Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Songs That Are The Soundtrack To My LIfe
This one has definitely come back around again:
Guster - Happier
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
What's Coming Up In August
8/8 - Dawes
8/11 - Mumford and Sons - Gentlemen of the Road Stopover
8/15 - Almost Famous at the Paramount
8/19 - Oold Crowe Medicine Show w/the Lumineers
8/29, 8/30 - Michael Franti & Spearhead!
8/11 - Mumford and Sons - Gentlemen of the Road Stopover
8/15 - Almost Famous at the Paramount
8/19 - Oold Crowe Medicine Show w/the Lumineers
8/29, 8/30 - Michael Franti & Spearhead!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Dave Matthews Band, everywhere, all the time
I started this blog on 7.29.12 at the urging of someone who thinks one day I'll want to remember these stories. He hitch hiked to Woodstock and has some stories himself so he should know.. :)
My idea was to go back and chronicle the shows and events that had meant something to me as a music fan. I could title each one the band name, the city, and the date.
But I'm a little confused as to what to do with Dave Matthews Band, who I have been a huge fan of over the years. Hometown boys, gotta love 'em. But according to antsmarching.org, I have been to 65 of their shows. Really? When did that happen? Good Lord. Sounds excessive but remember it's over the course of 15 years! So barring an individual post for each show, which I don't know will happen, here is a lovely map of every where I've seen those boys in the United States.
And Ireland. :)
My idea was to go back and chronicle the shows and events that had meant something to me as a music fan. I could title each one the band name, the city, and the date.
But I'm a little confused as to what to do with Dave Matthews Band, who I have been a huge fan of over the years. Hometown boys, gotta love 'em. But according to antsmarching.org, I have been to 65 of their shows. Really? When did that happen? Good Lord. Sounds excessive but remember it's over the course of 15 years! So barring an individual post for each show, which I don't know will happen, here is a lovely map of every where I've seen those boys in the United States.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Michael Franti and Spearhead, Wilmington, NC 7.27.12
Before the Richmond show, as we were talking about Spearhead on facebook, a friend had mentioned that I should come see them at her hometown venue in Wilmington, NC this weekend. The show was sold out, but she had a couple extra tickets. It seemed crazy, but as soon as Richmond was done I knew I wanted more, and would do whatever it took to get it.
So I rather impromptu-ly decided to just do it. Got the afternoon off work, rented a car, grabbed a hotel reservation. On July 27th, I set out on the 5.5 hour road trip to Wilmington. Now, I love road trips. I love them even more when I am by myself. Time to think, time to listen to music, sing at the top of your lungs, buy gas station junk food to keep you company, stop at random places, see places you've never seen before. It is just what life is about.
I arrived in good time and met up with this friend and her husband. We actually didn't know each other well, had only met a handful of times. But I quickly realize they make me laugh.. and that's all I want and need in a friend.
We went into the venue and I was so surprised that it was SO tiny. A very small, in the woods, 900 seat amphitheatre. You are basically eye level with the band, although there is a barricade between you. We were essentially second row and made it to the front row by mid-set.
This was probably the best show I have ever seen. The setlist was a great mix of old favorites and new sing-alongs. Michael Franti was very talkative and told stories about where and why and how some songs were written. He played the one that is "my" song that he wrote for his kid going away. They were rocking it out as always but the proximity of the view made it very special. About mid-set, Michael Franti pointed to my friend and told her to come over the barricade. (It's quite the haul over it, so I'm very proud of her for going despite her hestitance). He had brought her up for the set break where he has people pretend to play the guitar while he runs to the back for the next song. She just ran with it and rocked out on stage, jamming it out with Jay Boogie.
They closed the set with a new song - Long Ride Home - that just spoke to me because I had done this crazy road trip just to get there. Loved how they all came to the front of the stage and engaged us all in a sing along. It was just a very special night, and I was so happy I went.
Here's one of MF's videos from the night - upside down but you can see me clearly - if you knew what to look for! :)
http://yfrog.us/jchspwcsptozkuqhxhszbjqfz
So I rather impromptu-ly decided to just do it. Got the afternoon off work, rented a car, grabbed a hotel reservation. On July 27th, I set out on the 5.5 hour road trip to Wilmington. Now, I love road trips. I love them even more when I am by myself. Time to think, time to listen to music, sing at the top of your lungs, buy gas station junk food to keep you company, stop at random places, see places you've never seen before. It is just what life is about.
I arrived in good time and met up with this friend and her husband. We actually didn't know each other well, had only met a handful of times. But I quickly realize they make me laugh.. and that's all I want and need in a friend.
We went into the venue and I was so surprised that it was SO tiny. A very small, in the woods, 900 seat amphitheatre. You are basically eye level with the band, although there is a barricade between you. We were essentially second row and made it to the front row by mid-set.
This was probably the best show I have ever seen. The setlist was a great mix of old favorites and new sing-alongs. Michael Franti was very talkative and told stories about where and why and how some songs were written. He played the one that is "my" song that he wrote for his kid going away. They were rocking it out as always but the proximity of the view made it very special. About mid-set, Michael Franti pointed to my friend and told her to come over the barricade. (It's quite the haul over it, so I'm very proud of her for going despite her hestitance). He had brought her up for the set break where he has people pretend to play the guitar while he runs to the back for the next song. She just ran with it and rocked out on stage, jamming it out with Jay Boogie.
They closed the set with a new song - Long Ride Home - that just spoke to me because I had done this crazy road trip just to get there. Loved how they all came to the front of the stage and engaged us all in a sing along. It was just a very special night, and I was so happy I went.
