Guess who went to a metal show?

One of these things is not like the others...

And did I mention it disturbed the hell out of me?  Read it here.

Allman Brothers/Santana at SPAC

I wrote about last night's show and posted pics over there - you know, on WordPress.

Notes on film and music

That title sounds pretentious, doesn't it? Apologies. I've consumed a movie and a cd recently and, while I had distinctly different opinions of the two experiences  there were similarities in the strength of my response to each of them, And the fact that the two primary artists involved, Johnny Depp and John Mayer, are beginning to morph into the same shaggy sexy looking guy.   Purely beyond the film, in Mr. Depp's case.

The best thing about the movie I saw a couple of weeks ago, was the popcorn.  And I broke a filling on a kernel.  It is probably more a statement about me than the film, but I just don't get this Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter love affair.  It's over and they need to take a five-year time out from each other before I'll pay to see another of their collaborations.  "Dark Shadows" was ridiculous, camp without humor, horror without suspense.  It was so bad it made me uncomfortable.  But, that's just me.

Now, I don't know what you know about John Mayer's new album, Born and Raised, but I'm kind of embarrassed about how much I love it.  Not like Jessica Simpson was when he described her as "sexual napalm," (And can you explain what made that such a criticism?  I think I would have been flattered) but still kind of sheepishly blushing.  I think the lyrics (call me Word Girl) are earnest and meaningful, the message is optimistically positive and the music is thoughtfully sincere. Despite his having obviously stolen an idea from me in the song "Love is a Verb," I can't help but be head over heels in love with the record.  I feel like it's one of those albums which will come to define a time period in my life.  Which is way better than wishing I had the 113 minutes back that I wasted watching that wretched movie.

So - there you have it, some topical, not necessarily sage, cultural advice.  You got something to share, too?  What movies have you seen?  Maybe some new music recommendations?

Mountain Jam 2012

For the second consecutive year, I headed down to Hunter Mountain to meet the guys and drink beer listen to some music.  Although I didn't commit to getting a ticket until midweek, I had been eyeing the schedule for months.  I ultimately decided that Sunday's lineup was the most appealing to me despite my interest in seeing Ben Folds, who played on Saturday. Believe me, at this point in my life I've accepted that it simply isn't possible to have everything and I wanted to check out Steve Winwood again after having seen him at The Egg a few years ago.

The impressive thunderstorms that rocked the DelSo failed to materialize in Hunter, but it did seem as if the threat of bad weather had discouraged some potential concert goers.  Parking wasn't too difficult and other than an inordinately long line for vegetarian fare, the wait for refreshments and bathrooms wasn't unreasonable.  The hillside was a bit treacherous, particularly to those who had overindulged (side note: If you were born pre-1990, and still haven't learned to moderate your consumption, it's time.  Post-menopausal and falling down drunk are not a good look.), but a layer of straw helped provide traction and there was always the option of taking a $5 shower if one got particularly dirty.  And speaking of dirty, could someone please explain the appeal of flip flops, or even bare feet, at one of these events? The thought of mud (or worse) between my toes simply skeeves me.

Here's the bill we enjoyed.  I didn't get down there until about 4:00, which got me in right at the sweet spot of the Tedeschi Trucks Band.  I must say, while I've always enjoyed Derek Trucks' guitar skills, I wasn't always impressed with the amount of soul he put into his playing.  This show was an exception to his typical technician sort of playing and I loved watching he and the missus playing together.  Franti was his usual wave of joyful sunshine, including a rainbow inducing close to his set, and Steve Winwood played with zeal and decades of experience, but I definitely found him more captivating in the small venue of The Egg.

All in all - a great day with some terrific musicians and a couple of even better than great friends. 

 

Super Bowl Madonna

image popcrush.com

So, everyone around here is totally excited about the big event this weekend.  Apparently some of the heroes are called BIG blue but are actually wearing road whites, while the others will actually be wearing blue.  It's a huge day for sports fans in New York and New England - and it's going to be fun.  Although, it could be even more fun if they would ditch this Superbowl Sunday nonsense and play on Saturday instead. Trust me, I think folks would indulge and spend even more if they didn't actually have to take a recovery sick day on Monday.  But, I digress, what I really want to talk about is Madonna.

Last night, while I was watching American Idol (I've lost your respect, haven't I?)  there was a preview of Madonna's new video  and suddenly I remembered why I've always loved her...

