This is a shot from the end of the show last night taken by Kath. Cancer was the secret word last night. No, really. Every time someone said cancer, the entire audience screamed, so you can imagine how much screaming there was last night. There were 75 people in attendance and by the end of the night a whopping $1,800 had been raised. I can’t thank everyone enough for the help and for bringing all the love that was in that room.

The highlight of the night turned out to be the shaving of Monkey heads. I was completely blown away at how entertaining the audience found it. Scanning back from the stage to the audience, it was amazing to hear the laughs and see the smiles of the audience as the boy Monkeys including former Monkey, Mike, all sacrificed their hair in support. Shari (as pictured by HDW) didn’t shave her head, but she did dye it red in honor of the color of the wrist bands for blood cancers. She looked great, too! She could totally get a job at Hot Topic except that she isn’t morose enough.

For me, the night was wonderful and strange. I like attention, but this was basically all about me. I guess there is such a thing as too much attention, but any discomfort I felt was more than made up for the people showing up to show their support in this little battle in the war of life. Friends, acquaintances and complete strangers taking a few hours of their life to laugh and say, “Hey, you’re not alone. We’re here and we want you to survive,” was one of the best, warmest and awe-inducing-est moments of my life. It’s a feeling everyone should experience at some time.

Also, I have to thank all the people who gave online which totaled another $1,400 or so. The outpouring of support has been quite overwhelming — in a good way. Needless to say, I paid a bunch of medical bills today; however, I’m still waiting for the chemo treatment invoices to begin to roll in. Thanks to everyone over the last few days, I am now in a great place to take care of the by-products of cancer.

Bald Boy Monkey Lineup (by Leslie)

You can see more pictures from the show here and here.

Listening to: “All This Beauty” - The Weepies

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I’ve had some requests for the donation link. It’s still on the Monkey’s Uncle site.

Do you realize how weird it is to advertise a fundraiser for yourself? It’s damn weird. The Monkey’s Uncle show on Monday, May 12th is now going to be a financial helper to pay some of my medical bills and be a showcase to see male Monkeys getting their heads shaved.

First, I want to thank everyone who has offered support, comfort and especially laughs during this period. I’ve felt truly blessed at having such a strong virtually- and reality-based support group. The Monkeys I especially want to thank for their huge hearts at even offering to do this upcoming comedy benefit — like I had a choice actually. 

It’s been suggested strongly that I put a link for donations for those who want to and won’t be able to see the show although I’m hearing rumors that the show may be taped, so if you are so inclined…

And for no reason at all, here is something for you. It’s the new Monkey Mix that we put together for the show. 

Monkey Mix 2008.3
1:10:52 / 64.9MB

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to it on Web Pen Blog Radio.
See the playlist here.

P.S. The t-shirt was a birthday present from fellow Monkey Mateo. Click on it to see the slogan idea come to life.

Listening to: “You Need A Woman Tonight” - Captain & Tennille

…that with Pluto being demoted to non-planet status that Holst was right the whole time.

Yeah, I’m slow.

There was supposed to be a review of The Weepies new album here today (it comes out tomorrow), but it turns out I had a Monkey’s Show to get ready for. It’s tonight, by the way.

Listening to: “I’m Gonna DJ” - R.E.M.

Every two months, the members of Monkey’s Uncle put together a mix of music for ourselves and to play before the show starts. They always turn out extremely eclectic and fun. The first one of 2008 is no exception. There is it down there to listen to if you so choose — either on the blog or on Web Pen Blog Radio.

In the meantime, we have a show this Monday at Jazz@Jack’s. Our special guest will be Jeff Chacon of Rodents Of Unusual Size. We even have an opening act: The Mathematically Challenged Quartet, which consists of Jeff and his good friend Floyd. They write some damn funny songs and will go on around 7:15. We then go on around 7:30 for some improvisational comedy goodness. Join us if you can, won’t you?

Monkey’s Uncle Music Mix 2008.1
1:14:08 / 67.8MB

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Listen to it on Web Pen Blog Radio.
See the playlist here.

Listening to: “Down To You” - Joni Mitchell