michpeach

[michpeach]

Every concert I've gone to in 2022 ranked

Despite my previous statement saying that "I don't desire to do much at all," I do, in fact, have a favorite activity. I'm a sucker for entertainment and tourism.

Theme parks. Plays. Musicals. Ballets. Museums. Movies. And above all, concerts.

I love concerts, a lot. Being surrounded by music so loud you can't hear the person next to you is oddly comforting.

Seeing people have a good time, particularly their faces when their favorite song begins triggers a fuzzy feeling in me.

This year I've been to eight concerts, which is a little lower than previous years, but concerts are expensive, you know.

I just thought I'd rank them.

8) THE STADIUM TOUR: DEF LEPPARD & MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS

SoFi Stadium- Inglewood, CA | August 27, 2022

This is the last one, because I didn't particularly enjoy it.

It's not that I cannot appreciate 80s rock n roll, it's that I missed Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Poison's sound engineer was trying to ruin our hearing, Mötley Crüe sucks and Def Leppard-- actually, Def Leppard was pretty good.

It simply wasn't my vibe.

7) SPRING CONCERT 2022: MIGUEL

Cal State Fullerton Intramural Fields- Fullerton, CA | DATE

It was good, but I was expecting it to be great.

Though Miguel's voice was just as heavenly live as it is on a studio produced track, his set list fell flat. He preformed tons of slow, "saucy" songs, which were nice to hear but really, I just wanted to hear "Carmelo Duro" and party.

Also, because was a school sponsored event, there was no alcohol

I applaud CSUF's Associated Student Body on their ability to snag a Grammy-winner--it was a big deal.

6) BUD LITE SUPER BOWL LVI MUSIC FEST 2022: GREEN DAY AND MILEY CYRUS

crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles, CA | February 12, 2022

Miley, Miley, Miley! If there's one thing I am, it's a Miley Cyrus girl.

Though it felt criminal that Cyrus was on BEFORE Green Day, both artists brought their A-game.

At least in the section I was seated in, it was very clear who was there for Miley and who was there for Green Day. But when I tell you that EVERYONE was out of their seats when "Party in the USA" started.

Green Day had crazy energy, they wouldn't stop! Their set was over two hours, so by the end, I was over it and left.

Great show, though, I think I caught COVID here which led to a not-so-fun two-week recovery.

5) LOVE ON TOUR: HARRY STYLES

Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA | October 26, 2022

It is actually so shocking that this is #5, because I am a super fan. I've loved him since I was 11 years old (I'm 22 now), and it was the first time I had been in the GA pit. It should be higher, right?

Well, it's not and that's because I'm not the biggest fan of "Harry's House," the album that sent him on this tour.

I saw him in concert (twice) last year, for his rescheduled shows that got postponed due to COVID-19. He was touring for his album "Fine Line" then, which I totally am enamored with. There were more songs I felt I could dance to.

My sister and I bought tickets in the GA pit (we're still paying for them, FYI) and it was strangely not all that I thought it would be. Was it cool to see Harry so closely? Of course! But we couldn't see his performance from the other side at all, which is a luxury even the farthest seats have. Also, I like sitting, I think. I'll sit as much as I can.

My favorite thing about Harry shows is the ability to dress as ridiculously over the top as possible, and STILL fit the occasion.

4) HOLLYWOOD FOREVER RESIDENCY: LOCAL NATIVES

Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever - Los Angeles, CA | December 5, 2022

This is actually the most recent concert I went to, just last week!

The Local Natives, as always, left me mesmerized. I simply do not understand how someone's voice can be as heavenly as their front man, Taylor Rice (who by the way, said hi to me before the show!).

I've actually seen the evolution of the Local Natives, from a small band, to a band that plays at bars to one that plays on TV (Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Shrink Next Door) and selling out the Greek Theater.

However, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery venue they played this time around had a capacity of 350 people. This is probably due to their roots in small, intimate shows. The venue itself, was so cool. It was a historic LA building with high ceilings, chandeliers, and a fir escape!