She created herself - she is fabulously self-made.  Madonna wasn't packaged or produced by a record label in the same way many of today's female artists are manufactured.  And she most certainly isn't one of these Disney princesses.  Every song she sings does not sound like the last song she sang and her style has changed a million times.  She writes some of her own stuff and truly has a catalog of material.  I'm not saying it compares to what great bands produced but, damn, Madonna's been doing her thing for a long time and I admire her hard work.  She doesn't seem afraid to try anything and I respect her for living the life she wanted. I'm kind of excited for the half-time show for the first time in a long time. 

Well, what part of the game are you most looking forward to?

On the Edge of 17 - Still

circa '88 - note the shirt

Last night I revisited my all too brief girlhood when I took in Stevie Nicks at SPAC.  I must admit, I wouldn't have even considered going to this show, but the opportunity arose for me to take some photos for the TU SEEN gallery and it was a beautiful late August night, so to Saratoga I went.

A little history here (as if that photo on the left doesn't tell you more than everything you might want to know), Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album was the first record that pierced my existence.  I have such strong memories of those songs...definitely a desert island album for me.  My first big rock show in 1981 was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Brendan Byrne Arena.  Imagine my  excitement when Stevie came out to perform Stop Dragging My Heart Around with Tom and the band!  Note to those who may have caught that same tour but weren't fortunate enough to see Stevie: Sorry, it was the only time NJ was cooler than NY.  Ever.

During my teens when Stevie Nicks had a couple of big solo records, the girls and I were avid fans and, as the photo attests, I've got had the t-shirt to prove it.  We wore out a couple of cassette copies of Bella Donna and The Wild Heart doing laps around town in Mary Lynn's Camaro, believe me.  I'll never know if it was the husky voice, the cascading blond hair or the sensitive, yet strong lyrics, but I was hooked.  

Last night's show was simply a blast!  Walking around SPAC with a camera is really fun and the folks I asked to pose were totally into it - thank you all for being so gracious.  And thank you, Sally, for being such an excellent beer holder, I mean assistant. The crowd was small with only amphitheater tickets available in an attempt to keep things intimate.  The opening act, Michael Grimm, was good although we honestly didn't pay much attention because I was trying to catch some photos before the main event.  And Stevie?  Well, she talked a lot and she changed her clothes a few times, something I'm no longer accustomed to.  Guess it's been awhile since I saw a female performer live.  But, her voice?  It was money!  She sounded great - perhaps not hitting every high note as she may have in days gone past, but that beautiful husky quality is still there and she sang with a lot of heart.  Landslide and Dreams were definite highlights for me, and the crowd in general, judging from the sing along I witnessed.  Ok, the sing along I may have participated in.  And, while I have no interest in being 17 again, it is nice to know that my senior high quote, courtesy of Stevie, remains timelessly accurate:  "I have my own life and I am stronger than you know."

Roadtrip Montreal!

A mere 18 months after purchasing our tickets, Griffin and I, at long last, drove north to catch Bono and the boys live at the Hippodrome.  As I explained to G, leaving the country to see a U2 show at the ripe old age of 12, is an experience not to be belittled - nor will he be doing anything like this sans parent for many years to come.  Which, I suppose means he won't be repeating this episode period, since apparently my dancing, screaming and general jumping up and down, embarrassed him beyond belief.  Oh, well.  I've got someone else in mind for my next trip out of the country anyway.

But, back to this trip...the drive was uneventful and we skirted around the main border crossing thanks to a tip from my friend, Kevin.  After checking in to our hotel, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then headed for the show convinced that getting there was going to require patient efforts.  And, we were right.  Seriously, Montreal Metro folks, how about opening up more than a single window for ticket sales?  I mean, oui, I understand there is that single automated ticket machine, but when you're expecting 80,000 to travel to a venue where there is no parking, what were you thinking?  Eventually, we got there, happy to be freed from the packed to the gills train on a very hot evening.  There was a short walk to the actual venue and we settled into a comfortable spot on the "floor" of the arena. prepared for our universe to be rocked.  Things here were fairly well organized - lots of porta potties, vending and plenty of concession people circulating with cold, expensive beverages.  But, who cares about any of that?  It was about the show dammit! 

The "Claw"

I was fortunate enough to have seen this show in '09 at Gilette Stadium, and I've got to tell you, it is, as always, the best show I've ever seen.  The set, the sound, the effects, the MUSIC, the BAND...incredible.  Always.  I can't describe it any better than, for me,  seeing U2 is like being served Mass at the Vatican.  By the pope.  Amazing.  The set list is here and there are a couple more pictures below.  The band will be at Giants' Stadium next week - anyone have an extra ticket?  I'll drive.

