I'm going to back it up a bit here and talk about the Avett Brothers show I saw at Toad's Place um . . . like 10 days ago. The show was great. I haven't had that much fun at a performance in a long time. The crowd was really into the set, shouting lyrics in unison back at the band. If you've never seen lead singer and banjoist brother, Scott Avett perform, you are missing some of the finest, rowdiest, string-breaking banjo music out there. He and his brother Seth, who also sings but plays the guitar, broke 3+ strings each during the nearly two hour set. Both brothers had an identical instrument back stage so as to be able to rotate through the pieces with broken strings.
After having listened to their 2007 release, Emotionalism, most of the summer I was really excited to hear the material live. I realized during the first set I loved them live twice as much as I love their recorded work. The energy and love for the songs the band -- who also included a guy on stand-up bass and a cellist -- put out, came right back at them. They were humble and happy to be in front of a crowd that loved them. I wanted to take Scott and his banjo home with me -- beard and crazy black hair and all -- not in a long time have I been smitten so by a band!
I've often tried to explain the Avett Brothers' sound but it's really hard to put into words. I've heard "new-grass", "non-traditional bluegrass", "grungegrass" and as The Washington Post described them, as "post civil-war modern rock". Their show is one of the few places where you will see and hear a cellist wearing a 3-piece suit and black rimmed glasses, stand on his instrument and jam along with a bass, banjo, guitar and kick drum all backing up the sincere lyrical genius that these boys bring. Ah, I think I'm in love . . .
Sunday, September 30, 2007
backin' it up
Darjeeling: a tea of high quality grown especially in the mountainous districts of northern India
I know I have several fellow Wes Anderson (Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums) film fans out there and as you probably know, his latest project, The Darjeeling Limited with Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody and Owen Wilson opened on Friday. A 12-minute prequel is available for free download at iTunes. With only Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, Hotel Chevalier is shot and dressed in true Wes Anderson style, and a satisfying view of what's to come in the film.
If you download and watch the short, keep an ear out for the Peter Sarstedt song "Where Do You Go To". I wanted to watch it again just to hear the song through a second time.
If you download and watch the short, keep an ear out for the Peter Sarstedt song "Where Do You Go To". I wanted to watch it again just to hear the song through a second time.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
you tell me
Someone at work directed me to visit this site and watch the "Clark and Michael" webisodes (or are they webisodics?) from Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) and some other guy named Clark Duke (from Greek). My source says he watched them all in one sitting as it was hard to walk away from but I can't quite decide if is hilariously brilliant -- or just random -- so, you tell me.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Yesterday's News
The a/c has been turned off and the faintest sign of color is appearing in the trees -- it's fall in Virginia and that blisses me out.
Friday, I attended a bridal luncheon for my friend Amy who got herself hitched yesterday. The ladies' lunch was much more entertaining than expected and the venue -- Hanover Tavern, near Ashland -- and company were worth the trip. Later that day I met up with friends for a pre-show happy hour before heading to Charlottesville (in the pouring rain) for THE show. It was so nice to be in the company of people who both love the music I do and want to talk about it. I miss that.
The Paramount Theater, located on the Downtown Mall in C'ville was a new venue for me. As in most theaters, it was a seated show and I was sitting solo -- between several hipster kids in their dark rimmed glasses and plaid shirts with snaps keeping setlist notes and a couple on what seemed to be their first or second date (and from the sound of things, their last). They were an interesting distraction until the show began, but once the lights went out, my focus was straight ahead . . .
I'm no good with details like what song they led off with or what the band were wearing but I can tell you they sounded fantastic (sans a couple of feedback screeches) and rolled through lots of favorites -- Magnolia Mountain, Dear Chicago, Damn Sam, Let It Ride. There were only three songs from the new album, which surprised some in our group -- Goodnight Rose, I Taught Myself How to Grow Old and Tears of Gold -- and I was a little bummed not to have heard Halloween Head as I've been jonesing to hear it live. But, the finale totally made up for that. I See Monsters started off slow until the band tore into it with thrashing heads, wailing guitars and throbbing lights. It was a great song to end the show -- though the crowd was a little stunned to see the house lights go up right after as the band put down their instruments and walked off stage. No "good night", no "thanks for coming" -- and no encore. I've always said I wish bands would skip the pre-encore taunting and just play straight through and then when it actually happened I wasn't at all prepared. We all agreed, this show was phenomenally better than when we saw the band in 2006. Great night!
Saturday, The Girls and I volunteered with the Anthem Gurney Tourney downtown. Imagine 30 retired hospital gurneys decorated like themed parade floats with one rider and several other folks dressed to match their gurney and running through a crazy obstacle course. Two of us were stationed at the last obstacle -- the fire hose challenge. And yes, where there are fire hoses, there are firemen -- four of Richmond's finest. They even let me test their hose!
After the Tourney we were ready for naps before getting ready for our friends' Big Fat Greek Wedding! Though not as extravagant as the movie I assume we've all seen, it was much more theatrical than other weddings I've been to. The cathedral was beautiful and ornate and the ceremony and it's symbolism were very interesting. The big difference between this and other weddings I've been to were the missing vows -- the bride and groom did not say a word through the entire ceremony. And, the Reverend Father (priest? reverend? - I need to brush up on my clergy members) and the Cantor sang most of the ceremony -- along with the organ, which is an instrument I love to hear played well.