Here's one of MF's videos from the night - upside down but you can see me clearly - if you knew what to look for! :)
http://yfrog.us/
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Michael Franti and Spearheard, Richmond, VA 7.25.2012
On Wednesday, July 25, 2012 I went out to the National in Richmond by myself to see my old favorites Michael Franti and Spearhead. I had debated buying tickets and unreasonably long time, because it was a Wednesday night and I had to work and I am unbelievably boring like that nowadays, but at some point the old me took a stand and said "screw you, you're going".
So I went. I grabbed a good drink as I walked in, and made my way to the front side stage. Small crowd due to the weeknight, but already could tell it would be a fun crowd. I made friends with a woman next to me who had won the poster contest for the night and had been back stage before the show. I was on my iphone and had posted on facebook joking that I would be getting on stage tonight. The show started with that energy that Spearhead shows are classic for. Everyone Deserves Music - one of my favorites.
A few songs in I left to get another drink. Contest lady saved my spot. Those drinks are very strong, funny how that happens when you drink doubles.
So about 4-5 songs in, they start playing "All I Need Is You" which is a great song, very sexy, but it's a slow song, which allows the ADD part of me a little window of "hey, I wonder what fascinating things are happening in my iphone" so I look down and start reading responses to my post on facebook. The post I'd made about getting on stage. And then it came to my attention that something was happening. I can't remember if someone tapped me on the shoulder or I just naturally looked up, but when I did, I saw Michael Franti on the end of the stage pointing to me and crooking his finger - come up here. I didn't hesitate, and that must have been the liquor. I knew I was busted.
In retrospect, it all happened in slow motion. I walked up the steps to the stage, he held out his hand and pulled me up. I just stood there, didn't know what to do. He walked up to the mic - I couldn't hear everything he said but I knew he was calling me out for "texting" during the show, and that we weren't going to text we were going to dance. Then he pulled me off to the side, and we danced. Together. All I remember is that smile. That gorgeous smile. I said "we've met before my friend". He probably couldn't hear me. He then walked back to the mic and continued singing "All I Need Is You" - get it - all he needs is me, to get off my damn phone and pay attention. He turned and motioned to me to come to him, so I did, and we put our arms around each other. He was sweaty and gross and glorious. It was about in that moment that I realized in my vodka induced haze that I was on stage. With Michael Franti. With a whole hell of a lot of people staring at me. He then said something else into the mic, and asked what my name was - I sad KC and he said "give it up for KC". I then quickly got off stage.
The rest of the night was a blur. A high from the moment, people coming up to me and saying things about me being on stage. Vodka. It really was a bit too much for a drunk introvert to take in. I'm now convinced I looked like a fool, and just stood there like a dumbass. But man, what a story..
So I went. I grabbed a good drink as I walked in, and made my way to the front side stage. Small crowd due to the weeknight, but already could tell it would be a fun crowd. I made friends with a woman next to me who had won the poster contest for the night and had been back stage before the show. I was on my iphone and had posted on facebook joking that I would be getting on stage tonight. The show started with that energy that Spearhead shows are classic for. Everyone Deserves Music - one of my favorites.
A few songs in I left to get another drink. Contest lady saved my spot. Those drinks are very strong, funny how that happens when you drink doubles.
So about 4-5 songs in, they start playing "All I Need Is You" which is a great song, very sexy, but it's a slow song, which allows the ADD part of me a little window of "hey, I wonder what fascinating things are happening in my iphone" so I look down and start reading responses to my post on facebook. The post I'd made about getting on stage. And then it came to my attention that something was happening. I can't remember if someone tapped me on the shoulder or I just naturally looked up, but when I did, I saw Michael Franti on the end of the stage pointing to me and crooking his finger - come up here. I didn't hesitate, and that must have been the liquor. I knew I was busted.
In retrospect, it all happened in slow motion. I walked up the steps to the stage, he held out his hand and pulled me up. I just stood there, didn't know what to do. He walked up to the mic - I couldn't hear everything he said but I knew he was calling me out for "texting" during the show, and that we weren't going to text we were going to dance. Then he pulled me off to the side, and we danced. Together. All I remember is that smile. That gorgeous smile. I said "we've met before my friend". He probably couldn't hear me. He then walked back to the mic and continued singing "All I Need Is You" - get it - all he needs is me, to get off my damn phone and pay attention. He turned and motioned to me to come to him, so I did, and we put our arms around each other. He was sweaty and gross and glorious. It was about in that moment that I realized in my vodka induced haze that I was on stage. With Michael Franti. With a whole hell of a lot of people staring at me. He then said something else into the mic, and asked what my name was - I sad KC and he said "give it up for KC". I then quickly got off stage.
The rest of the night was a blur. A high from the moment, people coming up to me and saying things about me being on stage. Vodka. It really was a bit too much for a drunk introvert to take in. I'm now convinced I looked like a fool, and just stood there like a dumbass. But man, what a story..
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Trevor Hall, Charlottesville, VA 7.9.12
I didn't know much about Trevor Hall but had been hearing good things about him, with one particular facebook friend raving about him. I looked up some videos on youtube but they didn't do much for me, so I was ambivalent about buying tickets.
But it was one of those nights, where I got home from work, laid down on my bed, and within 4 minutes was bored. So I looked at the time, saw I could safely make it downtown for the main act, and went. And I have to say, I was quite impressed.
Within the first song I was interested. A different sound, good mix between jamming and lyrics. Not too long with the jams. Small crowd, so you could move around a lot. For some reason Brandie Carlisle was there and came out at the encore. Really good show.
