Shhhhhhh!

"You know," began Janine, observing our predicament, "this is just like if Anne Frank had tried to throw a kegger in the Annex!"

At which point we all, of course, loudly guffawed.

And then, of course, were promptly shhhhed.

If it weren't for the sweet mojitos—virgin, this time; I was driving again, and I like to be safe like that, yo—that Kathy fixed for me the next night during the Program's post-Halloween bash at the Bamboo Terrace, my Halloween weekend very well might have been a total loss. But instead, as I sampled the Terrace's absolutely delish orange chicken—did you know that you can order food if the bar's not too busy? Because I didn't!—and gazed at the people who had dressed as their favorite rock star—especially my friends Thomas and Ivan, teamed up as Hall and Oates, and the beautiful Kate Beckinsale-ish chick with the laudable smarts to go Aladdin Sane; but my lightning bolt was better, so there!—I began to relax and remember what it felt like to have a good time.

And the good times will surely continue this week, what with all the amazing shows rolling into town. Kick off the weekend on Thursday as Que Sera hosts the Tinderbox Cabaret, a Dia de los Muertos-themed night of eclectic art and music presented by a couple of adorable guys I met at the V-Room last week, including a performance by Rocco de Luca and live muralists. Then on Friday, catch soon-to-be buzz band The Stills opening for Echo and the Bunnymen at the House of Blues. The stupendously billed All Tomorrow's Parties boards the Queen Mary on Saturday, so be sure to relish sets from the likes of Sonic Youth, The Shins and Spoon before hitting up Alex's Bar for a show by the Alleged Gunmen and 400 Blows. On Sunday, head down to Detroit Bar for a night with the Helmut Stein Experience, or check out the Orange County Comedy Festival's Young Comedian Night at Martini Blues in Huntington Beach. If by Monday you still can hear, don't miss the intense drumming and luscious jam-band stylings of Rusted Root at the House of Blues, or stay in and save your ear drums for Tuesday's Ex-Models show at Chain Reaction. Oh, and before I forget: while standing just out of ear shot from José Cuervo at the Halloween party, I happened to trade whispers with a few of the boys from Insulin about their Wednesday gigs at the Liquid Den this month. Although I can't guarantee sorority girls or faux addicts will show up to their next show, I can tell you that a former David Bowie impersonator will be on hand with her designated drivers. And we'll be loud, so don't you dare try to shut us up.

I promise to use my inside voice. Invite me out! egriley@ocweekly.com.