Mountain Jammin'



me and my Laker guys

A few weeks ago, I got my Groupon and picked up a ticket to the annual Mountain Jam music fest down in Hunter, N.Y.  I've heard tales about the good times to be had - music until all hours, camping, rain as soon as Franti hit the stage...it sounded epic and I wanted in, especially since some of my best friends were also going to attend.  After a morning playing Soccer Mom and my first recreational bike ride of the year (so lame, I know), I jumped into my wagon and headed south, taking the scenic route, of course.



so that's where Santa hangs in the off season

Scenic, actually, could sum up the event.  The setting was beautiful, the weather comfortable and there were lots of interesting people all over the place.  I parked in a satellite lot, for free, and took a comfortable shuttle bus right to the gate where I hooked up with my guys.  I had downloaded a cool Groupon app to my phone and merely had to display a barcode to get my ticket, which, naturally I had to take to yet another window to trade for a wristband.  Whatever - it was still a definite improvement to the days of printing, don't you think?  Especially since I couldn't seem to find the power cord to my printer and was stressing about what to do...  An aside - how much longer until we simply have chips implanted and scan-able? 

a beautiful June evening

this looked fun until the person lost a shoe...bummer

barefoot as usual, Franti

I don't know how many shows, much less "Festivals" you all attend in a year, but I find that there are less and less compelling reasons to go concerts.  I mean, I've seen almost everyone I'm interested in seeing, at this point in time.  I would like to see Adele and I will always see U2 when the opportunity presents, but these days, it's all about the chance to hang out with my friends.  In all honesty, the music is secondary to the laughter we share when we get together.  And, to be able to say that after 30+ years of friendship, is a genuine privilege. 

Government Mule

So, the was music great - Michael Franti put on his trademark upbeat, yet politically aware, show - and it didn't even rain.  He had the hillside audience on their feet the entire set and he created a positive vibe that, for me, contrasted strongly with the next performers, Government Mule.  I've seen Govt Mule before and enjoyed them, but on Saturday I was feeling pretty buoyant and they kind of dragged me down a bit with their weightiness.  I just wasn't feeling it and I had an hour drive to contend with, solo.  I bid farewell to my friends (see you at Treetops to Rooftops!) and headed north.  Satiated by the music, the excellent chicken pita wrap, and a few hours with my besties. 

Giving it away...

image from fly92.com

My friend, Will, made a couple of tickets to this Saturday's Summer Jam available to me and I'd like to give the pair of tickets to you.  Gates open at noon, June 4th and the show is expected to wrap up at about 7 pm.  Performers include Big Time Rush, Jason Derulo, Vanilla Ice (!), The Ready Set, and Runner Runner.  I imagine that Fly 92.3 listeners are familiar with most of these performers and the weather forecast looks perfect for a day in the sun at the beautiful Saratoga Performing Arts Center.  I'll be at Mountain Jam down at Hunter, otherwise I might have ventured to Saratoga myself - my loss is your gain.

If you're interested in having these free tickets, leave me your best (made up)word beginning with DelSo. 

Example:  DelSolo, DelSoiree, DelSooverit...

Be creative.  Make me laugh and the tickets are yours - this is completely subjective! Contest open until Thursday, 6/2 at 8 pm.

David Gray ~ Beacon Theater

                                         

About 20 years ago, when I was still in a position to make rules for "Living Silvia Style," I decided that I would never decline an opportunity to experience something new.  Other than ecstasy or other recreational drugs, that is.  As for those substances, thanks, but I'm not interested, even when it is a famous actor offering, however, that's another story.  To return to the story at hand, last week one of my best friends provided me the chance to:

• hang out with she and another dear friend of many, many years.
• visit NYC for a night, 
• check out a performer whom I've never seen before at one of my favorite venues, the Beacon Theater.

In general, the night was an educational experience for me.  For instance, I had no idea that "reluctant driver friend" doesn't have a clue about parallel parking - even when it means paying $55 to park in a convenient garage.  Guess I know what to get her for Christmas next  year - parking lessons!  Amazingly enough we scored a parking spot just west of Broadway at a cost of $2.50, which left a nice surplus for our eating and drinking budget.  Which, was a good thing as we walked a block north on Amsterdam and found our way into a pub that had terrific food matched perfectly with a nice beer selection.  The Amsterdam Ale House is one of those joints that to the uninitiated can cause a bit of angst.  You know, a place that has a promising menu and a cool ambiance but just may not be able to execute.  As we perused the food menu and ordered beers (yum, Ommegang Rare Vos on tap!), we witnessed a nearby table receive their meals and quickly decided to copy them and it was burgers all around.  We did not regret our decision - including our eclectic choice of mixing up our sides so could experience all that was offered: fries, onion rings and sweet potato fries.  Why choose when you can have everything?  We also shared an excellent salad of field greens with walnuts and crunchy rounds of fried goat cheese - a perfect starter course for three.  No disappointment at all.  Our night was going well...

