I went up to the city (sorry, “The City”) last night to see a show with a couple of friends. Okay, that explanation was too easy. One of the friends had to work late, so she was gonna take the train up to the city when she was done with work, and then meet us at the club. I was supposed to pick up the other friend at 5:30 to drive up to the city for a fabulous dinner and then to get good seats for the show. That’s what was supposed to happen.
Instead, “the other friend” completely forgot about the show and didn’t have his cell phone with him when I was calling to say “WTF?”. So, I drove up alone. Then he got the messages and he drove up alone. Then the girl (sorry, “The Girl”) got off work and decided to drive. So, three people heading up to SF, three vehicles. We’re like the poster children against mass transit and carpooling. But, we all got there and had a good time, despite the lack of the aforementioned “fabulous dinner”.
Now, on to the shew. It was at 12 Galaxies in the Mission. The opening act was Noe Veneable and Todd Sickafoose.I’d never heard of Noe before, though one of my friends is a big fan. Noe is a youngish female singer-songwriter who plays keyboards and guitar. Todd accompanied her on standup bass, and he even played keyboards for one song. Though the acoustics at the show made it tough for me to follow her lyrics (sure, blame the club instead of your aging ears), I still dug it. Haunting, lyrical songs. I definitely want to listen to some mp3s of hers and consider buying an album or two.
The main act was Andrew Bird, formerly of Squirrel Nut Zippers, and a successful solo artist for several years now. I primarily think of Bird as a violinist and a bit of a singer, but he managed to be a one-man band last night. He did play the violin a bit, but he plucked it like a ukulele more than he used a bow. He also played electric guitar and some xylophone. I couldn’t quite follow how he was starting one loop on an instrument, saving that to repeat for some time, them moving to another instrument and doing the same, then another… it was amazing. I am most fond of Bird’s first two albums, which have a decided swing/gypsy violin feeling to them. But tonight’s set was much more modern music, much of it songs from an album he just completed for release in February. As with Noe, I’d like to listen to it all again in the quiet and comfort of my home, but the first impression was really good.
And, there’s just something to be said for seeing music live. Even when you’re packed in tight, spilling alcohol and trying not to elbow someone in the ribs as you move about, it still beats watching TV by… by… well, I haven’t seen a beating like that since Rodney King.
A great night. Thanks to Edjuardo de la Muerte for suggesting it all, even if he is a great big slacker who forgets things.