It’s Labor Day Weekend, which likely means you’re in the majority of folks merely chilling, hopefully amongst people you love and ideally in an environment where you might be able to get a little sun and fun. I realize in this day and age for many that thought is an anethema. I’m told such folk are in a statistical minority, only from this vantage point lucky me just happens to know a disproportionate amount of folks that still somehow have not gotten the message it’s no longer 2020. Probably too busy reading what’s left of their Los Angeles TIMES.
And if your lifestyle is more reflective of the norm than mine is these days, the idea of gathering with people you love, respect and admire to grab a burger and/or beverage on a holiday weekend is likely a given. But I’m told people have priorities and often the idea of inviting someone with no family and scant few friends aren’t ones that get pushed to the top of most invite lists. Let’s just say my social calendar, for the most part, is atypically empty. Certainly on the “party” circuit.
But, thankfully, I’m still on the list for one very special gathering, one that has gone on for decades even though it has long since moved from the suburban enclave that gave it its name. Even though it’s still called BURBSTOCK, it will instead occur at a tony corner home nestled deep in the nicer area of Van Nuys, California. One with a nice-sized pool and a decently-sized backyard, enough to comfortably fit a few dozen people at any one time.
It’s a home that belongs to the Solomon family, and if that name’s familiar, we devoted a musing roughly a year ago to its co-owner, a longtime friend and supporter who also happens to be an exceptionally talented producer and musician. And while Aaron’s previous prime time network game show LOTERIA LOCA didn’t quite cut it in Nielsen ratings, he’s back on air as one of the minds behind ABC’s summer series LUCKY 13, which is seeking to be just good enough to get a second season. And when one of your stars just happens to be Shaquille O’Neal, there’s more than a fighting chance that certain executives could be intrigued–or intimidated–enough to make it happen.
But while he’s not trying to make overcaffeinated contestants rich, he’s making music, as one of the fronts of a unique band called THE REMOTES. Their website describes exactly how nichy and kitchy they are:
THE REMOTES’ retro-tastic stage show takes you back to a time when every TV show started with a catchy theme song that got you excited to watch the show. 
Our 10-piece orchestra performs live renditions of the themes from “The Brady Bunch” to “The Big Bang Theory,” and everything in between!
During each song, the band projects video of each show’s opening credits to provide an immersive, nostalgic experience. We also play live interactive games, offering the audience a chance to participate in the show and win fun prizes. The band has performed at several of L.A.’s premier clubs, music festivals, and wrap parties, and has been the official house band for the Daytime Emmy Awards.
They will be the central act once again at BURBSTOCK 2024, often around dusk when the crowd tends to find spots around three ends of the pool, just when the ground is finally cool enough to plant one’s butt on it and let your bare feet try to dangle into the water. But like any gathering with a -STOCK suffix, a host of other performers and bands will also take the stage. With a professional sound system and livestreaming. Honestly, who needs Coachella? And these days, who can truly afford it anyway?
To me, it’s much, much more than merely just a nice suburban party on a holiday weekend. It’s a de facto Labor Day tradition, and a lot less exploitative than the one Jerry Lewis ran for decades. And I think you’d agree Aaron’s kid is a lot cuter, and thankfully a whole lot healthier, than any of Jerry’s. And I’m including his biological offspring on that list. Trust me, I know.
This year’s theme is TOGETHER AGAIN, all the more a desire and a need given the state of the world. For some, this is one of the rare occasions to actually just chill for a couple of hours, relax, soak up some rays or, if you’re me, defy the laws of aging of gravity. For me, it’s arguably the only time this year such an opportunity is being presented. So if I’m more than a bit gushy about it, do try and cut me some slack.
Maybe the only way I can convince you how special this is is to show you a couple of examples of prior year’s performances. Imagine this in your neighbor’s backyard. Plus some darn good grilling and an open bar to boot.
So thanks yet again, “Solboy”, for being a genial host and connector and for picking up the mantle of keeping people physically connected even when so many are otherwise determined to reduce their interactions to a two-dimensional world. Like I said, I’m told they’re a statistical minority. And at least for one glorious day, I’ll be able to believe it.
Until next time…