Carter Dennis of American Vanity

Providing the steady beat of American Vanity is drummer Carter Dennis. Steady is an understatement for his drumming though.

My niece and I have been fans of the band (first as Burn the Jukebox) for a few years. We appreciate the band and the individuals. While at the American Vanity show in Chicago a couple months ago, I made a point to watch Carter in action. Being only a few feet from the stage, we had a close up view. 

The young man has chops. He is a drum machine. He was doing things with his sticks that might have been part of drumming or just for flair. There was so much action, it was hard to tell. Either way, you can tell he is immensely talented.

He was also very nice. In the pre-show meet-and-greet, Carter spent a few minutes with Laura and me. Much like the other band members, he was engaging, friendly, funny and quite poised for such a young entertainer.

This band and Carter have a lot of potential. Obviously, music is a tough career, but they have the talent and personality to make it. I'll be watching and updating their progress right here.

For now, go to thisisamericanvanity.com for more info. Also, go to Spotify and give them a listen.

Carter, Laura and me in Chicago, IL-August 2026.

Virginia Franks and American Vanity

Last year, my sister Nancy, niece Laura and I saw Burn the Jukebox, a teenage band Laura and I followed for a couple years. It was our first time seeing them and we were impressed. Since then, they changed their name to American Vanity, while also adopting a slightly edgier, harder tone.

When AV announced a Chicago stop on their tour this year, Laura and I bought tickets. The show finally happened last month at Cobra Lounge on Chicago's near west side. The name and sound might be different, but the performance was as good and probably better than the previous one. The band is quite polished for being so young.

Prior to the performance, there was a meet-and-greet. Each band member chatted with all the VIP ticket holders. Although we briefly met the band last year, we got the chance to really talk to them here. Lead singer Virginia Franks was the first to approach us. Virginia has a lot of talent and takes command center stage. She has a great stage presence. In talking with irginia, she came across as very poised, engaging and professional. She has a bright future and we look forward to watching her career develop.

I wrote more about the night on Global Traveler. For more info, go to thisisamericanvanity.com.

Laura, Virginia and me in Chicago, IL-August 2026.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today, is the birthday of my first niece. Although I won't see her tody, I salute her from here.

Laura is such a wonderful person. A dog-lover, Laura is like a step-mom to her mom's dogs. I know they love her as much as any of us.

Laura is brave, intelligent, funny, beautiful and a whole bunch of other great adjectives. She also does a great Russian accent, but that's another story for another day.

One of the coolest things we did was attend a Burn the Jukebox show. BTJ (now called American Vanity) is a teenage band we both liked from watching on social media. When they announced they were appearing relatively near us, we made plans to go (and we got Nancy to join the fun, although I am not sure how much fun she had, but that's another story for another day).

We had to drive 90 minutes on a Friday evening and sit through two mediocre opening bands. Laura also had some harmless, but slightly weird dud talking to her. When the band hot the stage, we high-fived.

This was bigger than us just seeing a concert together. I didn't even think the Pennsylvania-based band would perform in Chicago. After following them for a couple years, there they were and there we were. Mission accomplished and we are seeing them again much loser later this summer.

I know I'll see Laura before then and I'll raise a toast to her then. Still, from your favorite uncle, happy birthday Laura! I love you!

Laura, Nancy and me in West Dundee, IL-June 2025.

Burn the Jukebox Comes to Chicago

A while back I wrote about my quest to interview Burn the Jukebox, a teenage band my niece and I have been following. While I haven't achieved that goal yet, I did the next best thing.

My sister, niece and I saw BTJ perform at RocHaus in West Dundee, about an hour west of Chicago. After two opening acts performed for about 45 minutes each, BTJ took the stage for a solid two hour set. 

The band started with an original tune with Virginia singing. The rest of the show was mostly covers and mostly Virginia on lead vocals. They did a few original tunes and Luke Hoffman took the lead on a few.

Their musicianship is tight and they have a definite stage presence. I think Virginia is the leader and potential breakout star. They have been together for a few years, but who knows what might happen. As teenagers, their futures could go anywhere.

I still want to interview the band. For now, my niece and I are happy with our long quest finally being satisfied.

Laura, Nancy, me, Carter, Virginia, Luke and Luke in West Dundee, IL-June 2025.

Happy Birthday, Laura

Today is the birthday of my first niece. I will see her in a couple weeks, but for now I celebrate via the web.

Before anyone says I made a typo or didn't know what year she was born, I chose to not reveal her birth year. Let's just say she is in her 30s. I don't reveal ages.

