarely over 63 degrees, Zack is just like a native San Franciscan he melts (and bitches about anything over 75.) It really was too hot but we were headed back up north after POTR set so I was trying to soak every ray. I ended up watching the Insects vs Robots set by myself. Zack had already retreated to the shade of stage left. I had heard Micah’s band in the city when they opened for Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds. But this was the first time I had really heard a set all the way through. I decided I really enjoy the violin sound. Of course because It is so dramatic, just when you think the sound was at full pitch the violin comes in to remind you that there is always a possibility of more. I loved the last few songs, Canaries being my favorite it was the musical description of this lovely day in Topanga. I will be front row and center to see Micah play at the Sweetwater Music Hall July 23.
I joined Zack on the side of the stage just before the end of Insects vs Robots explosive set. The MC admitted that they were way better than their timeslot in so many words, saying that they were his favorite band of the festival so far. I had such a great day on Sunday just being in the sunshine, seeing new things, just being together. I was already on a high and now today, a perfect day+outdoor live music. The weather was hot, not that warm-pretend like its hot if you stay in the sun long enough but the kind of hot that can you can feel from the ground up. We were under the shade of oak trees but it was still hot but with a twist, a shot of cool air that would come up just when you thought it was too hot.
Lukas Nelson Topanga Days
Lukas Nelson Memorial Day 2014 Topanga
Tato and Micah
Topanga Days
It was a perfect set for me, I felt so close to the music and the sunshine it took me on a lovely trip and when it was over so was our time in LA. We would leave right after the set. I ate a Fat Burger on the way out of town and we were on the 101.
The Brothers Nelson Topanga Days