Evan IV

Freaky Franz and B Smoov of Turnstile 

3-5-2015

My oldest friend. My grandfather. A man whose name bears a striking resemblance to mine has passed away a week after his 88th birthday. I took this photo of him in HIS chair, the patriarch's throne. Surrounded by his favorite books and photos of his family members. I never took many staged photos of him but this was one of those special occasions.

For twenty-six and a half years this man has taken it upon himself to open up his heart and his home to family, friends, and sometimes complete strangers. I have celebrated many holidays and birthdays in this house with him and Gramma Lucy. He has taken me golfing, to Applebees, and around the block in a golf cart.

I look up to him and implement many of his thoughts in my life. Papa is one of those individuals who can talk on any subject and listen to you without interruption or persecution. He is old fashioned and new school at the same time. He rolls with the punches of life and this week he threw the last jab.

There is no replacing this amazing human. A life full of hard work and interesting endeavors. I take away his love for family and education and humor. I held him throughout the night until he took his last breath in the comfort of his own home. That is what he wanted. He did what he wanted his entire life. 88 years of success. From New York City to Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley. He left his mark everywhere he went. He now rests with his son, his brother and parents all of his long time friends that have passed before him.

It is a new year, and it is with a heavy heart that I write to say that my oldest uncle Brad has died. He touched many lives throughout his years in the spotlight and out of the spotlight. He lived to impose knowledge and humor to the masses from his television appearances, stand up comedy slots, and feature films. He is a genius storyteller, art collector, painter, and friend. I had a very interesting relationship with him over the last quarter century, and I only wish that we spent more time together. His life was his career and vice versa. Always on the hunt for a good book or the best pizza in town. He was a cultured individual and California Gothic. Inspired by Mae West, instructed by Lucille Ball, my uncle, known to some as just "Tay," leaves a huge hole in the world of comedy that can't be filled. He gave me a glimpse into his world when he took me to the 40th Anniversary of the Comedy Store in Hollywood in 2012. There was an air in the room that tasted of whisky, bleach and nicotine, but there he was on the stage with his comedic and musical partner Logan Heftel who he spoke fondly of while off stage later on. People listened to his stories like the one he told about his Rock Star family life in the 70s while at the Mint.

Uncle Brad, who I knew him as, wasnt that superstar celebrity, but he was recognized most places he would go to. For instance, when I was sixteen years old back in 2004, I went to lunch with him, my cousin and grandmother I believe to the Kaiser Grille and a photo was taken that day and the resemblance between he and I is striking. We went to Best Buy so he could buy me a digital camera for a trip to Europe and everyone at the store was shocked to see him but delighted a well known actor stepped foot in their store. He then asked an associate "Why is it so loud in here?" There was running joke for a while that he was my actual father, but we know that is not the case. I do take away his love for story telling, film, humor and travel. I wish that I could have traveled with him but now I can tell these stories and remember all of our special times together. 

RIP Uncle Brad 

(1957-2015)

turned in my last paper yesterday and my professor took us out for pizza. I now have a month of reading and language learning to do before starting up again. This semester has been a major test of my academic abilities (reading, writing) stepping out of my comfort zone and interviewing women in politics and activism, and becoming a published editor. 

2015 has TONS in store for me regarding school and my career as a historian. 

life moves pretty fast. 

im already in my 5th week of grad school

Saw The Good Life last week and they performed as (Rooster Burger) in Glendale. The week before that saw Jake Bellows and Orenda Fink in Silverlake. 

On tuesday Ill be at the Grammy Museum to see Conor Oberst

This is a Saddle Creek filled Fall. 

Also heading to the Pure Noise Records tour at Chain Reaction on the 25th. 

And two nights ago I went to Knotts Scary Farm. 

So thats about it for this update 

Mary and I w/ Chiodos in Pomona

specifically in LA?

3.9 gpa last quarter

got accepted to Graduate School

Went to Vegas 

tomorrow im seeing my family, shooting a show, and its my cat's birthday 

til winter quarter is over. then spring break 

Self Help Fest

Orange County

Vegas

Palm Springs

in a weeks time