One thing we all found interesting were the many fertility blessings we heard throughout the ceremony and symbols used during the entire event -- like the pouches of candy coated almonds called Koufeta each guest received after the wedding. Considered over time as a token of fertility, the number of almonds is always odd as it cannot be divided evenly, and reflects the idea that the couple cannot be divided. Love learning new stuff!
The reception, which honestly is the part of a wedding we look forward to most, was held at The Crossings resort in Glen Allen. And, with the reception came the Greek band and dancing! We'd always heard Amy and her sister talk about their Greek dancing classes and other weddings and events they'd been to where they had the chance to practice their skills but to see it firsthand was even better. The songs, and in turn the dances, never seemed to end, nor did the shower of dollar bills wedding guests were, in Greek tradition, throwing onto the dance floor. And, no, we weren't served lamb for dinner, but there was baklava and, oh boy, Ouzo! I was pulled into a round of shots at some point during the evening and I'm sure my prune face look afterward was most attractive. We danced until the music stopped and the lights went up and bid our farewells to the newlyweds who after their honeymoon in a tree house in Costa Rica are leaving Richmond for Boulder, CO. Can't wait to visit -- and take in a show at Red Rocks!
Friday, I attended a bridal luncheon for my friend Amy who got herself hitched yesterday. The ladies' lunch was much more entertaining than expected and the venue -- Hanover Tavern, near Ashland -- and company were worth the trip. Later that day I met up with friends for a pre-show happy hour before heading to Charlottesville (in the pouring rain) for THE show. It was so nice to be in the company of people who both love the music I do and want to talk about it. I miss that.
The Paramount Theater, located on the Downtown Mall in C'ville was a new venue for me. As in most theaters, it was a seated show and I was sitting solo -- between several hipster kids in their dark rimmed glasses and plaid shirts with snaps keeping setlist notes and a couple on what seemed to be their first or second date (and from the sound of things, their last). They were an interesting distraction until the show began, but once the lights went out, my focus was straight ahead . . .
I'm no good with details like what song they led off with or what the band were wearing but I can tell you they sounded fantastic (sans a couple of feedback screeches) and rolled through lots of favorites -- Magnolia Mountain, Dear Chicago, Damn Sam, Let It Ride. There were only three songs from the new album, which surprised some in our group -- Goodnight Rose, I Taught Myself How to Grow Old and Tears of Gold -- and I was a little bummed not to have heard Halloween Head as I've been jonesing to hear it live. But, the finale totally made up for that. I See Monsters started off slow until the band tore into it with thrashing heads, wailing guitars and throbbing lights. It was a great song to end the show -- though the crowd was a little stunned to see the house lights go up right after as the band put down their instruments and walked off stage. No "good night", no "thanks for coming" -- and no encore. I've always said I wish bands would skip the pre-encore taunting and just play straight through and then when it actually happened I wasn't at all prepared. We all agreed, this show was phenomenally better than when we saw the band in 2006. Great night!
Saturday, The Girls and I volunteered with the Anthem Gurney Tourney downtown. Imagine 30 retired hospital gurneys decorated like themed parade floats with one rider and several other folks dressed to match their gurney and running through a crazy obstacle course. Two of us were stationed at the last obstacle -- the fire hose challenge. And yes, where there are fire hoses, there are firemen -- four of Richmond's finest. They even let me test their hose!
After the Tourney we were ready for naps before getting ready for our friends' Big Fat Greek Wedding! Though not as extravagant as the movie I assume we've all seen, it was much more theatrical than other weddings I've been to. The cathedral was beautiful and ornate and the ceremony and it's symbolism were very interesting. The big difference between this and other weddings I've been to were the missing vows -- the bride and groom did not say a word through the entire ceremony. And, the Reverend Father (priest? reverend? - I need to brush up on my clergy members) and the Cantor sang most of the ceremony -- along with the organ, which is an instrument I love to hear played well.
One thing we all found interesting were the many fertility blessings we heard throughout the ceremony and symbols used during the entire event -- like the pouches of candy coated almonds called Koufeta each guest received after the wedding. Considered over time as a token of fertility, the number of almonds is always odd as it cannot be divided evenly, and reflects the idea that the couple cannot be divided. Love learning new stuff!
