By Robb Wirt

“Never mind the starting gun, Cover’s up the curtain’s drawn, Standing in the outline…” Those are the opening lyrics to Curt Smith’s song “Coming Out”, from his new album Halfway, Pleased. Those lyrics struck a nerve in me. They reminded me of my own past. I noticed many heads in the audience shaking their heads in understanding as Curt shared an intimate story about his relationship with his father and his mother’s eventual new boyfriend. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Last night I went to see Curt Smith, one of the co-founders of Tears for Fears, perform. I wonder if Curt is the Tear or the Fear. I digress. Let me start at the beginning. I walked into the swanky Standard Hotel complete with a live model in a “fishbowl” behind the check-in desk. At first I thought she was working on the backdrop, but soon realized she WAS the backdrop – human art. I need to get a few of them for my house. I mean I love art. After I was done admiring the art, I wandered over to the Cactus Lounge and was impressed on how intimate the performance was going to be. The lounge fit approximately 45 people. This was better than HDTV. As I prepared for Curt’s arrival I noshed on appetizers and cocktails and listened to special guest DJ Valida, who really set the mood. Curt entered the lounge around 8 and opened with a story and some dialogue to kind of set the tone for his first of two sets. Not really being a fan of his before the show, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised, not only by his singing, but by his lyrics and genuine emotion. Curt Smith’s solo music is totally different than his Tears for Fears music in that his music is a little more intellectual and personal. He really pulls you into his world. During his show Curt sang songs from his new album, Halfway, Pleased, as well as classic Tears for Fears songs. He also threw in a couple of covers. All packaged nicely together proving Curt Smith is still relevant. His residency at the Standard has been extended through March so there’s still time to catch his show…

Upcoming Events at the Standard Hollywood:The Standard, Hollywood will be hosting a “Kiss Me I’m Cool” party for St Patrick’s Day weekend on Saturday March 14th. Party poolside and in the cactus lounge and enjoy a performance by DJ Sean G. Doors open from 9pm and close at 2am; The Standard, Hollywood will have special St Patrick’s day cocktails including the “Irish Car Bomb” As well as Moet White Star and Absolut Pear available for the preferential rate of $250 (for both). The event is complimentary and will also include a ping pong tournament during the afternoon from 12pm – 5pm.Standard Hollywood8300 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 (323) 650-9090www.standardhotels.com