Go to 10 music shows

So I didn’t make my goal of 10 shows, but I actually came a lot closer than I thought I would. For 2011, I’m setting the same goal, and hpoing that I get to see some class acts. I know I can be hard to reach, and there’s often scheduling conflicts, but never stop inviting me to shows. Please!

After trying to see them earlier in the year and failing due to a 100+ fever, I was relieved to finally get to the Warfield in October and bliss out for a few hours. These guys are just as good live as they are recorded and the harmonies are spot on. This was about the time that I realized that I need to start elbowing to the front again, as I felt kind of removed from the music and distracted by those around me, but I blame me and the audience, not the band. So, so good.

Last Octber, while I was in Vancouver visiting the best person alive, it so happened that a local Flamenco guitarist who I’ve worked with and admired was doing a small show at a church in town. I easily convinced -j to come with me and it was phenomenal. Three singers, each emotive, though I was particularly impressed with Cristo Cortez. The dancer was pleasant enough, though I wasn’t particularly impressed. But the guitar and singing made this possibly the best show of the year.

There’s something special about watching opera with several thousand people for free in a ballpark. And extra special while eating greasy ballpark pizza. And extra extra special with friends who appreciate opera but are also terribly bored by the third act and enjoy instead writing our own opera about Koreans who sing in Swedish in Ethiopia. Man, that third act was boring.

(A note about the picture – that was just the stands. The entire outfield was also crammed full of poeple.)

I’m trying to catch up, now that it’s 2011, and I need new fun goals. But I still want to keep track, so I’ll crunch in as many as I can now.

Oh, TMBG. You’ve been one of my favorite bands forever and you have never disappointed at a show. This one, on August 22nd, was spectacular, at Stern Grove in the open beautiful air (and FREE). The energy was a little strange, as I’m used to seeing them in cramped clubs, the nerdy excitement flowing between all us geeks, jumping in unison. But it was still excellent, even without that. Add a delicious picnic and the company of friends and it was a most amazing day.

This was supposed to be a concert of 2009, but somehow it ended up rescheduled for May 25th. Mom had bought tickets ages ago, and I’m so glad I put the new date on the calendar because we would have completely forgotten.

This was a concert of three people at the top of their arts: Edgar Meyer and his double bass, Bela Fleck and his banjo, and Zakir Hussain and his tablas. I don’t know that I would have dreamed of putting the three together, but it flowed beautifully.

Way back on May 18th, I went to see Frightened Rabbit’s “acoustic” show at the Rickshaw Stop with Jenn (surprise!). This was my first taste of what would eventually become my cranky old woman-ness, so between that and the death of my hard drive (which lost my photos, which were great for this show, sob), I wasn’t chomping at the bit to write this up.

But they were great! I’d love to see them again. OH WAIT, I was supposed to see them in October in Vancouver but got a sore throat instead. Stupid throats.

2010 is the year that I only go to see music with Jenn, evidently. I have absolutely no problem with this, since she introduces me to music like Fanfarlo. They played the Great American Music Hall, and they were even better live than recorded. Even with the lead singer sick. I instantly fell in love and have been listening to Reservoir on repeat.

Oh man, am I ever behind on, well, EVERYTHING. But I’m finally mentally prepared to get back into this, I swear.

I love Persephone’s Bees and hadn’t seen them for a few years, which is odd, considering they’re a local band. They had a ton of new material and as always put on an excellent show. IN JANUARY. Jeeeeeez.

I love Cafe du Nord.

Guys, Julia Nunes is adorable. She plays great music and tells great stories and I’m so glad that Jenn and I headed over to the Swedish American Hall to go see her. It was a totally last-minute “let’s show up and see what happens” kind of show and it was completely worth it. Plus (and I’ve discussed this before), the show was over by nine thirty, which meant that I could go to secret karaoke at Annie’s and drink a lot of cheap drinks and belt out some Go-Go’s.

It was the beginning of a fantastic weekend that also involved a children’s production of The Wizard of Oz, dinner at Flour+Water, experimental dancing, Picnic Face, and more! I’m a lucky girl.

Apologies for the blurry photo – I still haven’t mastered low light photography with my new camera. Sadly, this was the best one I took.