But it was one of those nights, where I got home from work, laid down on my bed, and within 4 minutes was bored. So I looked at the time, saw I could safely make it downtown for the main act, and went. And I have to say, I was quite impressed.
Within the first song I was interested. A different sound, good mix between jamming and lyrics. Not too long with the jams. Small crowd, so you could move around a lot. For some reason Brandie Carlisle was there and came out at the encore. Really good show.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Franti Reprise
Well, I am just now coming down off the high from the Michael Franti week.. it really was such an amazing time. I really was a fan of his music for years. And I peripherally knew things about him as a person - knew he was into yoga, knew his political beliefs (which mirrored my own), watched his documentary that he made when he traveled abroad. I admired him, certainly, but had never researched him in the sense that I would know his birthday or how many kids he had or whatever other details you pick up when you're really interested in the PERSON and not just the ARTIST.
So as all of this was happening, I started paying more attention. I read his wikipedia page on the plane trip. I watched youtube videos. And I found that his kindness, compassion and true interest in humanity is authentic and sustained. I found that my experience with him is not all that unique. I found that my story is like any other he's heard through the years. Which is what almost makes him even more impressive. He hears so many stories, meets so many people, yet doesn't seem to tire of making every effort to meet every pair of eyes, shake every pair of hands, hug everyone who needs a hug. I won a contest for tickets. That's it. But he just gave and gave and gave. And that is simply amazing. And it's inspired me to try and do the same in my life. We all have our trials, and I don't think I tend to be too depressive about mine, but this whole experience has led me to try and find the positive and focus my energy there instead of dwell on the negative.
A lot of this also has to do with my admiration of all talented people. I have brothers who can sing and write poetry/music, write stories. I am fascinated by people who can tell stories, make music, move people with their words and thoughts and melodies. I would give anything to have that talent, but it's just not there for me. I am smart, educated, can be quite funny if I know you well enough to let my guard down, but that particular brand of talent has always escaped my grasp. So I am always a fan of the people who have that - whether celebrities or just someone I meet on the street. To know I occupied the thoughts, however briefly, of someone I admire and believe to be vastly talented - the very same brain cells that creates these words and music I find inspirational - well, that's just a huge compliment.
So again, I have to thank Michael Franti - and all the other people I saw along the way in the story who were just as kind - for an amazing week!
So as all of this was happening, I started paying more attention. I read his wikipedia page on the plane trip. I watched youtube videos. And I found that his kindness, compassion and true interest in humanity is authentic and sustained. I found that my experience with him is not all that unique. I found that my story is like any other he's heard through the years. Which is what almost makes him even more impressive. He hears so many stories, meets so many people, yet doesn't seem to tire of making every effort to meet every pair of eyes, shake every pair of hands, hug everyone who needs a hug. I won a contest for tickets. That's it. But he just gave and gave and gave. And that is simply amazing. And it's inspired me to try and do the same in my life. We all have our trials, and I don't think I tend to be too depressive about mine, but this whole experience has led me to try and find the positive and focus my energy there instead of dwell on the negative.
A lot of this also has to do with my admiration of all talented people. I have brothers who can sing and write poetry/music, write stories. I am fascinated by people who can tell stories, make music, move people with their words and thoughts and melodies. I would give anything to have that talent, but it's just not there for me. I am smart, educated, can be quite funny if I know you well enough to let my guard down, but that particular brand of talent has always escaped my grasp. So I am always a fan of the people who have that - whether celebrities or just someone I meet on the street. To know I occupied the thoughts, however briefly, of someone I admire and believe to be vastly talented - the very same brain cells that creates these words and music I find inspirational - well, that's just a huge compliment.
So again, I have to thank Michael Franti - and all the other people I saw along the way in the story who were just as kind - for an amazing week!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Michael Franti
Michael Franti and Spearhead are one of my favorite bands. I was turned on to the music in 2002 and quickly became a huge fan. He is an amazing lyricist and an even more amazing performer and even more amazing social activist (or maybe not so much activist than voice). I finally got to see them live a few years back at the 9:30 Club in DC right before I participated in a March on the Pentagon war protest. Perfect weekend.
Since then, I've caught them every time they ever came near me.. several times in Richmond. And in the meantime, I've played the music for my family and everyone has fallen in love with them - young, old and disabled!
Two years ago, I was flying to Louisiana to take custody of my niece and nephews and I went to a DMB show in Manassas with Michael Franti & Spearhead opening the night before. I sat in the audience, completely overwhelmed with fear and resentment and felt like I was giving up my whole life. And then MF got on stage and introduced a song with a story about his son coming to him and wanting to move to New York, and he knew he had to let him go - he had raised him as best he could and now all he could do was send him in to the world to succeed or fail. And then he sung the song he wrote from that experience, which was beautiful. And in that moment, I had this epiphany that I was now entering into the most important job I'll ever do and that anything I am giving up doesn't mean a single thing anymore. And just like that, I was at peace. So I left the concert, a couple songs in to DMB's set, and walked into my new life.
So that's the background. Skip forward to last Tuesday. MF & Spearhead are opening for John Mayer and I knew the nola show was the night I was flying in for a birthday trip, but, I already had tix to the Cville show on 3/16. But on Tuesday night, MF announced he would be playing on the streets of nola before the show. I was excited, but didn't know if I could get there from the airport in time! Then they announced a contest for you to simply tell them why you NEED tickets to the show. I made a quick post and told my story (not the paragraph above though!) and also posted a video of my nephew dancing to their music. And I won! Next thing I knew, Michael Franti's facebook account had emailed me and asked some questions and the end result was he gave me tix to the nola show and the backstage passes for the Cville show for my family!
