If you can pick only one "Fly-to" weekender next year I highly suggest you go to the Rockabilly Rave. I know what you're thinking, but its not much more expensive than going to Las Vegas. The Rave itself is a much less than what VLV will cost you. 3-nights in a single-person Chalet at Pontins (Holiday camp where the show is held) was about $125, and that also includes the show. The more people in your room the less it costs, so get 7 of your closest friends to come and its only about $70 per person (8 is the max per room). Yes, in the UK they actually charge you less, not more, for extra people. Imagine that logic... god bless American capitalism huh? The Chalets also have little kitchens, and there is a grocery store on-site so you can cook what you like. Naturally there is a refrigerator for those of you who'll be on liquid diets... *Ahem*.

Obviously the airfare costs more. Hmm... Las Vegas for $300 or London for $500? That doesn't seem like a tough decision to me. Its well worth the extra cash and you've got plenty of time to save up for next year.

OK, I'll admit English food sucks and its true that the sun barely shines there but who cares! Best thing at the Rave is that you don't have to worry about missing anything. No bands playing at the same time, and you're in a tiny coastal village called Camber Sands about 1 1/2 hours south of London (they do offer a bus service from central London to the Rave). Heck I was too busy watching bands, drinking 'til the wee hours of the morning and recouping energy for the evening ahead that I didn't need to worry about outside entertainment. I do suggest you take a few extra days to see some of London though, it was very cool. Oh, for those of you concerned about a lack of all night drinking... the bar serves booze until 7am, then opens up again at 9. Only two hours of downtime, I think you can handle that.

I'm not gonna go into many details about this year's talent, it'll be different next year anyway. But rest assured that whoever they pick will be aces! The American Rock 'n Roll reps proved to the 99% European audience that, without a doubt, US bands totally rock! The Casey Sisters were fantastic, and Cave Catt Sammy... well what can't I say about them?? For all being under 20 years of age they are amazing! You old farts better watch out! I also must mention that krazy King Kukulele, "the mad yank with a ukelele". Previously seen twangin' at the Las Vegas Grind. He was way too much fun, fun, fun!

The biggest musical highlight for me at the Rave was the unbelievable Swedish talent! Really... I'm not just saying that because they were my drinking buddies all weekend and the sweetest guys you'll ever meet. Keep your eyes peeled at your favorite Rockabilly Record supplier for Skinny Jim & the Wildcats, Sonny Rogers & the Kingpins and the hopefully soon to record Boppin' Steve with his totally rockin' Jerry Lee style piano playin'! Other faves of mine at the show were Ruby Ann & the Boppin' Boozers from Portugal, Flatfoot Shakers from Australia and of course The Spootniks from Russia. Yep its true, Rockabilly is everywhere!

A special word of advice for my fellow Rockabilly Gals... Do yourself a favor! Go to a rockin' show overseas. There is no better ego boost for us single ladies than European guys (and lets not forget those Scandinavian devils!). I'm feeling pretty darn good about myself after 3 days of being called gorgeous, winked at, and eye-balled by every other 'Billy that passed by. American guys what is wrong with you? Sorry to tell ya, but lookin' cool only goes so far. Us Rockin' chicks actually want you to ask us to dance, buy us drinks and flirt with us. You ought to take a lesson from your European counterparts before we all defect to the other side of the pond!

Well I must admit Chicago is a bit depressing after the fabulous time I had! Good thing the Rockabilly Rebel Weekender is just a couple months away. So yeah, forget Viva Las Vegas! I'm making the Rockabilly Rave my "Fly-to" weekender from now on. Either that or I'm moving to Sweden... anyone want to join me?