It’s been a wild week, I don’t even know where to begin. But I know how I want to celebrate the weekend! By sharing how I ended up at The Mint (LA) Wednesday night watching Katey Sagal perform live with her band The Reluctant Apostles.
Most know Katey Sagal from her portrayal of television’s two most unconventional moms. As the comical, money hungry, cigarette smoking, bonbon eating, hands off mom Peggy Bundy on “Married With Children.”
And the (I’ll kick your ass if you F’ with my family) Gemma Teller Morrow on FX’s “Sons Of Anarchy” which Katey won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an actress in a television drama (2011). “Sons Of Anarchy” was created, written, produced and directed by Kurt Sutter, Katey’s equally multi-talented husband.
I’ve been a fan of Katey Sagal for years and know of her role on “SOA” but didn’t watch the show until recently. My friend and energy healer, Leda Beluche (aka @GirlieVegan) who helps guide me, suggested I watch the show. She’s a huge fan and said “as an aspiring actor, I needed to tap into the themes of the show (loyalty, family and heart).” That said, I opened a Hulu account. Soon after, I got booked as a background actor working on a pilot called “Nana” starring Katey Sagal! But wait, it doesn’t end there. Leda also said, “I envision you working on the “SOA” spin-off series, “Mayans.” I put it on my mental goal list.
A few weeks later, Leda flew to Detroit to attend Motor City Comic Con. She was there for a yoga workshop lead by “Sons Of Anarchy” alumni Ryan Hurst and Charlie Hunnam (who played Gemma’s son Jax Teller). Leda says, “Gemma is the heart and Jax is the heartbeat of the series.” Long story short (well not really), Leda met Charlie and he tied a sacred protection red string around her wrist. And I kid you not, a couple of days later, I was booked on “Mayans.”
Katey recently tweeted she and The Reluctant Apostles had a show coming up at The Mint. I didn’t have the money to attend. It was only 15 dollars but I’m a struggling artist and every penny counts. With that, Leda gifted me a ticket. I was so excited, I tweeted Katey to let her know and she responded!
So Wednesday night, I jumped in my car, after a long shoot day, and headed to The Mint for the 8pm show. When I arrived, I felt a like a fish out of water (a gay boy from Brooklyn, who doesn’t drink, standing in a room with bikers). But as soon as Katey arrived I felt at home.
Before Katey established herself as an actress, she began her career as a singer. Singing back up along side musical legends Etta James, Tanya Tucker, Bob Dylan, Better Midler and Olivia Newton-John. As Katey mentioned Wednesday night, “I would sing for anyone; I needed to pay the rent.” I can relate.
The band comprised of Davey Faragher (Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson) on bass and vocals, Phil Shenale (Tori Amos, Jane’s Addiction) on keys, Billy Harvey (Patty Griffin) on guitar and vocals, Michael Urbano (Cracker, Sheryl Crow) on drums, Bob Thiele, Jr. on vocals and guitar (Bonnie Raitt, Mavis & Pop Staples) and Katey Sagal, singing, playing guitar and percussion rocked the stage to a packed house for over an hour. The bands roots dig back to “Sons Of Anarchy,” where, as The Forest Rangers, they acted as the musical muse throughout the show’s 7 seasons. Their sound an eclectic mix of rock, folk and soul. My favorite moment was when the band performed a heartfelt rendition of “Shining Star” by The Manhattans. Katey’s vocals pulled at my heart strings and brought tears to my eyes. Made me think of one of my angels in heaven. It was an incredible night that I will cherish forever.
Katey Sagal and The Reluctant Apostles will be performing more shows soon. Follow Katey on Twitter @KateySagal for updates. Until then, enjoy the clip below and see what I am talking about…
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