Everything travel wise worked perfectly on Wednesday so my friend and I rushed to the arena. The small acoustic show was amazing. After, he was meeting anyone who wanted to meet him. I was ambivalent about introducing myself - I figured I could just do it at the Cville date and I was slightly afraid that someone I admire so much may disappoint me. But I asked my friend if she wanted to and she said sure, so, we waited and she eventually asked for a picture which I then took. As we started to back away, MF looked at me and then came straight for me and hugged me.. now it would just be weird if I waited for Cville so I went ahead and said, "hi, I won your fb contest". He immediately acted almost like a fan of MINE which I have to say was an amazing feeling! He started saying "oh that's you! I want to interview you! And started calling his photographer over." Knowing that these videos wind up on their website, I kind of freaked out and asked please no. He was extremely gracious and asked if he could at least get a picture with me. At this point, the whole thing is just so surreal (he's asking ME to take a picture with HIM?) so of course I say yes.
Then I tell him the story above, his music's effect on me the night before I got the kids. I really couldn't tell you if it was coherent. But he did hug me at least two more times (it's like trying to hug the jolly green giant, I seriously need a step stool! lol). Then he asked if he'll see me in North Carolina (which was a mistake from our exchange of emails) and in that portion of the conversation it occurred to me that it was REALLY HIM emailing me this whole time! Or at least he was paying attention to what was being said.
The show that night was amazing... this is the largest setting I've seen this band in and they are the absolute perfect opener! Eventually, they posted a new episode of Frantv on youtube and he actually gave me a shout out at the end!
Then the Cville show came around, tonight. I wasn't sure if they were going to follow through on the passes, since I hadn't heard anything. But I finally got an email from a Franti contact.. only, she said "I just talked to Michael and he said he wants to give you a pair of tickets for tonight." I wasn't sure how to respond, since we had tickets - was this a "no" to the backstage pass? But then she emailed again and asked how many passes I needed so I replied stating we didn't need tickets but we had four people. She said we'd have "after show" passes at the door.
Toward the end of the night, as he was about to play that song I told him about, he started his normal intro, and then he said "and I met a girl recently. She's very shy. But she is taking care of three kids that aren't her own right now, whose parents can't be with them. And she sent me a message on facebook, and I want to say how amazing she is, and she's in the audience tonight." Well, that's what I remember, although I've heard he said my name and talked about my story in relation to the song. I couldn't believe he paid attention to my story enough to introduce that song with it!
So then we had to ask 47 people to find out where to go with our "after show" passes. We eventually wound up 'backstage' in an area you can't normally get to, but we were just stuck in the hallway. The usher said he didn't know where we needed to go, that someone may just come and get us. We waited for a few minutes, and I was just about to give up and leave when a British guy walks by and says "are you KC?" He then introduces himself as Michael's tour manager. He asks us to wait in a room. Then he comes back a few minutes later and says Michael wants us to COME BACK TO HIS DRESSING ROOM!!! Warns us we'd be going right past Mayer and basically not to make a fool of ourselves (as if, that tool!;) and then leads us through a maze into a room... where I hear Michael Franti say .... wait for it... "is that our KC?!" I mean, seriously?
And then there were introductions and the chatting with the kids, and he repeatedly asked us to sit down and just hang out for awhile but I wasn't comfortable with that b/c my nephew can be a handful. We took a few pictures, and then I said we didn't want to take up too much of his time and we made our way out. My mom's first question was how many other fans were backstage.. JUST US! He made that much of an effort - to send his tour manager to seek us out - to have just us in his dressing room! Have you ever even heard of such a thing?!
After the show, I recieved an email from Ben Renschen, the photographer/videographer from the show. He was sending pictures that he had taken backstage. In our brief email exchange, I was again so impressed by the character and spirit of the people MF surrounds himself with. You can tell these people are living their dreams, and it's so uplifting to be a part of that, if even for just a moment in time.
How amazing is this story? I mean, really? I have been a music fan for as long as I can remember and I have never had anyone go to these lengths to make a fan feel special. This man exudes peace and love and I adore him. And the band kicks some serious ass too. :)
Since then, I've caught them every time they ever came near me.. several times in Richmond. And in the meantime, I've played the music for my family and everyone has fallen in love with them - young, old and disabled!
Two years ago, I was flying to Louisiana to take custody of my niece and nephews and I went to a DMB show in Manassas with Michael Franti & Spearhead opening the night before. I sat in the audience, completely overwhelmed with fear and resentment and felt like I was giving up my whole life. And then MF got on stage and introduced a song with a story about his son coming to him and wanting to move to New York, and he knew he had to let him go - he had raised him as best he could and now all he could do was send him in to the world to succeed or fail. And then he sung the song he wrote from that experience, which was beautiful. And in that moment, I had this epiphany that I was now entering into the most important job I'll ever do and that anything I am giving up doesn't mean a single thing anymore. And just like that, I was at peace. So I left the concert, a couple songs in to DMB's set, and walked into my new life.
So that's the background. Skip forward to last Tuesday. MF & Spearhead are opening for John Mayer and I knew the nola show was the night I was flying in for a birthday trip, but, I already had tix to the Cville show on 3/16. But on Tuesday night, MF announced he would be playing on the streets of nola before the show. I was excited, but didn't know if I could get there from the airport in time! Then they announced a contest for you to simply tell them why you NEED tickets to the show. I made a quick post and told my story (not the paragraph above though!) and also posted a video of my nephew dancing to their music. And I won! Next thing I knew, Michael Franti's facebook account had emailed me and asked some questions and the end result was he gave me tix to the nola show and the backstage passes for the Cville show for my family!
