Hugo Rocking Azusa with Band of 4

Last Friday, the kids got the treat of seeing their Papi in full rock star mode as he sang and played guitar with the Band of 4.

Now, if you remember, it was through that crazy rock and roll music that I first met the man that would sweep my off my feet and change my life forever.  He was the lender of a PA system that my brother-in-law Joe needed, when he brought musicians to perform at the restaurant I used to work at as a manager.  I was taken by this long time friend of my sister's husband, who was kind, funny, smart, and freaking cute.

Joe and Hugo have known each other since high school.  Another friend of theirs, Thom, is also a musician.  A drummer, to be exact.  In fact, he is the one who asked Hugo to join back up with a couple of their friends, to form a band that could play a festival in Azusa.  They rehearsed all summer, and last Friday was their debut.  The kids were so excited.

Just LOOK at him!  That's the guy I wake up next to every morning!  I love this shot, but imagine how sick I was when I realized that you can't see Thom in this picture.  I was wanting to take one of Hugo, and for what I was doing at the time, I'd say I got the job done.  But not thinking like a photographer, I didn't make sure to get everyone in the band.  I'm kind of bummed.  Just imagine a super happy guy with long curly hair in his element behind his drum kit.  Yep.  That would be Thom.

Can you not see Danielle's enthusiasm?!  Isn't she precious?!  So expressive, right?!  All of the kids were adorable.  It was the first time they really saw their Papi seriously perform, and they were blown away.  I kept looking over at them.  They'd give me wide eyes, huge smiles, and they kept commenting on how much they loved his voice.  He's such a rock star, with such awesome presence.

It's a rare day when you are able to get a shot of Tessa without her hand covering her face.  She is not one to like being photographed.  Crazy girl, isn't she?  She is beautiful, and takes such good pictures.  This is one of my favorite pictures of her.  That's my brother-in-law Raudel holding Lee in the background, and beside him is Abi.  Note "the" shorts again.  It's like they're her junior high uniform.

The kids enjoyed holding up signs.  Hugo enjoyed having a family in the audience cheering him on.  He always has supportive siblings and siblings-in-law who always do their best to make his shows.  But this one, though originally scheduled for a Saturday, was moved to Friday at 6:00.  Not a good time for all of the members of the family who work and were in traffic at the time.  Still Raudel was there, as well as Hugo's rock star brother Luis (who, by the way, has also been friends with my brother-in-law Joe and Thom since they were kids).  We had a great time.  I just wish I got pictures of them.  And of Adam, Abi, and Lee, too.

Oh, and I also wish I got pictures of Susie, Thom's gorgeous wife, and their daughter Victoria (who just so happens to be Hugo's beautiful God Daughter--she is Tessa and Danielle's age), and their son Justin (a cutie-pie to be sure, who is a year older than Abi).  We really enjoyed seeing them.

My favorite moment of the night was when the band played U2's Where the Streets Have No Name.  Listening to my husband rock Bono's voice so well, made my heart just about explode.  He sounded amazing.  If it wasn't a family gig, I'd have thrown my panties at the stage.

I'd have more pics, but, my photographic skills have limited me to just these three.  Afterward, we partook of the post rock-show tradition of Denney's for dinner.  Usually, it's Denney's because after late night rock shows, nothing else is open.  This was an early show, but a tradition is a traditions.

My Uncle Tom calls Denney's "Dinner and a Show," because of some of the sights you see there.  But, I'm guessing that for the other patrons that night, we were probably the show.  All high from a successful gig, we burst through the doors ready for a Grand Slam, or Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes.  We were loud, I'm sure, but we had fun.  All 7 of us.  Hanging with our own personal rock star, as all good groupies do.  I love my life.