Last week Ben Folds was amazing, as always.  But the opening band, Kate Miller-Heidke, nearly stole the show.

Kate and her accompanying guitarist (her partner/boyfriend/husband, I think) were playful, funny, creative and dramatic (Kate added operatic flourishes that were shocking and hysterical).  And they’re talented!  I gave them a standing ovation several times … I couldn’t help myself.

See/listen for yourself.  The first video below shows Kate and her guitarist singing/playing a song called “Politics in Space,” which is one of my favorites.  In the second video, Kate performs the song “Are You F*cking Kidding Me (Live),” which is a hoot, especially if you’ve ever reconnected with a former girlfriend/boyfriend on Facebook.

Kate Miller-Heidke on iLike – Get updates inside iTunes

I love the Onion News Network.  Enjoy the video below.

New Law Would Ban Marriages Between People Who Don’t Love Each Other

Location: Randy’s house

Tomorrow night my roommate Randy and I are going to the Ben Folds concert at The Vic.  On this tour, Ben has been having fun with Chatroulette.  See the video below.  (You may pee in your pants.)

I like tattoos, and I like the show L.A. Ink, which is a great combo of art and storytelling.  Check out some of the 5-minute video clips, which tell the stories of the people who came in to get tattoos.  Many of the stories are touching and compelling.

Here are a few I recommend:  Releasing a Caged Bird, Tough Lady BFFs, and Hummingbirds for Her Son.

Location: Stairwell of parking garage, downtown Arlington Hts., IL

Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Hts., IL

My friend Jason Windsor co-founded the band Songs of Water, which is releasing a new CD this month.

Their songs are mostly instrumental, and the music is a brilliant fusion of styles — it’s very unique, and captivating.

Listen to songs on their MySpace page, and check out the short video below of a recent rehearsal.