Everything travel wise worked perfectly on Wednesday so my friend and I rushed to the arena. The small acoustic show was amazing. After, he was meeting anyone who wanted to meet him. I was ambivalent about introducing myself - I figured I could just do it at the Cville date and I was slightly afraid that someone I admire so much may disappoint me. But I asked my friend if she wanted to and she said sure, so, we waited and she eventually asked for a picture which I then took. As we started to back away, MF looked at me and then came straight for me and hugged me.. now it would just be weird if I waited for Cville so I went ahead and said, "hi, I won your fb contest". He immediately acted almost like a fan of MINE which I have to say was an amazing feeling! He started saying "oh that's you! I want to interview you! And started calling his photographer over." Knowing that these videos wind up on their website, I kind of freaked out and asked please no. He was extremely gracious and asked if he could at least get a picture with me. At this point, the whole thing is just so surreal (he's asking ME to take a picture with HIM?) so of course I say yes.
Then I tell him the story above, his music's effect on me the night before I got the kids. I really couldn't tell you if it was coherent. But he did hug me at least two more times (it's like trying to hug the jolly green giant, I seriously need a step stool! lol). Then he asked if he'll see me in North Carolina (which was a mistake from our exchange of emails) and in that portion of the conversation it occurred to me that it was REALLY HIM emailing me this whole time! Or at least he was paying attention to what was being said.
The show that night was amazing... this is the largest setting I've seen this band in and they are the absolute perfect opener! Eventually, they posted a new episode of Frantv on youtube and he actually gave me a shout out at the end!
Then the Cville show came around, tonight. I wasn't sure if they were going to follow through on the passes, since I hadn't heard anything. But I finally got an email from a Franti contact.. only, she said "I just talked to Michael and he said he wants to give you a pair of tickets for tonight." I wasn't sure how to respond, since we had tickets - was this a "no" to the backstage pass? But then she emailed again and asked how many passes I needed so I replied stating we didn't need tickets but we had four people. She said we'd have "after show" passes at the door.
Toward the end of the night, as he was about to play that song I told him about, he started his normal intro, and then he said "and I met a girl recently. She's very shy. But she is taking care of three kids that aren't her own right now, whose parents can't be with them. And she sent me a message on facebook, and I want to say how amazing she is, and she's in the audience tonight." Well, that's what I remember, although I've heard he said my name and talked about my story in relation to the song. I couldn't believe he paid attention to my story enough to introduce that song with it!
So then we had to ask 47 people to find out where to go with our "after show" passes. We eventually wound up 'backstage' in an area you can't normally get to, but we were just stuck in the hallway. The usher said he didn't know where we needed to go, that someone may just come and get us. We waited for a few minutes, and I was just about to give up and leave when a British guy walks by and says "are you KC?" He then introduces himself as Michael's tour manager. He asks us to wait in a room. Then he comes back a few minutes later and says Michael wants us to COME BACK TO HIS DRESSING ROOM!!! Warns us we'd be going right past Mayer and basically not to make a fool of ourselves (as if, that tool!;) and then leads us through a maze into a room... where I hear Michael Franti say .... wait for it... "is that our KC?!" I mean, seriously?
And then there were introductions and the chatting with the kids, and he repeatedly asked us to sit down and just hang out for awhile but I wasn't comfortable with that b/c my nephew can be a handful. We took a few pictures, and then I said we didn't want to take up too much of his time and we made our way out. My mom's first question was how many other fans were backstage.. JUST US! He made that much of an effort - to send his tour manager to seek us out - to have just us in his dressing room! Have you ever even heard of such a thing?!
After the show, I recieved an email from Ben Renschen, the photographer/videographer from the show. He was sending pictures that he had taken backstage. In our brief email exchange, I was again so impressed by the character and spirit of the people MF surrounds himself with. You can tell these people are living their dreams, and it's so uplifting to be a part of that, if even for just a moment in time.
How amazing is this story? I mean, really? I have been a music fan for as long as I can remember and I have never had anyone go to these lengths to make a fan feel special. This man exudes peace and love and I adore him. And the band kicks some serious ass too. :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Remembering MJ
Ok, so I know the Michael Jackson stuff is all played out at this point, but I have to take an opportunity to express my deep sadness at his passing. See, I was a huge MJ fan, long after it was popular to be one.
Born in '76, some of my earliest childhood memories involved MJ. I remember being in second grade and watching tv while eating a grilled cheese in our observatory (yes, it still strikes me as hilarious that I had a room called an obervatory growing up), and flipping the channel (on the tv, you know, when you had to get up and turn the knob?) onto MTV *just* as MJ was turning into a werewolf. I quickly flipped it off again... it totally freaked me out.. and then it fascinated me.
My sister was a huge fan, she owned the red Beat It jacket and everything. I remember her going to the Jackson Reunion tour in Philadelphia. Afterward, my dad, big brother and I went to pick her up. As we waited for the show to end, my dad stepped up to the venue's fence and put me on his shoulder's so I could watch. I was fascinated.
Then when I was in high school, I watched the Oprah interview right when things were really going downhill for him and for some reason I was fascinated yet again.. I just became so amazed at his brilliance as a musician and songwriter and dancer and for a few years became his biggest fan.
When I graduated high school, he had married Lisa Marie Presley and they were doing a really awesome official Elvis anniversary tribute in Memphis at the Pyramid Arena. I convinced my mama to drive me and brought along my two best friends. Sure enough, they announced at one point that Lisa Marie, Priscilla, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson were in a box watching the show. We were slightly disappointed he didn't perform. My friend and I raced around the arena to get to the box right as he was rushed out the door into an elevator.
