Parker: Look for some jammin' by 'Idol' crew

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Thursday, August 31, 2006

The Herman's Hideaway Web site is coy about next Tuesday's show. The Little Memphis Blues Orchestra - American Idol winner Taylor Hicks' band - just happens to be performing there the night the American Idol tour is in town. "With very probable special guests!" the site says.

Plenty of them, Idol star and Boulder native Ace Young told Rocky rock critic Mark Brown.

"After the show, there's gonna be a little party with Taylor Hicks' band," Young says. "We're gonna be at Herman's Hideaway and we're gonna do a jam session. We're going to be there till they kick us out."

And who exactly is "we"?

"The whole Rat Pack is going to be there. It's going to be Taylor, Elliott (Yamin), Bucky (Covington) and myself," Young says. "We're gonna get cleaned up and go right over there after the show and just have a jam session with a five-piece band. It's gonna be a lot of fun."

Doors open at 7, but the band isn't expected to take the stage until 10:30 p.m., according to the itsmyspace site. The following day is a rare day off on the tour, with Young planning to take some of his Idol chums sightseeing in the Rockies.

"I'm coming home," he says.

YOUNG AND KIND: I never expect to get a thank-you note from someone I write about. So when someone is kind enough to send a thank-you e-mail, it's a sweet surprise. On Wednesday, American Idol contender and Fairview High grad Young wrote to thank me for my "interest" in his career.

"My dad tells me that you have been a true friend, a rarity that I really appreciate," Young wrote. "He also tells me that you have just completed (cancer treatment) and of your personal documentary relating your story to the Denver public.

"You are an inspiration to me and everyone who has had to work incredibly hard through rough times, I thank you for your courage. Do you mind if I relate your story to the kids I visit in Children's Hospitals around the country and in Denver?"

Of course, Ace: You're aces in my book.

SADDAM 'STONED'? South Park co-creator and former CU student Matt Stone told a group of reporters at the Edinburgh International Television Festival that Marines guarding Saddam Hussein forced him last year to repeatedly watch the movie South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut, where Saddam plays Satan's "special friend."

But I'm going along with Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Chuck Yarborough, who wrote, "I don't believe this for a second, but it's still funny."

THE SEEN: Rockin' Bonnie Raitt taking in the piano show during Grand Mondays at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, while Lannie Garrett herself was gettin' jiggy with Earth, Wind & Fire at the CityLights Pavilion.

Janet Elway (whose ex is a staunch Republican) attending the big Bill Ritter for governor fundraiser Monday night at Mile High Station.

EAVESDROPPING on some men in an elevator: "Guys, guys - if we're so concerned about the speed of this elevator, then maybe we should slow down our lives."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.