It’s entirely possible that I fell in love with a woman last night. Anyone who knows my dating history might find this less-than-surprising, as it has significantly lesbian tendencies, but I never thought I’d find myself completely infatuated with real lesbian – until I met L.P..
With my drag daughter Sandra O. Noshi-Di’n’t, I ventured out to 12 Galaxies to catch the New York-based singer/songwriter last night. It was my first time to the venue, located at 2565 Mission. It’s surprisingly spacious, accommodating and has unexpectedly fabulous acoustics, which was particularly important because I didn’t want to miss a note of L.P.’s breath-taking vocals. 
My friend Martha introduced me to L.P.’s music a few weeks ago, and I was initially hesitant. Let’s be honest. Lesbian musicians carry the somewhat well-earned stereotype of leaning to the side of folk, spoken-word and other artforms for which I’ve traditionally had little affection. Boy, was I surprised when I watched the YouTube video for LP’s new single “Good With You”!
Combining insightful lyrics, blazing guitars and a voice which is at once unique yet familiar, and above all else powerfully expressive, L.P. is genuinely an artist with tremendous potential. Whether or not radio embraces her – they absolutely should, but that’s another story – I certainly have. In the days leading to her concert, I watched her “Wasted” video (from the 2004 opus Urban Sprawl & Alcohol) and added her latest track “Stupid Muthafucka” as my MySpace profile song.
Arriving at the event early, we caught both opening acts. Though local indie folk singer/songwriter jo boyer is clearly talented, the Ice Cream Socialites were a much better fit with my personal musical tastes. Rocco Katastrophe and Jenna Riot really livened things up with their New Wave/emotronic set. 
The dynamic duo had the crowd going with "Drip Drop" and "Make It Last" before closing with the popular "After Party." Sandra and I snapped photos of gorgeous ICS vocalist Jenna Riot before I nestled in with Rocco. It turns out the LOGO Channel “Click List Countdown” favorite is dating DJ Rapidfire, an acquaintance from several weeks ago when I was guest-hosting a scandalous Stop AIDS pole-dancing contest in SOMA. Who knew?<
By the time L.P. took the stage, the audience was primed and ready. Rest assured, though, it was worth the wait -- and then some! L.P. is the rare instance where an artist's power, intensity and vocal quality not only meets but exceeds her already amazing recorded product.
Along with our new friends Ryan and Taylor, seen here with Sandra (who totally had the hots for bearded cutie Taylor) and birthday Jennifer and Nadia (who I couldn't resist snuggling up to), we jammed to L.P.'s fantastic 12-song set. She played favorites from her first two albums, less from the dark, moody, driving Heart-Shaped Scar than its peppier, more pop-oriented 2004 follow-up Urban Sprawl & Alcohol. It suited the venue, the crowd and evening perfectly. I was absolutely glowing when, halfway through the set, she gave me a shout-out from the stage. While I could have done without the bitch sitting next to me smoking pot and screaming in my ear, even that couldn't sour the moment!
Of course, I squealed when L.P. performed "Wasted" (I sang along) and "Good With You." It was really rather touching watching a gay couple and a pair of lesbians seated in the upper level kiss and nuzzle to the gorgeous song, which progressive minded radio programmers need to be all over. It rivals anything Kelly Clarkson or Evanescence might produce.
Hanging with the singer after the show, L.P. is still unsure when SoBe Entertainment will release her yet-to-be-titled third album. When she does, though, I plan to be the first in line to pick it up.
Pollo Del Mar can be found cohostessing BRAIN FARTS interactive trivia show every Wednesday night 7:30-10:30 p.m. at LookOut, 3600 16th Street at Market.