To my disappointment, they didn't play Airplanes, Someday Now, or Sun Hands, which are some of my favorite songs, but they made up for it by playing older songs of theirs I had never seen live, fun covers, and an acoustic version of Wide Eyes that was actual perfection.

I'll continue to go to every show they have in Los Angeles until they prove I shouldn't, but that will never happen.

3) APOCALYPSE WHENEVER: BAD SUNS WITH KID BLOOM

The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA | March 3, 2022

Two of my very favorite artists touring together! This show was just amazing.

I had seen Bad Suns once before, in 2015 when they opened for my favorite band (who unfortunately has no concerts this year) The Neighbourhood. I thought they were great, but I didn't really leave. a big fan of theirs.

I still wasn't really a big fan before the show, but I got tickets because I love concerts, knew some songs, and my boyfriend's favorite artist is Kid Bloom. However, ever since I went to that show in March, I cannot get enough of their music. They ended up being my top artist of 2022, according to my Spotify Wrapped.

Man, those guys can perform. I found myself actually knowing most of the songs they played! I totally danced my heart out and even left the venue sweaty from it.

2) THE 1975 AT THEIR VERY BEST: THE 1975

Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA | November 28, 2022

I think there are few natural born showmen (or women!) in this life. Freddie Mercury, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, the list goes on...

And now, there's Matty Healy.

The 1975 was truly at their very best for this concert. Well, I actually wouldn't know. I've never seen them in concert before, but I can only assume.

This concert was unlike any I've ever been to. The stage was a whole house! Also, front man Matty Healy ate raw meat and did push ups on stage. It was all very artistic.

In between all the one-liners and long prolific monologues about life, the band has a wonderful curated setlist including music from their long discography.

I suppose I wasn't expecting much, but left completely satisfied with my experience. Performance art meets alternative pop meets Matty freaking Healy.

1) PEOPLE IN MOTION TOUR: DAYGLOW

The Novo - Los Angeles, CA. | October 15, 2022

Sloan Struble and company.

I had such a blast seeing Dayglow in concert, as expected. His music is so fun and overall just a good time.

What makes Daylow performances so unique is that everything and everyone at them seem to be lovely. The music seemingly brings out the best in people, making them smile from ear to ear and dance their hearts out.

"Dance like nobody's watching" seems to be an unwritten rule for these shows.

Front man Sloan Struble came out dressed in his 90s business casual best: a pale yellow dress shirt, khakis and tie. What's funny is that this sort of outfit goes perfectly with his music. I would say his music is the color yellow, if that makes sense. Bright, fun, just lovely overall.

[michpeach]

I'm exhausted but whatever

My daily schedule for the last few months or so has been this:

1) Doing homework at a coffee shop, usually Starbucks because they're everywhere. (8:30-10:00 a.m.) 2) Walk to my internship (I was a student teacher for a high school journalism program) (10-10:30 a.m.) 3) Internship (10:38 a.m.-1:09 p.m.) 4) Walk to my bus stop, because I can't drive (1:09-1:30 p.m.) 5) Clock in at work (I'm an assistant preschool teacher) (2 p.m.) 6) Clock out of work (6.p.m.) 7) Either go home or to my boyfriend's house where I'll eventually fall asleep, almost always involuntarily (6:30-9p.m.) 8) Wake up and realize I have things to do (homework, housework) and work on them usually past midnight (9 p.m.-?????)

Repeat.

On Tuesdays, instead of going to work, I'd go to school (my only in-person class). This afforded me about two extra hours of aimlessly walking around Barnes and Noble with a $6 latte, reading backs of book covers I'd never read.

I loved that time. I used to walk my dog every morning when I worked at a retail job that would maybe give me 8 hours a week. But then, my dad decided I should pay my university tuition on my own and I had to get a job that could give me more hours. Walking my dog was my "me" time, so lately I hadn't had much "me" time at all.

I last-minute decided that I wanted to and was capable of double majoring with American Studies. I really love my AMST classes and they help me feel better about choosing journalism as my major back when I was 17.

But deciding to double major in your senior year is stupid. I'm still doing it because I'm stupid. This semester I enrolled in 18 units. It was a lot, especially because my internship required almost 3 (unpaid) hours of my day and I have to work.