A year later I saw an ad on tv for the VH-1 Honors awards. The second I saw MJ was supposed to be there, I was all over it. At 19 years old, I hopped on a plane to Los Angeles without a credit card or a cell phone and went to the Shrine Auditorium in South Central L.A. It was actually one of the best shows I've ever been to with amazing duets (Annie Lennox and Smokey Robinson!). It was a star studded, televised event and this little girl from Louisiana didn't really know how she wound up allowed in the building! And sure enough, there was Michael Jackson, stepping on stage to do a little bit of a song with Boyz II Men. It was so very exciting.
As we all know, things continued going downhill for Mr. Jackson after that and slowly my love spread to other music. However, I always always always will love his music and will forever mourn the fact that I won't see him peform again.
Born in '76, some of my earliest childhood memories involved MJ. I remember being in second grade and watching tv while eating a grilled cheese in our observatory (yes, it still strikes me as hilarious that I had a room called an obervatory growing up), and flipping the channel (on the tv, you know, when you had to get up and turn the knob?) onto MTV *just* as MJ was turning into a werewolf. I quickly flipped it off again... it totally freaked me out.. and then it fascinated me.
My sister was a huge fan, she owned the red Beat It jacket and everything. I remember her going to the Jackson Reunion tour in Philadelphia. Afterward, my dad, big brother and I went to pick her up. As we waited for the show to end, my dad stepped up to the venue's fence and put me on his shoulder's so I could watch. I was fascinated.
Then when I was in high school, I watched the Oprah interview right when things were really going downhill for him and for some reason I was fascinated yet again.. I just became so amazed at his brilliance as a musician and songwriter and dancer and for a few years became his biggest fan.
When I graduated high school, he had married Lisa Marie Presley and they were doing a really awesome official Elvis anniversary tribute in Memphis at the Pyramid Arena. I convinced my mama to drive me and brought along my two best friends. Sure enough, they announced at one point that Lisa Marie, Priscilla, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson were in a box watching the show. We were slightly disappointed he didn't perform. My friend and I raced around the arena to get to the box right as he was rushed out the door into an elevator.
A year later I saw an ad on tv for the VH-1 Honors awards. The second I saw MJ was supposed to be there, I was all over it. At 19 years old, I hopped on a plane to Los Angeles without a credit card or a cell phone and went to the Shrine Auditorium in South Central L.A. It was actually one of the best shows I've ever been to with amazing duets (Annie Lennox and Smokey Robinson!). It was a star studded, televised event and this little girl from Louisiana didn't really know how she wound up allowed in the building! And sure enough, there was Michael Jackson, stepping on stage to do a little bit of a song with Boyz II Men. It was so very exciting.
As we all know, things continued going downhill for Mr. Jackson after that and slowly my love spread to other music. However, I always always always will love his music and will forever mourn the fact that I won't see him peform again.
Thursday, September 7, 2006
DMB, the Gorge in George Washington, Labor Day Weekend Part 2
On this last trip, I discovered the joys of lawn seating at concerts. I'd never been on the lawn. I love the rush and competitiveness of getting great seats to shows (for face!) so I've had my fair share of great seats.
But just this once, my little group decided to sit on the lawn at a massive show, and we loved it so much that we gave away our tickets for the next night and sat lawn again on purpose. Lawn is brilliant because you can 1. stand up and dance, 2. sit down and watch or 3. lay down and almost fall asleep - all depending on your mood!
I have one favorite memory from that last night on the lawn. There's a new song, one that I am really loving. All three of us laid down on our blanket, staring into the stars. When the chorus started (my favorite part) I reached my hand up to the sky and started to swing it left to right. Almost as if it were scripted and without speaking, my two friends reach up and start the motion too. Then we all raised both of our arms, swinging them in the air left to right, in unison, and to the beat. I have no idea what the people around us thought, all I know is that it was a magical moment. And every time I hear that song, I will immediately be back in that moment, in the most beautiful place, laying down, and watching for shooting stars.
But just this once, my little group decided to sit on the lawn at a massive show, and we loved it so much that we gave away our tickets for the next night and sat lawn again on purpose. Lawn is brilliant because you can 1. stand up and dance, 2. sit down and watch or 3. lay down and almost fall asleep - all depending on your mood!
I have one favorite memory from that last night on the lawn. There's a new song, one that I am really loving. All three of us laid down on our blanket, staring into the stars. When the chorus started (my favorite part) I reached my hand up to the sky and started to swing it left to right. Almost as if it were scripted and without speaking, my two friends reach up and start the motion too. Then we all raised both of our arms, swinging them in the air left to right, in unison, and to the beat. I have no idea what the people around us thought, all I know is that it was a magical moment. And every time I hear that song, I will immediately be back in that moment, in the most beautiful place, laying down, and watching for shooting stars.
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
DMB, the Gorge in George Washington, Labor Day Weekend Part 1
The Gorge is the most amazing music venue on earth.
You know how sometimes you go on a vacation that has lots of potential, but then it actually winds up being stupid and boring and a huge waste of money and time, but instead of actually copping to that, you make up stories about how wonderful it was?
My vacation was the exact opposite of that. :)
I was worried.. we had less people coming than usual, we're all older and have more responsibilities, I was hanging out with a married couple - third wheel syndrome, anyone? But none of that mattered... we picked up right where we left off. Three stooges. So many moments that were hilariously perfect.
I could write probably 50 pages, but noone would ever read it, right? So, probably randomly, I'll just offer up tidbits as they come to me.
