Lil bub dispenses science & magic in a seattle record shop

Lil BUB and her humans hosted what will probably be one of her final public appearances over the weekend in Seattle. We flew up from Northern California to see BUB as well as her Dude, Mike Bridavsky, and his close friend, bandmate, (and official BUBbysitter) Matt Tobey celebrate the release of their intergalactic collaboration, a CD called Science & Magic: A Soundtrack to the Universe. The event took place at Silver Platters record store, and because it was limited to 100 ticket holders, the vibe was relaxed and intimate.

Mike greeted us with a big smile while Matt signed our copies of Science & Magic. Bub napped calmly on a comfy pillow, most likely dreaming of yogurt and exciting adventures in space.

The Seattle event was among several scheduled around the U.S. Although BUB sustained an injury to her left leg in November, none of the events was canceled. In fact, Mike said BUB’s recovery is going well. In November, Mike wrote on Facebook, “BUB had an accident and she fractured her left front elbow and had to undergo surgery to ensure it healed properly. I am thrilled to report that she is doing great, she is as spry as ever, has the appetite of a lion, and seems to have no idea that anything even happened.”

Over the weekend Mike praised Purdue University for the care its staff gave BUB. He said he chose Purdue because the surgeons there partner with expert anesthesiologists, and as it ended up that BUB required a tracheotomy during surgery, his decision resulted in the best possible outcome.

After this tour, Mike said, Lil BUB will retire from travel. He was very clear that it has “nothing to do with Bub, and everything to do with me.” It’s time for BUB to focus on other projects that will allow her Dude to spend time with his family. Lil BUB will appear at CatConLA in June 2016, Mike said, specifying it will be her “last official public appearance.”

As for BUB’s magical album? It’s absolutely amazing. The music transports the mind beyond the limits of imagination. All the beautiful concepts BUB represents are inherent in this emotionally gratifying instrumental album. The names of the nine songs span Lil BUB’s arrival and compassionate presence on this planet and continue into the future.

The final song is called “Rebirth.” I was curious so I asked Mike about it. His reply? “Full disclosure: That song is called ‘Rebirth’ just so people would think, ‘Why the hell is it called that?’”

Matt Tobey wrote the song, saying that “the song and placement on the album represent a full circle, since that was the first song I wrote for her when she was a tiny kitten.”

Some will recognize it as the song played in the videos of BUB as a kitten.

I asked about the possibility of more musical collaboration in the future, and Mike said he’s considering another concept album consisting of instrumental covers of all BUB’s favorite songs … with BUB’s influence, of course.

Before leaving, we thanked Mike and BUB for more than two years of memorable events and for all the work they’ve done to raise money for animal charities. It was bittersweet to say goodbye this time, and as I sit here listening to “Space Sister” (Mike’s favorite song on the album, and mine too) I feel lucky and honored to be able to call BUB a friend.