Next semester will be the same, 18 units. I had a time period a few weeks back where I said I’d just drop AMST all together, however, I found out that if I complete the degree, it will serve as “subject matter competency” for the multiple subject (a.k.a elementary) teaching credential program.

Oh, yeah. I guess I haven’t followed up from my “senior year” post. I decided to pursue a teaching career. I already have plenty of experience being in a classroom between my preschool job and the internship. I love working with kids, even teenagers.

That stupid quote gets stuck in my head.

“Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.”

But I know this not to be true. There are really accomplished teachers and professors who just genuinely love to teach. The teacher who hosted me for my internship, for example, was a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, but he decided he wanted to teach English and Journalism. I think that’s awesome.

But the quote does stay in my head. I don’t know why.

Anyway, I’m tired. I never really experienced burnout, if that’s what this is. But I’ll get through it. I always do.

[michpeach]

Movie magic

When I was 6 months old, my family moved from Zacatecas, Mexico to Southern California. I was too young to speak any language, but my parents and older sisters all only spoke Spanish.

Considering SoCal is so Latino/Hispanic heavy, it wasn’t a huge problem for them to get around, plus we had family here. But my mom recalls being in parent teacher conferences with my eldest sister’s teachers and her (semi) English-speaking and feeling useless. 

“Aquí estaban, hablando de mi hija frente a mí y no podía entender nada,” she said, which translates to, “Here they were, talking about my kid in front of me and I couldn’t understand a thing.”

She was determined to learn the damn language. Film/ TV was a big help. 

She watched Mr. Rogers with us, and rewatched 80s films (Top Gun was her favorite) she had seen in Mexico, but hadn’t cared enough to pay attention to their language then. She didn’t think she’d ever live in an English speaking country.

My dad did this, too. Of course, he worked most of the day so he missed out on Mr. Rogers and other kid shows, but we’d watch movies everyday. 

I guess I didn’t ever realize how many movies I’ve seen in my lifetime, until I started dating my boyfriend.

“I was busy playing outside,” he says. 

Well, I wasn’t. My mom was really protective (still is!) and we lived in an apartment complex in a not-so-great part of town. Sometimes, we’d go to the park or the library. But a lot of the times, we’d watch movies. 

Movies were enough.

To this day, I watch a ton of film/TV. It’s my favorite art form. Without it, I don’t know who I’d be.

So what are my favorite films, and why? 

 5) Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Directed by Wes Anderson | Written by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach 

"I think I have this thing where everybody has to think I'm the greatest, the quote unquote 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' and if they aren't completely knocked out and dazzled and slightly intimidated by me, I don't feel good about myself."

Pretty profound words, for a fox.

This film is one of my favorites for a few reasons. In a very Wes Anderson-esque way, the film is just gorgeous and symmetrical which I find mesmerizing. I've always been curious about claymation and seeing a film like this just peaked my interest.

Aside from this, the story is just flat out great. A fox looking for a rush at the cost of his family and community; how does he fix things? Mr. Fox is a really well developed and dimensional character, with relationships that may seem familiar to some watchers, such as the one he has with his wife and son.

4) Frances Ha (2012)

Directed by Noah Baumbach | Written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig

"I'm so embarrassed. I'm not a real person yet."

A love letter to women in their 20s that don't know what they're doing with their lives.

I feel there are more coming of age stories about people in their teens than there are about young adults in their 20s, which is criminal because who really matures enough to truly "come of age" at 15/16/17. I know technically you're an adult at 18, but your brain isn't even fully developed?

This film really reassures me, as a 22-year-old, that it's completely fine to not know what you're doing. It's fine to float through life for a while.

It's part of the journey of life, eventually you'll land somewhere.

3) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin

"Since this trial began, 4,752 US troops have been killed in Vietnam. And the following are their names"

Is there one right way to revolutionize?

I've never really taken myself as a history buff, but this film makes things fun. It's a story we don't learn about in classrooms.

The story of eight individuals tried in court for starting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. But was it really them? And did everyone at the defendants table need to be there?