The reception, which honestly is the part of a wedding we look forward to most, was held at The Crossings resort in Glen Allen. And, with the reception came the Greek band and dancing! We'd always heard Amy and her sister talk about their Greek dancing classes and other weddings and events they'd been to where they had the chance to practice their skills but to see it firsthand was even better. The songs, and in turn the dances, never seemed to end, nor did the shower of dollar bills wedding guests were, in Greek tradition, throwing onto the dance floor. And, no, we weren't served lamb for dinner, but there was baklava and, oh boy, Ouzo! I was pulled into a round of shots at some point during the evening and I'm sure my prune face look afterward was most attractive. We danced until the music stopped and the lights went up and bid our farewells to the newlyweds who after their honeymoon in a tree house in Costa Rica are leaving Richmond for Boulder, CO. Can't wait to visit -- and take in a show at Red Rocks!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Life in the carpool lane
I've gone almost two months without a pet update and I just can't go any further in my relationship with you, dear reader, until I tell you about the creature living in my house. He's a true Jekyl and Hyde -- one minute, purring softly in your arms and the next, biting into your flesh. Someone at work told me babies were designed to be cute so you wouldn't kill them -- and kittens are no exception. It's a challenge to discipline something so innocent who -- ha -- knows no better than to attack any patch of exposed flesh -- his favorites are feet left haphazardly sticking out of the covers at night. I am going to a wedding on Saturday and somehow have to conceal the carnage that are my feet and ankles. But before I walk out of the door, I'll have to nuzzle the evil one who did it to me. It's an abusive relationship of sorts. I give, and give and he treats me like a scratching post. Nice.
It simply amazes me how something his size can knock so many items into the floor -- flower pots, vases of flowers, lamps, alarm clocks, glasses of water -- and take away so much pleasure. One night after dinner I left my lemonade on the table. I was sitting just six feet away on the sofa and watched him knock the cup over and then, dance around in the mess. This was after I found him playing cat & mouse with my glasses. More recently he's decided that the apartment just isn't big enough for him and wants to know what's out in the world and has dashed out of the open apartment door, down the stairs and to the end of the hall. Usually while I'm holding keys, purse, lunch, coffee and the recycling. The scene of mayhem must be thoroughly entertaining to the neighbors. And, then, just an hour ago I was typing away and realized I was hearing running water. He'd turned on the water in the bathtub -- his favorite place to play -- with a faucet that would be dificult to turn on by accident. I pray he doesn't learn how to use doorknobs.
In the end, I only considered giving him back once (eh, ok, twice) because I seriously thought he was satan's spawn. The look in his eyes, while chomping down on me lovingly, was frightening. Truthfully, he's a good test of my patience and I can tolerate quite a bit more than I expected. And, there's the constant reminder that he'll grow up and this will be over. Just 12 - 24 more months of bleeding ankles and broken dishes.
It simply amazes me how something his size can knock so many items into the floor -- flower pots, vases of flowers, lamps, alarm clocks, glasses of water -- and take away so much pleasure. One night after dinner I left my lemonade on the table. I was sitting just six feet away on the sofa and watched him knock the cup over and then, dance around in the mess. This was after I found him playing cat & mouse with my glasses. More recently he's decided that the apartment just isn't big enough for him and wants to know what's out in the world and has dashed out of the open apartment door, down the stairs and to the end of the hall. Usually while I'm holding keys, purse, lunch, coffee and the recycling. The scene of mayhem must be thoroughly entertaining to the neighbors. And, then, just an hour ago I was typing away and realized I was hearing running water. He'd turned on the water in the bathtub -- his favorite place to play -- with a faucet that would be dificult to turn on by accident. I pray he doesn't learn how to use doorknobs.
In the end, I only considered giving him back once (eh, ok, twice) because I seriously thought he was satan's spawn. The look in his eyes, while chomping down on me lovingly, was frightening. Truthfully, he's a good test of my patience and I can tolerate quite a bit more than I expected. And, there's the constant reminder that he'll grow up and this will be over. Just 12 - 24 more months of bleeding ankles and broken dishes.
"I don't listen to the radio"
Ah, am I excited for my show list this fall. My Andrew Bird, Wilco and Avett Brothers tickets are burning a hole in my wallet -- I see them there, waiting for their chance to be torn. And, then . . . there's my Ryan Adams ticket. The ticket that should be there with the others but is probably in the wallet of my mail thief. eticketing is looking better and better e'day. Oh, but wait, I'm the one who just had to pay the extra few dollars to have the actual stub mailed to me. Thankfully the nice people at MusicToday understood and are printing a new ticket and leaving it at will call. Take notes TicketMaster.
After straightening that out, I could go back to being really, really excited about Friday night's show. I mean, annoyingly excited! Especially now that I know I won't be going solo. I ran into a few of last year's Bonnaroo crew at the Nickel Creek show in July and they have tickets to the show too so a carpool has formed. I am always running into them at shows -- like last year's Ryan Adams show at the Charlottesville Pavilion. They always know where to find me.
Meanwhile, my girlfriends in Richmond will be seeing Hootie & the Blowfish. P.S. Super happy to have tickets to something else and avoid another Hootie show. Love the girls, but Hootie, not so much.
After straightening that out, I could go back to being really, really excited about Friday night's show. I mean, annoyingly excited! Especially now that I know I won't be going solo. I ran into a few of last year's Bonnaroo crew at the Nickel Creek show in July and they have tickets to the show too so a carpool has formed. I am always running into them at shows -- like last year's Ryan Adams show at the Charlottesville Pavilion. They always know where to find me.
Meanwhile, my girlfriends in Richmond will be seeing Hootie & the Blowfish. P.S. Super happy to have tickets to something else and avoid another Hootie show. Love the girls, but Hootie, not so much.
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