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Jon and I got to Dantes in time to join the already forming line, but close to the front. One of the reasons we’d planned to get there early was to make certain we’d get seats, which are limited at the club. One of the hardest things Jon can do to his knee is to stand for any length of time. So, we waited in the unseasonal cool September air with other fans, for the doors to open. Chatted with people in line, and got spotted by a couple of people. It was cool, and so were they. Charles’s friend Jim found us in line and joined us. Some of you remember Jim, he helped with security at the last St. Louis event. The one for Blood Noir. It was a long line of people in black. I think there was one gentleman in a red shirt, but the rest of us looked like we’d used the same closet, or at least the same house. Cool.

Doors open and in we went. The club is dim inside, but not really dark. High, arched rafters rise to a nice height overhead. We found a comfy couch and the three of us settled down on it. One of the things, I’m still not used to is being recognized. When I’m at a con, or an event where I’m supposed to be Laurell K. Hamilton writer, well, then I expect it, but when I’m just out socializing it still catches me off-guard. Thanks to everyone for asking before you took a picture. Thanks to everyone for low-keying it. I really appreciate it. When I expressed surprise at how many people kept recognizing me, Jim asked, "What did you think would happen?" My reply, "I hadn’t thought about it. I just came out to see the band." I really hadn’t thought about it. Jim’s points were well made. It was a Goth/industrial night at the club, and the Cr?xshadows were playing, as well as the lead up bands, and all had a simular theme. It was the kind of night people expected to see me at the club. Apparently, I was even dressed to meet expectations. Hmm. So, why hadn’t I thought I’d be recognized, Jim wanted to know. I had no good answer for him that night, but I’ve thought it about since, and I simply forget. I don’t think of myself as that famous. I was there to see the Cr?xshadows, and for that night, they were famous. For me, it was about the bands, and not about me. That people that had shown up to see the bands, were also excited to see me, did surprise me. Jim thought I was being naive. Maybe.

Charles showed up at last, all tarted up, as he put it on the phone earlier. It was partly his fault for the leather dress, because once I found out he was dressing up, I felt compelled, too. Poor Jon with his knee so rocky, did a nice pair of pants, and a Cr?xshadows t-shirt, with boots. He’s not mobile enough for club wear, right now. *pout* Once Charles got there, the introductions began in earnest, as we seemed to meet most of Jim and Charles’s group of friends. It was like old home week. Jon and I’d heard stories about most of the people, and now could put faces to the stories. Especially enjoyed meeting Showna. (forgive the spelling if it’s wrong, but doing it phonetically until otherwise told).

We got to dance, listen to music, visit with folks. It was good. (Could do with less people smoking, but it’s just something you deal with at the clubs. The high ceilings help a lot.) Jon couldn’t dance, much at all. *pout again* But, we’re hoping to get a date for his surgery, and eventually he’ll be less broken. You guys maybe seeing him at some events this fall on crutches. We’ll see how the timing goes. I had to actually contemplate going out on tour without my sweetie, and just can’t imagine. It would be like leaving the other half of my brain at home. But back to the fun. The early bands I:Scintilla and Ayria, were interesting. I’m going to be trying to chase down a CD from Ayria. Hard to get a good feel for a new band’s sound in most clubs. Enough to know I want to hear them again. Then it was time for the Cr?xshadows. They have the second most popular dance tune on the billboard charts right now, and deservedly so. In person, it’s quite a show. Their lead singer, Rouge, is amazing to look at, and has a dexterity score I can only dream of. Showna and I agreed that we would have broken our necks climbing on the furniture like he did. He was graceful, like a Goth gazelle. It helped that he was considerably taller than either Showna, or me. Long legs help with that gazelle stuff.

We left the club about 2:30, or so. Charles, Jim, and Showna, went with us. Her to her car, and I think the guys for a last little visit with all of us. Maybe doing that gentlemanly thing and making sure we all get safely where we’re going. Charles was actually not working Monday night, as he gleefully pointed out at one point. He was able to dance, and be silly, and just be himself without having to keep a weather eye out. No matter how fun it looks to work with us, it’s still work, and we have a tendency to take him to places where he really wants to play. Monday night we all got to play.