I saw 3 concerts this week:
1.) Last Saturday in DC I took the kids to see this band that we've been enjoying, Michigander, at a pretty small club called the Atlantis. It was such a great first "real" concert for them. We got there early so we could get in the front row, and the band was so wonderful at paying attention to the few kids that were there. Here's a pic of the guitar player playing a solo right in Anna's face. And one of the whole band.
2.) Then, the next night I went to see the Afghan Whigs in a relatively small club in Baltimore. The Afghan Whigs, who I have enjoyed since the 90's and two years ago put on one of the best shows I've seen. And the show on Sunday night SUCKED. The lead singer seemed pissy, the sound quality was shit, and it was SO LOUD. So, so loud. And they just seemed to be rushing through the setlist so they could get offstage. Boo! Here's a pic from that one.
3.) Then, last night (Thursday) I drove down to DC and then took the train to a venue a block or two from the White House called The Hamilton Live, which is in the basement of a very large restaurant and can hold 600 people. It's a dinner place, so you can order food and drinks during the show, and you sit at these big tables of 8. So I spent many hours chatting it up with folks I don't know, which was fun and interesting and I enjoyed the social aspect of the show very much. I was seeing Daniel Lanois, somebody who's on my musical Mt. Rushmore and who I've seen a few other times. This show was AWESOME. The sound was amazing, a great setlist, and the band was warm, relaxed, and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I was very struck once again by what a unique and amazing guitar player he is. Nobody else plays like him, especially live. Had a great time. I would definitely take the train again the next time I want to see a show in DC. Here's a picture from that one:
Today's the 22nd anniversary of the marriage of J-Dog and Big D. Hangin' on by a thread, but hangin' on! Marriage can certainly be a painful thing, but I'd do it all again in a heartbeat if I could. No better way to get to know somebody.