After dinner we walked around the corner and got settled into our seats for David Gray's opening act, Lisa O'Neill.  I'm going to be honest here (as if I'm ever less than that!) and say that I just didn't love her.  As a matter of fact, after a couple of songs we decided that the bottle of Maker's Mark at the bar held more appeal than her performance.  Go ahead - shoot me.  Sorry.  I'd be willing to give her another listen but it just wasn't working for me that night.

David Gray, however, was a joy to listen to.  For me, his songs when played lived didn't demand undivided attention but instead provided an easy background harmony to enjoy the company of my dearest friends.  You're probably familiar with his biggest hit, Babylon, but do yourself a favor and give his latest release, Foundling, a listen.  The lyrics are poignant and his voice beautifully melodic and haunting.  I really love the words he sings in A Moment Changes Everything:

The stolen glances, broken threads

The visions looming in our heads

The years spent running parallel

To everything that might of been

                                                         

I'm not spending a lot of time these days looking backwards, but will take those words with me into the future wherever it may lead. Hopefully, additional opportunities to see David Gray are part of that future.

Wizapalooza

I first met John in the fall of 2002 when McGuire's opened on Lark Street.  I don't know how I had avoided him for so many years previously - we both liked music and cocktails and food and it seems crazy that our paths hadn't crossed sooner.  I was charmed by his garage sale finds, pocket notebook inventory system and ability to make a perfectly mixed drink.  When he left McGuire's, an awful lot of hospitality professionalism departed with him and I was happy to visit him in subsequent spots for a good conversation and cocktail.

While there are numerous things for which I am grateful to John, the ones that stand out are all related to music.  Although I don't recall mentioning to John that I admired Lucinda Williams, I must have at some point because one afternoon he gave me a cd he had burned of Lucinda and Elvis Costello playing together live, an awesome cd that I mentally thank him for every time it shuffles around in my iTunes.  If you knew John, you knew he loved music and was a tremendous supporter of talent - both local and big time.  He turned me on to 97.7 WEXT, the best local radio station, and Shelby Lynne, a gift I'll forever appreciate as her voice and words can shred me.  I can still hear his enthusiasm for a performance of hers he attended at the Egg a number of years ago and I wish I had known enough about her at that time to get a ticket myself. 

He was kind of an eccentric guy in some ways and I loved how he would magically make a teeny tiny television appear on the bar for the Triple Crown races.  I don't think there was anyone more excited to watch a good horse race than John (and Paul and Andrew) and when he and Paul got lucky with Jocamo we all celebrated together. 

Premature death never seems fair and I'm tired of hospitality professionals working honestly and industriously their entire lives without benefit of benefits, like healthcare or retirement.  I've been to more than enough memorial services and said farewell to too many good people taken too early.  The Wizapalooza event Saturday night was certainly more a celebration of a life well-lived than a goodbye ceremony and I felt priviliged to have attended.  I imagine I'll meet Johnny Wiz again, but until then, I'll see his face reflecting off wooden bartops made shiny by his barcloth all around town.  Godspeed.

portrait of John by Kevin McKrell





Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

The Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings show at the Egg on Saturday was the final event of last weekend's grueling social schedule - and what a way to wrap things up! Again, I can claim only a cursory familiarity (thanks to WEXT, 97.7) with Jones and her music, but I do know that she and the band melted the snow at the Egg last weekend. Talk about smoking hot! If you're not acquainted with the band, here's some information that should get you up to speed. And - they were the back-up band for Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album in 2006. What you may not gather from the link is the fact that Sharon Jones definitely has taken the crown from James Brown as the hardest working (wo)man in show business. At 55 years old, she was an absolute dynamo never slowing down from the time her feet initially hit the stage.