The first one is not about the trip, really, but something interesting on the plane ride home. On the last leg of my long journey home, a man entered my plane. He was, quite simply, a giant. A true, living, breathing giant. Now, I may be short, so many people are "tall" to me, but this man was bent in half as he walked down the aisle of the plane. I'd never seen anything like it.
I immediately thought of how annoying that may be, to have a physical characteristic that truly sets you apart from every single other person and makes people stare. I may be fat or short or anything else that defines me, but I know I'm not THE fattest or THE shortest or THE whatever that anyone has ever seen. I wondered about his life, and the challenges he has to endure.
This entire trip was my first time in first class. I had lucked out on a promotion where I got the ticket for free. I decided that first class isn't all it's cracked up to be. While it's nice to have extra room, it was room that I didn't need... my feet barely touched the ground and I could have barely touched the seat in front of me if I stretched out my legs. So as I sat there in my first class seat, thinking about this man, I was overwhelmed with the desire to go back and ask him if he wanted to switch seats so he could have the room. I thought about it and thought about it. I'd love to end the story with me having done it and him having eternal gratitude, but of course that's not the case. My natural reserve and dislike of calling attention to myself overrided the desire to do it - and, I wasn't sure how he would react. Would he have been offended? I'll never know.
As we waited for our luggage, I got my first good look at him standing up. He had to duck as he came through the doorway of the large baggage claim area! I found the second tallest guy in the room who looked to be about 6'5 and this guy was clearly heads above him, so the giant was probably closer to 8'0 if not over. He was in his 30's, very good looking. I watched as the 100 or so people in the room pretended not to be staring (just like me, I'm ashamed to admit). Again, how weird that must be? Although if you've never known anything else, maybe not?
You know how sometimes you go on a vacation that has lots of potential, but then it actually winds up being stupid and boring and a huge waste of money and time, but instead of actually copping to that, you make up stories about how wonderful it was?
My vacation was the exact opposite of that. :)
I was worried.. we had less people coming than usual, we're all older and have more responsibilities, I was hanging out with a married couple - third wheel syndrome, anyone? But none of that mattered... we picked up right where we left off. Three stooges. So many moments that were hilariously perfect.
I could write probably 50 pages, but noone would ever read it, right? So, probably randomly, I'll just offer up tidbits as they come to me.
The first one is not about the trip, really, but something interesting on the plane ride home. On the last leg of my long journey home, a man entered my plane. He was, quite simply, a giant. A true, living, breathing giant. Now, I may be short, so many people are "tall" to me, but this man was bent in half as he walked down the aisle of the plane. I'd never seen anything like it.
I immediately thought of how annoying that may be, to have a physical characteristic that truly sets you apart from every single other person and makes people stare. I may be fat or short or anything else that defines me, but I know I'm not THE fattest or THE shortest or THE whatever that anyone has ever seen. I wondered about his life, and the challenges he has to endure.
This entire trip was my first time in first class. I had lucked out on a promotion where I got the ticket for free. I decided that first class isn't all it's cracked up to be. While it's nice to have extra room, it was room that I didn't need... my feet barely touched the ground and I could have barely touched the seat in front of me if I stretched out my legs. So as I sat there in my first class seat, thinking about this man, I was overwhelmed with the desire to go back and ask him if he wanted to switch seats so he could have the room. I thought about it and thought about it. I'd love to end the story with me having done it and him having eternal gratitude, but of course that's not the case. My natural reserve and dislike of calling attention to myself overrided the desire to do it - and, I wasn't sure how he would react. Would he have been offended? I'll never know.
As we waited for our luggage, I got my first good look at him standing up. He had to duck as he came through the doorway of the large baggage claim area! I found the second tallest guy in the room who looked to be about 6'5 and this guy was clearly heads above him, so the giant was probably closer to 8'0 if not over. He was in his 30's, very good looking. I watched as the 100 or so people in the room pretended not to be staring (just like me, I'm ashamed to admit). Again, how weird that must be? Although if you've never known anything else, maybe not?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Marc Broussard, Richmond, VA 8.16.06
My night as a wanna-be roadie..
Tonight I volunteered to work the merchandise booth for Marc Broussard. For those of you who have never checked him out, I cannot recommend him enough. He's from Louisiana and is what good old fashioned Southern Rock is all about. I simply love every single song on his Carencro album. He was performing tonight as the opener for Umphrees McGee and Bela Fleck.
I arrived at the show not really knowing what to expect. It's really just a tiny stage in the middle of a gravel parking lot, with a small segregated seating area and then people with lawn chairs and standing in the back. I arrived and picked up my ticket from the Guest List. I asked for the merchandise manager, Brian, who turned out to be an insanely adorable little guy. He told me to go enjoy Marc's set and then meet back afterward. Turns out the ticket I had was "Gold Circle" which meant I could go into the seating area and sit right there in front row. Marc is a genuine little rock star and I loved his set. Looking around, there was only maybe 50-100 people there that early.. Bela Fleck sat in for a song and I am convinced he and I had a little moment.. :)
When the set was over I went to the booth, which was set up within feet of the stage. Brian explained the merchandise and gave me a wad of money and then went on his way. The night was perfect weather, and perfect for people-watching.. my favorite stories of the night:
One of the first guys to come up was proclaiming how amazing Marc was, how he was blown away. He bought a CD for his girlfriend, then asked for a t-shirt. "Twenty dollars," I said. He handed me a wad of money and said "keep it, keep all my money, give it to him, he's amazing." I open the wad and sure enough there's a $20 along with several ones and fives.
