k e i t h e d w a r d p a u g h

So the other day I’m told (sent an e-flyer and everything) about a party in San Clemente at this guy Monti‘s house, and I know both Monti and his house pretty well, so I think “I haven’t seen those guys in a long while, I should go.”

And we drive down and are walking up the street, when I hear drums coming from inside. Not being in the practice of paying attention to things I’m sent, and thus not expecting a live band, my curiosity peaked.

So we climb the apartment stairs, which reveal a crowd of high school hipsters getting drunk, while a 60’s esque/early Stones dance band plays in the corner. I found myself awash in a nervous excitement i’d not prepared for from what I’d predicted to be a fairly run of the mill gathering.

I searched around for Monti and found him brandishing a BB pistol and not grinning as widely as I was about what was going in his home.

“I didn’t even know this was happening till a few hours ago. Sweet that I’m throwing the high school party of the year.” He yelled over who I later learned were local rockers, “The Clamour.”

Here’s part of a really fine conversation my friend Shawn and I had with a kid out back on the roof:

Shawn: So where do you go to school?
Kid: I’m over at San Clemente High.
Shawn: Oh yeah? What year?
Kid: I’m finishing sophomore end of June.
Shawn: That’s cool… how’s PE?

Sooner than later the police showed up, and people evacuated downstairs before whatever was going to happen did. I wasn’t sweatin’ it too much as The Clamour had finished their set and I’d gotten to dance a little.

Root Beers to Monti for being a good sport, and “call me” to the little lady with the Joan Jett haircut. I can help you get into college.