The film itself is a riot. It's quick, but also poses questions about ethics behind badges and benches, which are questions that remain unanswered even today.

2) Little Women (2019)

Directed by Greta Gerwig | Written by Greta Gerwig Sarah Polley

"Life is too short to be angry at one's sisters"

I feel like anyone who has read the novel by Louisa May Alcott can understand what a wonderful and joyous group of girls the March sisters are.

Now mix that with Greta Gerwig's creative hand and some of the most beautiful costumes in the world and you get the 2019 film rendition of this beloved tale.

Aside from the story, the actors were just phenomenal in their delivery. I wouldn't expect less from Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet (whom I'm in love with), Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, and the Meryl Streep. Wow! I hadnt even realized how many true stars were in this one. Amazing.

This is another coming of age film for women in their 20s. Sure, it's a different time entirely, but the message is the same. Women will, in their own time, know what's best for them.

1) Big Fish (2003)

Directed by Tim Burton | Written by John August

"I saw my death in that eye, and this isn't how it happens."

"So how does it happen?"

"Surprise ending. Wouldn't want to ruin it for you."

I have only seen my father cry in one movie, and this is it. Could it be the complex relationship between father and son shown on screen resonates with him? Or that is particularly a beautiful film? I've never asked him.

What makes me cry about this movie is that it's a build up to the ultimate ending. You see this man, slightly delusional, living his life through stories and you soon realize that perhaps its not an unfortunate way to live. It could be quite fulfilling.

I don't think I've ever seen another movie about wild imagination past adolescence, but it's a wonderful thing.

[michpeach]

Senior year

Journalism is important. It's needed and its practitioner are noble for choosing to provide a public service. The public is less ignorant because of this thankless profession and I'd be scared to live in a world without it.

But I don't think it's for me.

It's lovely to find this out now, in my senior year as a communications, journalism major.

I was always told that I was a "good" writer. I've always gotten A's n English.

Then, there was media influence.

Anne Hathaway's character was a journalist in The Devil Wears Prada. Rory Gilmore was the editor of the Yale Daily News in Gilmore Girls. Jo March was a writer in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

It feels so silly now, choosing my major because my idols played/wrote them as writers, but I was 17.

To top things off, there was the 2015 Academy Award winner for "Best Picture," Spotlight. The film deeply moved me. Those reporters really made a difference.

I wanted to make a difference, too. I declared my major.

I felt initial panic while at community college, but I brushed it off as just that. Lots of people will tell you to trust your gut feelings about things, but I've never followed that. I've known for years I'm an anxious, overthinking wreck, so following my initial gut feeling always seemed silly. Why would I listen to me?

I still feel like this for the most part, but in regards to my college journey, I think I should have listened.

Anyway, when the pandemic hit, I moved on to panicking about the world (health, social injustice, whether or not I'd have toilet paper or not), and school just didn't seem so important. I stuck with it, but making an appointment at the career center or with an advisor just seemed like excess work. I was busy being anxious.

Pretty soon, I had an associate's degree in journalism.

I think about my community college journalism peers a lot, mostly because I see their posts on Instagram. Most of them are still in school. A few of them got jobs in the field.

My former entertainment editor, who awarded me "best entertainment writer" during my first semester at the paper, works at NBC Universal, which is pretty cool.

Those who are still studying are really engaging with the field. One reported on President Joe Biden's SoCal visit for his school paper. Another flew to Washington D.C. to hear Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein speak.

And me? Nothing, really.

I've been dreading joining my school paper. I've put it off until my very last semester. The only time I've stepped foot in the newsroom was to propose a story I wrote for class, which was actually decent, to an editor. She wasn't there.

Mentioning my old peers and what they're up to may come off as jealousy; it kind of is. I'm really jealous of them.

I am not jealous of their opportunities of experiences. I think that's awesome and I'm so happy for them. I am jealous, however, of their desire to go out and do these sorts of things.

I don't desire to do much at all.

Why couldn't I have a passion for this like they do? That would make things simple.

Anyway, I'm at a university now. I'll graduate in the spring. I'll have another degree in journalism. My parents will have it framed, I'm sure.

But what will I do?