Absolutely stereotypical hippie boy with the loose clothing and tye-die and dreadlocks comes up and asks to use my pen. He's getting the phone number of another guy and I listen to his conversation. He is in law school at UVA. I mention I live in Cville and we get into a long conversation. He says how proud he is to have been accepted into UVA and how it took him 6 years and how he will be a first generation college graduate from his family. He owns his own home and has some investments and hopes to be able to open his own practice one day. In the end, he thanked me for being so hospitable. Yet another reminder that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Oh! And the guy who he was talking to? His email addy is bikerslutt. I asked him if he puts that on his employment applications. He said yes. I told him we laugh at him.
Drunk guy walks up and asks me to get him some beer coupons. I tell him I have no idea what he's talking about. He goes on to tell me how much he likes Marc but he really came for Umphrees McGee. He LOVEEEES Umphrees McGee, he exclaimed. I leaned in close.
"Do you really,LOVE Umphrees McGee?"
"Yes!"
"Well, you may be interested to know they're standing right next to you."
The guys backs up like he thinks I am crazy, but when he looks around and actually realizes those guys were indeed standing right next to me signing stuff for people, his mouth dropped open - "OH SHIT!" lol
All in all, it was quite the fun experience. I was a bit put off by the fact that Marc walked around a lot after his set - went and got beer, in fact, but never came up to the booth. I would think he would just to sell more merchandise, but also to maybe shake the hand of the fan who volunteered to work for him for a night? But maybe I expect too much...
Umphrees McGee and some of Bela's people were around a lot. Too bad I couldn't have picked them out of a crowd. I actually had people asking my permission to go up to the artists. Of course, I had a power trip and told them no.... ;) Just kidding!
The encore of the show, with all three bands on stage, was amazing. Me and the merchandise guys for the other bands were dancing our butts off. Brian came in and out during the show and we chatted some. He told me stories of going out with the band, and we compared notes from him visiting Louisiana for Mardi Gras. At the end, we settled up money-wise and he told me I could take any merchandise I wanted.. I just settled for a couple live recordings.
And thus fulfilled my dream of working on a tour!
Tonight I volunteered to work the merchandise booth for Marc Broussard. For those of you who have never checked him out, I cannot recommend him enough. He's from Louisiana and is what good old fashioned Southern Rock is all about. I simply love every single song on his Carencro album. He was performing tonight as the opener for Umphrees McGee and Bela Fleck.
I arrived at the show not really knowing what to expect. It's really just a tiny stage in the middle of a gravel parking lot, with a small segregated seating area and then people with lawn chairs and standing in the back. I arrived and picked up my ticket from the Guest List. I asked for the merchandise manager, Brian, who turned out to be an insanely adorable little guy. He told me to go enjoy Marc's set and then meet back afterward. Turns out the ticket I had was "Gold Circle" which meant I could go into the seating area and sit right there in front row. Marc is a genuine little rock star and I loved his set. Looking around, there was only maybe 50-100 people there that early.. Bela Fleck sat in for a song and I am convinced he and I had a little moment.. :)
When the set was over I went to the booth, which was set up within feet of the stage. Brian explained the merchandise and gave me a wad of money and then went on his way. The night was perfect weather, and perfect for people-watching.. my favorite stories of the night:
One of the first guys to come up was proclaiming how amazing Marc was, how he was blown away. He bought a CD for his girlfriend, then asked for a t-shirt. "Twenty dollars," I said. He handed me a wad of money and said "keep it, keep all my money, give it to him, he's amazing." I open the wad and sure enough there's a $20 along with several ones and fives.
Absolutely stereotypical hippie boy with the loose clothing and tye-die and dreadlocks comes up and asks to use my pen. He's getting the phone number of another guy and I listen to his conversation. He is in law school at UVA. I mention I live in Cville and we get into a long conversation. He says how proud he is to have been accepted into UVA and how it took him 6 years and how he will be a first generation college graduate from his family. He owns his own home and has some investments and hopes to be able to open his own practice one day. In the end, he thanked me for being so hospitable. Yet another reminder that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Oh! And the guy who he was talking to? His email addy is bikerslutt. I asked him if he puts that on his employment applications. He said yes. I told him we laugh at him.
Drunk guy walks up and asks me to get him some beer coupons. I tell him I have no idea what he's talking about. He goes on to tell me how much he likes Marc but he really came for Umphrees McGee. He LOVEEEES Umphrees McGee, he exclaimed. I leaned in close.
"Do you really,LOVE Umphrees McGee?"
"Yes!"
"Well, you may be interested to know they're standing right next to you."
The guys backs up like he thinks I am crazy, but when he looks around and actually realizes those guys were indeed standing right next to me signing stuff for people, his mouth dropped open - "OH SHIT!" lol
All in all, it was quite the fun experience. I was a bit put off by the fact that Marc walked around a lot after his set - went and got beer, in fact, but never came up to the booth. I would think he would just to sell more merchandise, but also to maybe shake the hand of the fan who volunteered to work for him for a night? But maybe I expect too much...
Umphrees McGee and some of Bela's people were around a lot. Too bad I couldn't have picked them out of a crowd. I actually had people asking my permission to go up to the artists. Of course, I had a power trip and told them no.... ;) Just kidding!
The encore of the show, with all three bands on stage, was amazing. Me and the merchandise guys for the other bands were dancing our butts off. Brian came in and out during the show and we chatted some. He told me stories of going out with the band, and we compared notes from him visiting Louisiana for Mardi Gras. At the end, we settled up money-wise and he told me I could take any merchandise I wanted.. I just settled for a couple live recordings.
And thus fulfilled my dream of working on a tour!
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Charlottesville, Va 8.1.2006
Pics from the Robert Randolph and the Family Band show.
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