100 Monkeys Shows are Like a Box of Chocolates: You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get

Last weekend at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, not only did we get to see 100 Monkeys perform two completely different sets of awesome music, we also saw a great performance by Paul McDonald from American Idol and met Nikki Reed and Ashley Greene in the audience.

I attended with the usual posse (ZAnyMouse, TwiFixx, and the two Twi-daughters) plus VampiresWeLove joined us for the adventure. I won’t even say how many hours early we arrived to wait in line lest you judge me for being weirder than I actually am. I know this sounds odd, but standing around visiting with everyone in line is half the fun. We were also super excited to find a shop across the street that sold Harry Potter/Twilight merchandise and hosted Harry Potter themed parties. Seriously, it was the coolest store ever other than Dazzled by Twilight in Forks.

It’s important for you to understand that for maximum enjoyment, the Monkeys need to be experienced as up close and personal as possible. Luckily, we were able to snag a great spot up front by the stage in the center. As always, the Monkeys delivered a high energy rock/funk show that did not disappoint. The crowd was large and enthusiastic and you could just feel the energy in the room.

This is my favorite picture of Jackson of the whole night.

Uncle, Jerad and Jackson


The Monkeys performed several cuts from their upcoming new CD Liquid Zoo.


The improv song was “Magic Hands” and it kind of looks like Jackson was showing off his magic hands in this shot. The improv songs are always fun because they’re always so unique and you just never know what they’re going to come up with.

They wrapped up with the Thank You song and I only had a few minutes to say hi to TwiredJen, Elusive_S, LuvsMeSumEdward, Jaymes805 and Amandakmelby in between sets before they took off early to get a good spot at the afterparty, but it was great seeing them!

Right before Paul McDonald came on stage, we were totally shocked when security escorted Nikki Reed over by us to watch the show. She was very friendly and talkative, and stood right next to Twi-daughter Nicole and in front of me to watch Paul’s set.


Twi-daughter Nicole and Nikki

It was so cute watching Nikki interact with Paul up on the stage, taking pictures and clapping along to the music. She encouraged us all to cheer really loud for him and enthusiastically whooped it up for her guy. She was very pretty in person and seemed so proud of Paul that she was almost glowing.



Nikki said she goes to all of Jackson’s LA shows, so apparently we haven’t been very observant in the past. When a girl nearby gave her two pictures of Paul, she told her she was going to frame one and give the other to his Mom.


You can sort of see me behind Nikki. That wall to her left is actually a very tall security guard.



After his set, Paul jammed with the Monkeys for a few songs (Paul, Jerad, Ben J., Ben G., Jackson).



The Monkeys did a completely different batch of songs their second time on stage.





I always love their offbeat stage décor of balloons and streamers. It’s so cute knowing that while we’re up front waiting for the show to start, they’re behind the curtain blowing up balloons and randomly hanging decorations. It always looks like boys decorated the stage and that totally makes me smile.



Afterwards, we saw Ashley Greene back near the bar and she graciously posed for pictures with the Twi-daughters. She really was so beautiful (and thin!).


Twi-daughter Nicole and Ashley


Twi-daughter Megan and Ashley


You know I wouldn’t dare to break my new rule of ending every post with a hot picture of Rob. It’s a very good rule, after all.

I have a lot more pictures of Jackson and the Monkeys from the show, so look for Part Two next week!

TwiloveSue XOXO