A couple of real writers have reviews posted, look here and here. If I had to really write a review, I would have to mention that the preliminary acts left me a bit puzzled.  Charles Bradley seemed like a bit of a caricature to me and I wasn't unhappy when he wrapped his set up.  The female singers were good, but not overwhelmingly so, which is what I guess you'd want from your opening act.   One of the night's highlights, for me, was witnessing Dimitrios Menagais (from the Wine n Diner) rock the stage with Sharon Jones early on in the show. I think she was quite taken with him - his zoot-ish suit and surprisingly terrific voice seemed to really be appreciated by Ms. Jones and I'm sure she didn't regret pulling him from the audience to join her on stage - very cool.  This show was very much a dance party - it was pretty much impossible to stay in your seat during Sharon's set.  Unless, of course, you were stuck between your freakishly tall friend and a guy with no sense of spatial allowance, but, that's another story all together. 

Although I hadn't really heen exposed to Sharon Jones until fairly recently, I understand she's played at the Green River Fest in Greenfield, MA and Mountain Jam at Hunter Mountain. Both of those music festivals are annual events, so keep your eyes open for another nearby appearance, get yourself a ticket and get ready to have a good time.

Michael Franti @Northern Lights

You know how people complain about there being nothing to do in the Capital District?  Well, I'm here to tell you that the real problem is not finding enough to do, instead it is finding enough time to blog about what you did do.  Last weekend, I had an intense 36 hour schedule that nearly brought me to my knees.  It went kind of like this: ski - dinner out - Spearhead show - ski - Soup Swap - Sharon Jones @ the Egg.  Crazy, huh?

Do you ever feel like it is time to see someone different and new (to you) in concert?  Don't get me wrong, I love going to see Neil Young (x5) and Dave Matthews (x12) but have been feeling the urge to see something fresh - and Michael Franti and Spearhead certainly fit the bill.

My initial exposure to Michael Franti's music came from the Weeds soundtrack and from that first listen to Ganja Baby, I've found his voice and rhythms really appealing. If I were asked to to describe his music, I would probably use words like reggae, hip hop and funk.  Sounds good, right?  Particularly on a cold winter's night in upstate New York. 



on a small stage to the right of the main stage

Not only was it my first time seeing Franti, but it was also my first visit to Northern Lights. Can we begin with the parking lot circumstances?  Hello, cluster *#&;%!  I realize that there was lots of snow to deal with, but when you're selling 1,000 tickets to a show, maybe someone should think about having some parking direction on hand.  You know, someone with a flashlight directing people in an orderly fashion.  Folks were haphazardly parked all over the place and it was a bit of a nuisance to park the family wagon, to be honest.  Perhaps I should have thought of the parking situation as a preview of the absolutely abysmal design of the interior.  I hope that the person who originally designed this place found a new career because, not for nothing, but the layout of this place is ridiculous.  It has the most bizarre shape of any venue I've ever been to.  There was a moment during the show when I was trying to push my way up front to take some pictures and I realized that I didn't know where the nearest exit was.  And people were holding their lighters up.  Not a comfortable feeling for me which is why the photos are not as good as I would have liked.  Sorry, but I don't dig the combination of a tight crowd, an uncertain exit strategy and fire. 

Complaints about parking and venue aside, Michael Franti and Spearhead put on a great show.  It was so hot in this place that the windows were steamy and sleeveless shirts provided the most comfort.  Michael Franti stripped off a layer or two himself, but, never got down to the bare skin (other than on his feet) for which  I was secretly hoping. I had a bit of a permasmile watching the crowd jump up and down in near unison to the beats coming their way and the band played with sincerity and heart.  I was surprised how many songs were familiar to me and have to thank a former student for burning me that copy of Yell Fire a couple of years ago.  Speaking of students, it was totally cool that Franti invited a number of kids to share the stage and I loved seeing one of my students rocking out right next to him. 

joined by some kids from the audience, including at least one of my students!

Seeing this show has made me even more excited to finally get to Mountain Jam this year.  Have you seen the lineup for that weekend?  Anyone else  going to Hunter Mountain in June?  If we're lucky it will be as hot then as it was Friday night in Clifton Park.  Hope to see you there! 



Setlist: 
 Ska Intro
 Love Don’t Wait
 The Thing That Helps Me Get Through
 Rude Boys Back In Town
 Only Thing Missing Was You
 Light Up Ya Lighta
 Hello Bonjour
 Anytime You Need Me
 Shake It
 Sweet Little Lies
 Gloria
 Hey World
 The Sound Of Sunshine
 Yell Fire!
 Say Hey
 I’ll Be Waiting I Got Love For You Smells Like Teen Spirit
 Say Hey
 The Sound Of Sunshine

courtesy of jamsforum.com