Kathy Griffin Live in Concert, March 28, 2011 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami Fl

You just gotta love Miami. It hasn't rained in close to two months so why in the world would one expect the skies would open and downpours would ensue on the night I am driving to see Kathy Griffin in concert. It's a conspiracy I tell ya. Though I'm sure had I mentioned this little gem to Griffin she would have put a totally different and hysterical spin on my deadly drive south. I have had the pleasure of seeing Kathy live on a handful of occasions. One thing I can always count on: I will be laughing for a full two hours and leaving the venue with a permanent smile on my face that will last the drive home and at least the day after. This night was no exception.

This gig was a bit different than the previous ones I have seen. The stage was bare except for a huge movie screen, center stage. Possibly taking a tip from her good friend Cher (text me anytime queen Diva!), a video reel began to play showcasing some of Griffin's appearances, her beloved mom Maggie, and guest spots by celebrity friends introducing Griffin to the stage. Once she hit the Arsht stage as always she came on running. I don't think Griffin has every casually walked on to a stage. Running at half speed, giving the audience the middle finger salute, she bounded across the stage to thunderous applause and standing ovation. Maybe it's because I've never been this close to Griffin, I had second row seats, I couldn't help but notice things about her I never had before. First is her height. Although she was wearing heels she is petite. Standing a solid 5'4, 51 years of age; the woman looks good. I mean really well, and I don't mean for a 51 year old. She's got a great figure, tiny waist (which I would kill for) and her '˜outfit' certainly showed off every curve in her frame. Though she apologized to '˜her gays' in the audience for wearing a glittery '˜Kathy' black t-shirt, lycra (or spandex) black tights '" not really tights but I have no idea what to call them, she proudly sported a supposed and repeatedly mentioned '˜camel toe.' If you don't know the term, Google it. I won't spoil the definition for you.

She also sported the standard wood stool with a menagerie of bottled water. One of the many great things about being in Miami is there is always a celebrity in town. Within the first five minutes of Griffin's gig Gloria Estefan walked very nonchalantly on to the stage. A stunned but elated crowd wildly applauded So Flo's famous daughter. She welcomed Griffin and made a quick exit to someplace either backstage or in the audience. I have to admit the moment was pretty cool.If you are indeed a Griffin fan and have either seen her perform live or her comedy stand-up specials, comically you know what to expect. She's taking aim at Hollywood, celebrities, politicians, the Catholic Church and anyone else who comes to her mind. That's the great thing about her; no one is off limits. She has the uncanny ability to say things we're all thinking and don't have the b***s to say. The important thing to note is her audience probably better than any other gets the joke. We don't take it seriously and neither does Griffin. There is an irony in the truth she speaks through her comedy routine. The bottom line is '" there is no middle ground with Kathy Griffin. You either love her or hate her. There is no in between and I'm sure that's just the way she likes it.

Of course she hit hard on Charlie Sheen, Sarah Palin, Elizabeth Hasselbach, Oprah, Washington politics, Tiger Woods, all things far and wide. I'm not going to attempt to write her comments simply because I would do an awful job trying to recreate HER craft. I may be humorous from time to time but I'm no comedian and don't have the delivery Griffin or any other comedian has. Frankly it wouldn't come out funny. For that, you need to see Kathy live yourselves.The sold out audience in attendance for tonight's '˜One Night Only,' performance was as broad as Miami's melting pot population. It is no secret Griffin has a huge gay following. She lovingly refers a lot of her act to '˜her gays,' but make no mistake her act isn't pigeon holed to one demographic. She announces certain segments to '˜the straights' in the audience,' making sure they are paying attention. One definite is, and it may be a redundant statement: Griffin's live show is not for the younger set. Do yourselves a favor and leave the kids at home. She is vulgar, crass, and packs a one-two punch. Bringing the kiddies will most likely result in you spending half the show and the rest of the night explaining what this and that means.

Kathy expertly hits on some of the reality shows she herself watches and knows are '˜guilty pleasures.' You know those shows no one would ever admit to watching themselves. I watch a couple of them myself but will deny it until I'm blue in the face. The '˜Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' on the Bravo network especially comes under fire. Her own show on the same network "My Life On the D-List," has been an audience favorite for years and garnered her two Emmy awards. No one and nothing is immune to her sharp wit and tongue. So be prepared. She drops the '˜f' bomb as frequently and easily as most people say '˜hello,' and that's just the beginning. The great thing for me about Griffin and what keeps me coming back is not only is she funny but she is unapologetic for who she is. If you can take the truth about the world we live in (as Kathy sees it) our obsession with celebrity, and can laugh despite yourself you're going to have a great time seeing Griffin live in concert. Great seeing you KG, see you on the rebound girlfriend.