As cliche as it is, I can't believe how fast time goes. Just moments ago, it was fun teaching her new phrases to drive her mom crazy. Now, she drives her mom crazy all on her own. lol.

Laura is strong, beautiful, funny, opinionated and more. She is what the world needs. She can have a conversation on pretty much anything, except maybe sports, but I believe she could fake her way through that, too. She joins my in annoying accents and characters (ask her about her Julia Child). 

In a couple weeks, Laura, her mom and i will be seeing Burn The Jukebox, a teenage trio Laura and I have followed for a couple years. We have wanted this show in the area since then and when it finally was announced, Laura immediately texted me. I really look forward to sharing this experience.

Happy birthday, Laura. I love you, kid! 

Laura in Chicago, IL-May 19??.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today is the birthday of my eldest niece Laura. Where have the years gone?

Laura has grown to be an amazing person. That's not a surprise, because she was always cool. She is just as comfortable debating life topics as she is exchanging silly memes. She is tough, beautiful, intelligent and hilarious. Plus she can do some fantastic accents.

I laugh now that she is seemingly a sportsball fan. Actually, while she enjoys the action, I think her real interest is the band or other such fun parts of the games. With the way Chicago teams are, that is probably the smartest way to be, although she needs to be careful about wearing the opponent's colors. LOL

Laura is the best and I hope she has the best birthday ever! I love you, Laura.

Laura and Dave in Lafayette, IN-November 2023.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today is the birthday of my first niece Laura. How old is she? She is an ageless spirit.

Laura is an awesome niece. I don't say that because she has made tons of cookies for me over the years. I don't say that because she humors me by joining in with funny characters (like her Russian lady). I don't say that because she shares goofy memes on occasion. Those are all good reasons, great reasons, in fact, but I say it because even without all that, she is awesome.

She has a huge heart. She loves animals, probably more than people, which is probably smart of her, but definitely good for the animals in her sphere.

She's funny, smart, sarcastic, stubborn (or "strong willed"), talented and more. Did I mention sarcastic? She might have a double dose of that, but it's always in great fun.

I couldn't be prouder of her. I love this kid. Yes, I now she is a fully grown woman, but still a kid to me (which either means I am old or she has retained her youthful spirit. I prefer to point to her youthful aura.

Whatever the case, I wish Laura a very happy birthday! I love you!

Nancy and Laura in Indiana-September 2021.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today is my eldest niece Laura's birthday. I won't be there in person to wish her a happy birthday, but I am doing so here.

Where does the time go? I remember riding the train downtown with her mom when she was pregnant with Laura. Fast forward so quickly and she is a beautiful, bright, smart adult. Did I mention with just the right amount of sass?

I am so proud of her. She's got more courage at her age than I ever did back then.

She claims to dislike my clown character, but I think she secretly likes it (or maybe more accurately likes to hate it). She has revealed a few characters of her own on occasion, although no clowns...yet.

From a purely selfish standpoint, one of my greatest memories was seeing Laura and her friend Karen around Mile 20 during the 2018 Marathon. I have serious doubts I would have finished if they weren't there. They get added points for making me crack up by wearing Johngy shirts.

The picture below is pure Laura. Why is she hugging a cactus? I don't know, nor will I argue with her. If she's doing it, there's a good reason (unless she just felt like doing it, in which case that's reason enough). Knowing her mom and Laura, Nanc probably told her to be careful around the cactus and Laura had to push it. LOL

Wherever you are celebrating today, I wish you a fantastic birthday, Laura! I love you! 

Laura Fitzpatrick in AZ-February 2020.

Happy Birthday, Laura!

Today is my niece Laura's birthday. During this time of quarantine, I send out birthday greetings to Laura here.

The picture I chose today is one I think Laura would like. As she put it, it's her and "her favorite fella" Marley. She loved that pup (and he loved her). She loves all animals.

Laura is a great young woman. Pick an adjective. Tough. Funny. Caring. Opinionated. Awesome. None describe her totally, but all add to the cool person she is.

Whether we are cutting up to "Uptown Funk," exchanging silly texts, driving cross country or anything else, it's always fun around Laura. She even joined in the character insanity by debuting a Russian woman over the holidays last year. It took a while, but she finally caved and created her own character and I love it!

I know friends and family will be calling and texting Laura birthday love all day. I hope she has a great day. Happy birthday and I love you, Laura!

Laura and Marley in AZ-February 2020.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of my first niece. Laura turns 32 today!

