Medical Marijuana And Lounge Music

The drive to L.A. on Thursday was pretty awful. What should have taken a couple of hours took closer to three. There was plenty of traffic to go around. Over the last several weeks I'd become accustomed to flat, straight, and barely occupied roads. Driving had become quite a meditative experience. However, I-5 (aka known as "The 5") between San Diego and Los Angeles was far too chaotic and energetic for my taste. I'd driven much greater distances but this short trip sapped my energy. At long last I reached my hotel then hooked up with my friend Burt.

Burt is yet another in a long line of old friends I've reconnected with during my travels. We worked together at Court TV in NYC before he relocated to L.A. to further pursue stand-up comedy. He is quite the colorful character. He's the only person I know of who has spent paychecks on cocaine and hookers. His wit remains sharp and honest. He informed me I couldn't stay in his smallish studio because I "don't have a vagina". He also declared he'd probably be back in his native Brooklyn were it not for medical marijuana. Burt couldn't hide his glee when speaking on the matter. He'd go to a doctor complaining of "stress" (or some such nonsense)... receive his medical marijuana documentation... then hit the local dispensary as needed... amazing!

Around the corner from his apartment we grabbed a bite to eat at Molly's Charbroiled Burger House (known affectionately as "Molly's"). Molly's has been an L.A. institution since 1929. I tasted history and two bacon-chili-cheese dogs... both were delicious! Afterward, we took a stroll to Hollywood Blvd. and one of Burt's favorite watering holes... Frolic Room. Most drinking establishments in the neighborhood are modern and trendy whereas Frolic Room is a throwback to a bygone era. It's small and dimly lit with a distinct art deco feel... very old and very cool. We stayed for a bit but after a drink or two I was burning with tiki fever. One of the finest tiki bars in L.A. (or anywhere for that matter) is Tiki Ti on Sunset Blvd. Ray Buhen had been mixing tropical drinks in the city since the 1930's. In April of 1961 he opened Tiki Ti. Many Polynesian themed bars and restaurants have come and gone but in 2010 Tiki Ti continues to thrive. Ray has passed but his family dutifully continues the tradition. Now, most tiki drinks are rum based but a few contain tequila. I was sitting near the bartender when someone ordered just such a libation. As he ever so slowly poured the tequila (the bottle was topped with a bull's head) he bellowed "Toro, toro, toro"!!! Then all the customers, on cue, followed suit... repeating the phrase over and over... adding drum rolls, clapping and laughter. The din builds and builds until the drink is completed. Clearly this was an experienced Tiki Ti crowd.



Burt went home a bit early but I had one more stop that evening... Dresden Room. Dresden Room has been a Hollywood landmark for over sixty years. It gained widespread notoriety after being prominently featured in the 1996 hit film "Swingers". Filled with dark wood and leather... Dresden Room is a haven of swank. However, on this night I was not there for ambiance. I was there to see Marty and Elaine. They've been playing lounge versions of jazz standards and pop tunes there for the last twenty nine years. On this night I was treated to classics like "Stormy Weather" (my request), a Donna Summer cover, and a Carpenters medley. Their music is exquisitely, delightfully cheesy. I loved every second of it! During a break I had the good fortune to meet them and discovered they were utterly sweet and charming. Actually, everyone I came in contact with was terrific. The bartender, Johnny, had been working in L.A. for years... the last fifteen at Dresden Room. He was warm, engaging, and tirelessly cheerful. We exchanged histories and became fast friends. I did buy a couple of drinks but at one point he took the cash I had on the bar and shoved it towards me... refusing to accept it. I didn't pay for anything afterward. As I was leaving he gave me a big hug (as did the waitress... which was really awesome!).



Celebrities have been known to frequent Dresden Room and even perform. This evening did not disappoint. A woman left her seat at the bar, stood with Marty and Elaine and began to sing. I looked at her and thought "It sure looks and sounds like her" but didn't fully trust my eyes and ears. But it was her... Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders. Their first record (from '79 or '80) was such an important part of my musical landscape. Back then I was transitioning from Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith to The Ramones, Devo, and well, The Pretenders. It was such a treat to see one of my heroes in such an intimate setting.