What is Pandaheap?

I wasn't really sure what this blog was going to be before I started it. I thought I would have a con-glom of all the things I am into; Bikes, Boards, Music & Food. Its funny how the only thing I really have cared to write about is music. Thought hard about why this is the case. My only answer is that over the last 20 years of going to shows and seeing some of the most amazing (and worst) bands ever, I don't have any journal or writings of any of it. I don't remember all the bands I have seen, where and when. Worst of it all, I can't even remember all the amazing bands that I have been more than fortunate to share the stage with.

See, I was a short fat awkward kid, that feel in love with Skateboarding. My brother had a little yellow banana board that I would ride up and down the sidewalk and steps in front of my house. Later on, I got my first real skateboard, a Powell Peralta with Indy trucks and Cross Bones wheels! Thing was amazing. I loved it. Then about 4 months after I got it, it was stolen out of my garage. It took me over a year to save up for a second board. By that time all my friends were so far past me, then add that fact that I was not an athletic kid. I still loved to skate, but the desire to push myself and such had slipped away.

Today, I still love skateboarding so much, but since that time I have never really been able to actually be good. Probably a mental thing, but what I replaced skateboarding with was music. I loved music as much as skateboarding and I struggled at it as much or more, but I didn't have that mental block. Older syblings introduced me to a hand full of good bands and skateboarding opened up the world of music.

I still remember my first show. Not concert not live music, but show. It was Knowun and What about Mary in a small veterans hall. That changed me. I don't want to even think how much money I have spent on music. All those dollars on records, tapes, CDs, equipment, recording, merch and touring. IT has all been worth it. Like I said, I still love skateboarding, but music is my thing.

Long story short, I wanted to start keeping track of the shows I go to. The bands that get me excited today. Overtime I am sure I will start posting about some past history, that is if my brain can remember it. Here is the first of I hope many Pandaheap Top Fives right now:

1. Ad's Art - I know am I biased, but it is amazing. Here is my favorite:

2. Big Business' new album Mind the Drift. Listen to it here: MINDTHEDRIFT Seriously amazing. Post on them soon
3. Fast & Furious - I don't care. Its not like I love it because it is serisouly awesome.
4. Pie Take-out's new vegan menu. The Cheese Pull-a-parts are legit.
5. Clark E. Clark! Hellz Yeah! Hot new Hip-Hop Group! Just wait you will see!