It's always cliche to mention how time flies, but it is also so true. How can little Pooky be 32?

It's been a fun 32 years being around her. She has grown into a talented, smart, funny, opinionated young woman.

I will always regret not being around my family for some years due to my own issues, but I will always cherish the extra cool moments we have shared since. I always bring up two east coast trips with Laura. While being squeezed by all of her belongings was not a comfy ride, as her mother and I brought her to and from New York, we had a lot of great laughs on those trips.

Last year, on a miserable rainy day, Laura not only dragged her best friend Karen out with her to cheer for me during the Chicago Marathon, she also made sure they both wore Johngy shirts. I can honestly say, knowing she was waiting for me around mile 20 really made a difference.

I had to make it to see her there, despite my aching body. Laura and Karen were the last of my supporters I would see an I wasn't going to stop until I saw them.

I saw their big smiles from a long way away. They immediately lifted my spirits and chased away the pain for a bit.

That was just one of so many thoughtful things Laura does for me and everyone around her. Cookies, texts, cards and more are just part of the love she shows all.

Happy birthday, Laura. I hope your day is as special as you are! I love you.

Karen, Laura and me in Chicago, IL-October 2018.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today is my niece Laura's birthday. To celebrate, I will do some birthday magic.

If you take the last two digits of her birth year and subtract that from 100, then add 18, you'll get her age. Magic! That's sort of an inside joke between the birthday girl and me, but if you follow Facebook, you'll often see the insipid meme which spawned this joke.

Laura is awesome. She's strong, opinionated, sarcastic and funny. I love her dearly, even if she didn't update my iPod whenever I ask, even if she didn't laugh and join in on my Julia Child insanity, even though she is not a fan of clowns (or at least my clown character Kazmir).

She'll probably be celebrating with some close ones and her favorite pooch Marley. I'm celebrating her here though.

Happy birthday Laura! I hope your day is as great as you. I love you!

Laura Fitzpatrick and Delaney Jane Parker in Tinley Park, IL-April 2018.

Happy Birthday Laura

Today I am celebrating my niece Laura Fitzpatrick's 30th birthday.  It's cliche to say that I cannot believe how time flies, but I can't believe this little one is 30!

I remember my sister Nancy telling me she was pregnant when we rode the train downtown together.  I watched Nancy's belly grow and then little Pooky was born.  My first niece was here.  How cool was that?!

I can only blame myself for missing too much of Laura's childhood, but I will always cherish the memories of helping her with a couple long moves.  Driving 800 miles in a cramped vehicle will certainly create long-lasting memories (and jokes).

Laura definitely marches to her own drummer.  She's smart, opinionated, funny and she has pretty good taste in music!  Unfortunately, I can't say she's a great kid anymore, but she's a great adult!  (Ha Laura...you're an adult...deal with that!).

I love you Laura and wish you a great 30th birthday.  I figured a picture with your beloved Marley would be appropriate for here!

Laura Fitzpatrick and Marley in Illinois-April 2017.

Happy Birthday Laura!!!

Today is the birthday of my oldest niece.  I suppose I shouldn't call Laura a kid anymore, because she has grown into such a great young woman, but she'll always be a cool kid to me.

I love the picture below.  Few things would get me out of bed so early on a rainy October morning.  Laura was doing a 5K downtown and I wanted to be there to cheer for her.  It was rainy and mucky and cold, but I was so happy to see her do so well in the run.

Laura is such a unique person.  She is opinionated, intelligent, funny and quirky (in the cool way).  I love her dearly.  I also love her regular Facebook posts with her beloved Marley.

I always joke about our two cross country trips to New York.  Feel free to ask her about her packing skills.  The truth is I loved those trips.  It was a rare chance to spend quality time with her (and Nancy).  Don't tell her that I really viewed it as a thrill and not a chore moving her stuff back and forth.

Happy birthday Laura.  I hope your day is great and this is the start of your best year ever.  I love you, kid!

Laura, Nancy Blais and me in Chicago, IL-October 2015.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Today is my eldest niece Laura Fitzpatrick's birthday.  I will never forget riding the train downtown with her mom, when Nancy told me she was pregnant.  Several months later, this beautiful girl was born.

Laura has grown up into a smart, funny, interesting person.  She loves animals and is such a caring person, despite her razor sharp wit.  She's my niece and she's my friend.

Laura is going to do great things in life.  She already has.  I love this young lady.

Happy birthday Laura.  I hope this coming year is your best yet!

Laura Fitzpatrick in Chicago, IL-Early 1990's.

