Have you ever been to a show or some sporting event and been right up close to the athlete or musician? They were probably really cool or really lame. Granted there are some artists, be they musicians or athletes that are assholes. But for the most part that I have met, they are cool people. It’s just that sometimes they are busy. I was in Cleveland last year for the Dew Tour and Shaun White had just gotten done practicing on the vert ramp. It was hot, he was all sweaty and ramp stained and just wanted to go take a shower. He was going with our crew to go do an interview and the second he stepped out of the secure area – he was mauled by a herd of autograph hungry groms. For Shaun’s wealth and fame he is a really down to earth character. He signed about 10 autographs and then his manager had to pull him away so he could do our interview and several others. I know there were kids in that crowd that felt snubbed, like Shaun was “too important” to waste time with these kids. It’s rare that any of the athletes I’ve met deliberately snub their fans (only a few select douche bags do it – and who wants to talk to or hang out with them anyway). Think about it, if you were about to play a show or skate in a vert competition – how open would you be to kids asking you a million questions and wanting you to sign their shirt, poster, back, skateboard and shoes?

Choosing the right band name can be pivotal. I, for one, am guilty of buying CDs or checking out a bands’ MySpace page simply because I liked their name. Surprisingly, this method has actually turned me on to several of my new favorite artists. While there are a million and one horrible band names out there, I thought I’d focus on some clever, catchy, and downright funny names of bands who also make good music. Here are a few of my top faves:

1. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yetlsin—This Springfield, Missouri band has one of the more creative names I’ve heard in recent years. Check out the single “Glue Girls.” You won’t be disappointed. www.myspace.com/boris
2. Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head–Um, yeah, I like her head shaved too. This bands’ bouncy, energetic electronic beats and catchy lyrics will make you want to get up and shake it. www.myspace.com/natalieportmansshavedhead
3. I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness—This Austin, TX band utilized the help of Spoon lead singer Britt Daniel to produce their first five-song self titled EP, which was much lighter and poppy than their newest outing, Fear Is On Our Side, which leans toward haunting and anguished. Their music video for “Owl” is painfully artistic and mesmerizing. www.myspace.com/chosendarkness
4. Uh Huh Her—Loved it as the title of PJ Harvey’s album, love it as the name of this Indie/Electro girl group. Camila Grey’s vocals are dreamy and ethereal….and hard to resist. www.myspace.com/uhhuhhermusic
5. Does It Offend You, Yeah?—The name alone makes me want to check them out live. Disco-punk meets modern rock with a side of electro clash. www.myspace.com/doesitoffendyou
6. Death From Above 1979—You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine is still one of my favorite albums, with strong hooks and intriguing lyrics. Sadly this band isn’t playing together right now, though many fans continue to hold vigils for a reunion. www.myspace.com/deathfromabove1979
7. Late of the Pier—Glam/Thrash music that will keep your toes tapping. Their video for Bathroom Gurgle has a definite Bowie-esque vibe. www.myspace.com/lateofthepier
8. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone—When film school drop out Owen Ashworth began making music, he used nothing but his own voice and a battery operated Casio keyboard. He continues to make simple, direct music, but has expanded to using more instruments and effects as of late. www.myspace.com/cftpa
9. Cut/Copy—I love this bands’ electro pop dance sound, a throwback to 80’s music without sounding contrite. www.myspace.com/cutcopy
10. Get Cape Wear Cape Fly—Fans of Dashboard Confessional will love the romantic ballads and acoustic riffs. www.myspace.com/getcapewearcapefly

I know that I’m missing several great bands with clever names out there. I’d love to hear who you guys think should be on this list.

When is the last time you did something for the first time? I’m not talking about trying a new food or visiting a new place. I’m talking about something hard that you have had to practice. For some losers (including myself) my first time accomplishments usually involve passing a level in a video game. Some of the tricks athletes do blow my mind. Check out this young chap landing his first 360 double tail whip for the first time ever. Email me with your best first-time moments – maybe they’ll make the blog. Dave @ lionseatingbananas.com

Cruising the vendor booths at South By Southwest 2008, a noticeable trend unfolded before me. Booths featuring gig posters seemed to hold the most appeal. No longer just for dorm rooms, gig posters have increasingly become a new trend in home décor. Featuring unique images that capture the spirit of bands and their music, this art form has undergone a recent popularity surge.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on a gig poster, be sure to check out American Poster Institute, www.americanposterinstitute.com, a non-profit corporation dedicated to furthering awareness of and appreciation of poster art. From this site, you can check out artists galleries, purchase posters, and learn about FLATSTOCK, a poster show exhibition series.

Another great resource for finding the perfect poster is GigPosters.com,  www.gigposters.com. Here, you can search thousands of posters alphabetically by band name or poster designer. You can also participate in live chat forums on topics ranging from silk-screening to poster art printing. If you are a designer, you can also submit your artwork to this site. 

With thousands of artists participating the gig poster game, you are sure to find a poster style that you like featuring a band that you love. Here’s a glimpse of four unique gig poster styles by four unique designers:

Geoff Peveto (www.thedecoderring.com):

Jeff Kleinsmith and Jesse Ledoux (www.patentpendingdesign.com/posters/posters.php):

Tara McPherson (www.taramcpherson.com):

And from my hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah, Leia Bell (www.leiabell.com):

Gig posters are a great way to show pride in the bands you love most, while supporting talented, creative artists. 

I caught up with Sam (drummer for Chevelle) at a show in Salt Lake City last week. I’m not sure how to classify the set-up where they were playing. There was a BMX demo, FMX demo, bulletbikes, Harleys, beer, lots of people and food. The whole event was a party to kick off the FIM Superbike World Championship out at the Miller Motorsports Park. Sam was an incredibly cool guy and well versed in motorcycles, cars, engines, etc. Chevelle is finishing up their tour and then returning to the studio for a new album after some long overdue vacation time. Watch the video and enjoy some FMX and check out Chevelle at their myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/chevelle