1. Make plans with a good friend who you talk to just about every week, but you haven't seen in FOREVER to see Will Hoge, who you both love, but the last time you saw him was at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2005, and Will was wearing a black beret. That kind of freaked you out, but you still loved his show. So when you found out he was playing at The Troubadour, ON YOUR NIGHT OFF, you knew there was no way you weren't going to be there.

2. Laugh hysterically at the parking attendant who assumes that because you drive a monster truck, you should be addressed as "Sir."

3. Be prepared for Will to start his set with his INTENSE ballad, "When I Can Afford to Lose." Then be prepared for him to rock your ass off.

4. Try not to cry when you realize the reason he sings, "Dirty Little War," so powerfully is because he wrote it about his parents.

5. Don't be too disappointed when you realize they aren't joking when they say his set will only be 45 minutes long. He is the opening act, after all.

6. Cheer like crazy.

7. After the show, hang out at The Arsenal, in the dining room (not in the main room - way too freaking noisy in there). TRY THE SWEET POTATO FRIES. And also drinks. The Hot Pink Squirrel is really good.

8. Get propositioned as you leave The Arsenal. Accept a business card from "Aaron," who offers you "party favors," or to go home with you. Said business card reads that "Aaron, The Handyman With Hand Made Toys" is a "Toy Maker & Racing Mechanic," who does "Carpentry, Cabinetry, Electrical, Home Repairs & Restoration, Plumbing Painting & More." His phone number is 310-270-1190, and his pager number is 310-845-0240.

9. Make plans to see Will when he comes back to Los Angeles in January. Make a mental note that he'll be at the Vault 350 in Long Beach on Thursday, January 24th and at Spaceland on Friday, January 25th. He'll be doing full sets at those shows, so maybe you won't be quite so sad when his show is over.