Happy Birthday Laura

Today is my niece Laura's birthday.  I still vividly remember my sister Nancy telling me that she was pregnant, but it seems the time since has been a blur.

Laura is an awesome young lady.  She is smart, opinionated, funny, beautiful and so much more.  She is courageous and adventurous, as proven by her move to New York several years ago.  Fortunately, she has since moved back.  I joke about being tortured on that moving trip, but in fact, I treasure the memory.

You are the best, Laura!  I hope you have a great birthday and that your upcoming year is your best ever.  Happy birthday and I love you.

Laura Fitzpatrick and me in Mokena, IL-November 2013.

Happy Birthday Laura

My niece Laura is celebrating a birthday today.  Suffice it to say, she is in her mid-20's.
Laura is fantastic and not just because she is my niece (maybe even despite her being my niece).  She is bright, funny and completely cool.
As I have previously documented here, it is my fault that I missed parts of her youth.  I do take some consolation in two road trips to New York.  Seventeen hours in a cramped car with each other (and my sister/her mom) will really serve as a crash course in bonding.  Oh sure, I grumbled, but I loved every minute of it (even when Nancy actually drove for a few minutes).
Laura is courageous and strong.  She has done things I would have been too frightened to try at her age.  Nothing bad, all good, but still too daunting for me to attempt.  Yet, there she was.  I was amazed, impressed and proud.
It's Laura's day today.  I hope it is a great one.  She deserves it!
Happy birthday Laura.  Your uncle Crash loves you.

Laura Fitzpatrick in Fox River Grove, IL-Winter 2012.

Happy Birthday Laura!

My niece Laura is celebrating a birthday today.  That means I give her the Johngy's Beat treatment!
It seems like just yesterday I was riding the train with her mom during her pregnancy.  Fast forward a few years and Laura has grown into a great young adult with a unique take on things and a great sense of humor.
I give her a fair share of sarcasm (and she gives it right back), but I love her dearly.  Aside from a couple food choices, my two cross-country trips with Laura and her mom were two of the best experiences I have had.  She is a blast.
I love you, Laura and I hope you have a great day and year!
PS-Love, love, love the shirt, Laura!!!

Nancy and Laurain Chicago, IL-Summer 2011.

Happy Birthday Laura

Today is my niece Laura's birthday.  I doubt she got up early today to see if I featured her here.  Well I did, although she probably won't see it until much later (I would hope she would have better things to do than rise early and look here).  Still, whenever she does look, here it is!
I knew Laura before she was born, as I rode the metra train with her mom during her pregnancy.  I remember eagerly awaiting her entrance into this world.  It has been a pleasure watching her grow ever since.
Over the last few years, we have had a couple long road trips to get to know each other again (uncle-niece bonding).  She's a great young lady and I love her dearly.
Happy birthday Laura.  I hope it is your best ever.

Laura Fitzpatrick in Chicago, IL-Early 1990's.

Happy Birthday Laura

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to make this post yesterday. It is a day late, but the message is very much from my heart.
Yesterday was my niece Laura's birthday. I can't believe that Laura turned 23 already. It seems only yesterday that she was a happy and playful little girl. She is still happy and playful, but she is no longer a little girl.
I missed too many special occasions with Laura as she was growing up. I was in a blue funk and I stayed away. I always loved her (and my whole family), but I can't make excuses. I handled bad times poorly.
A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to drive to New York with Laura and her mom (my sister). Last year, I had the chance to make the same drive with them. I know it doesn't erase years of missing out, but I am so happy to have spent that time with her. I learned a lot about Laura and I had a great time.
Laura has blossomed into a great young lady. She's smart, funny and courageous. She is the best.
Happy belated birthday, Laura. I love you!

Laura (and Iggy) and me in Elmwood Park, IL-early 1990's.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

My niece Laura (aka Lorelei Diego) has been featured on this site before in a piece about an ad I ran which featured her. Today, Laura makes her 'Friendly Encounters' debut.
While shopping at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg (IL), my sister Nancy and Laura saw Hello Kitty. Nancy urged Laura to get a picture with Hello Kitty.
I am not sure why either would want a picture with Hello Kitty (because this was before this blog and the awesome exposure that comes with it). Yet, I am not sure why I want pictures with backup catchers. So who am I to mock?!
Here is my niece Laura in her 'Friendly Encounters' debut with Hello Kitty! Thanks to Nancy and Laura for sharing this photo.

Laura Fitzpatrick and Hello Kitty in Schaumburg, IL-mid 00's.