Tempus Fugate

Hey Monday, This Providence, Friday Night Boys

2009-06-16T23:11:00.001-07:00

Hey Monday, This Providence, Friday Night Boys

One of the best parts of seeing shows at the smaller venues is being
able to hang with the bands in the bar.

Tonight got good and rowdy with @funjessica and a host of fans dancing
along with some solid pop punk music.

The funniest part of the evening is when it was pointed out how much
the bassist looked like @dsummer because of the fluffy hair.

The sets were solid and the dancing was awesome. Check them out if
they come to your neck of the woods.

Wallflowers

2009-06-21T22:29:00.001-07:00

Wallflowers

Fathers Day is a rough one for me.

So I went to see a show at the ShowBox for a distraction.

And I forgot that every Wallflowers song sounds pretty much the same.
Now that's been made really clear.

It was a good night anyway.

Matisyahu

2009-06-24T21:35:00.001-07:00

Matisyahu

Last year my friend @jraq introduced me to this artist and took me to
see his show at the Paramount. Tonight I got a chance to return the
favor at The Moore.

I took @thatonegirl for some totally bomb empanadas at the Buenos
Aires Grill before the show. When we got to the show K'Naan was in
full swing.

So I got to see a cool new artist and then jam to a recent favorite.

Good times.

The Cathedral of St. Paul

2009-06-27T08:16:00.001-07:00

The Cathedral of St. Paul

Taking a chance to see the sights in the Twin Cities with a good
friend. After tooling around the Mississippi for a while we chance
the views of the many churches in this town.

And have a chance to also watch the university track team running by.
So there are lots of beautiful structures to be humbled by.

What A Weekend

2009-07-06T07:02:00.001-07:00

What A Weekend

Summer is great for packing your days to overflowing. This weekend was
no exception.

The sunshine baked into my skin every day and all the people watching
and socializing nourished my soul.

Saturday was a zoo day with a chance to sample some brews at the
Seattle International Beer Festival and some inspiring fireworks.

I got the chance to spend some quality time with good friends and make
some new ones. They taught me about gin and tequila which just proves
I can learn something every day. Even when relaxing on the grass.

To close out a Sunday that was supposed to be lazy, I got to catch a
set by Boys Like Girls at El Corazon. It's such a great small venue
for such a fun band with great stage presence. I've seen them on
bigger stages and in comparison they just exploded being so close to
the fans.

If I get the chance perhaps I'll post some of this weekends writings.
For now, I'm heading to visit from friends in Burbank. If I'm lucky
I'll get a chance to see @puarick, @shooman, and @dsummer.

John Michael Montgomery

2009-07-17T20:41:00.001-07:00

John Michael Montgomery

The Snoqualmie Casino is a great venue for seeing artists up close.

Tonights show was really intimate and casual. He played lots of old
favorites which for someone with so many hits wasn't particularly hard.

My personal favorite Life's A Dance was early in the set and the whole
crowd sang along.

To make the evening better, I ran into the Wahl's and got to say
hello. I've missed them terribly so seeing them having fun was just a
real treat.

I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to enjoy this place in
the future.

Mi Vida Loca

2009-07-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

Mi Vida Loca

Alaska Airlines is the best carrier in the world. And boy am I
enjoying the benefits of their great service this summer.

I've been out and about quite a bit and will cap my summer with a trip
overseas in a few weeks.

Right now I'm bouncing up and down the coast visiting friends and
associated hob-knobbing.

The photo on this entry was the yummy breakfast on flight into LAX.
For a picky eater like myself the fresh fruit (including blueberries!
Firm and juicy!) and turkey sausage were a real treat.

The good thing about all this activity is I've had time to polish some
posts. So if you follow my other topic areas, you'll find some new
writing soon. And I might include a real intimate personal piece just
for HH.

Flying on Tatsu

2009-07-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

Flying on Tatsu

My buddy @dsummer and I took a day to check out the new crazy coasters
at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The service at this park is horrific. It I'd quite clear they are
sorely understaffed and cutting corners.

That said, the coasters are quite fun and unique. If it wasn't for the
horrendous experience just getting on and off each ride, the coolness
and thrills for each ride would have outshone many other parks.

The Deja Vu and Terminator both gave amazing and fresh perspective on
roller coasters. We'll see if X2 performs to the hype we've gotten so
far.

47

2009-08-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it just hits me. Maybe everyone else is different.

Maybe you are just different.

You ask me, you ask me
How I got to know you
Just by speaking on the phone?

Isn't is crazy
How the thought of my touch
Wakes you up when you're alone?

Don't you believe everything you hear
Darling, focus on the prize
Don't you hear me whisper in your ear
"My darling, don't lose sight of my eyes"

It's not time to let go
This is not how it's supposed to end in my mind my baby
Maybe our intentions were wrong from the start
So answer me so we don't fall apart

(I called 46 times!)
And you answered on the 47th
(I called you 46 times!)
And you answered on the 47th

You tell me, you tell me
You've never fell so hard
For an obvious candidate

You said you hate your last love
And it's soon enough that you will forget

Don't believe everything you hear
Darling, I've never lied before
Don't you hear me whisper in your ear
"Forget him you're what I'm waiting for"

It's not time to let go
This is not how it's supposed to end in my mind my baby
Maybe our intentions were wrong from the start
So answer me so we don't fall apart

You've even said yourself
You're setting yourself up
You've even said yourself
That everyone would turn

And you've even told yourself
That the floodgates would break
So why are you taking so long to answer?

It's not time to let go
This is not how it's supposed to end in my mind my baby
Maybe our intentions were wrong from the start
So answer me so we don't fall apart
So answer me so we don't fall apart
So answer me so we don't fall apart

(I called 46 times!)
And you answered on the 47th
(I called you 46 times!)
And you answered on the 47th

-- 47 by New Found Glory from Not Without A Fight

It's been my experience that those who say they understand miss the mark the most. Or maybe I'm just special. After all, I did ride a special bus to school.

Jack's Mannequin & The Fray

2009-08-08T18:13:00.001-07:00

Jack's Mannequin & The Fray

Coming back from Burbank I headed with @thegf to a show at the
Paramount.

Jack's Mannequin I've seen before and they never disappoint.
Especially in a great venue like the Paramount in GA configuration.
They played all my favorites and really pulled in the crowd.

The Fray had an amazing light display. They used mini-cams, lots of
them, projected on an LED strip over the stage. They changed cameras
with each song so it was a very intimate connection watching close-up
of the drummer and keyboardist for example. Being able to watch the
fingering and specific work each artist did for each song was genius.

Beyond that, it wad amazing how each artist played multiple
instruments. They are a very versatile band and even swapped vocalists
for some songs.

All together, it was a great show and whoever does their stage
production needs a huge bonus because it was magnificent! Easily one
of the best I've witnessed. And if you're reading this, you have some
idea of how many shows I see.

On a side note, one of things I'm enjoying most about having a
consistent companion these days is the easy way it is to go out. I
guess I learned something about why some couple I know who don't seem
to have a reason to stay together, end up staying together. It's just
so freaking comfortable and reassuring to be with someone else.

More to come on that subject later, I guess.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

2009-08-11T22:41:00.001-07:00

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

It's been more than a year, but I finally got the chance to see these
guys in a live show.

Turns out they are an incredibly well-produced and it's more clear why
they don't have the largest following. Too much diversity in music
and ability makes for a slightly schizophrenic show.

It was a great show nonetheless and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Once again the Seattle pop punk scene didn't let me down. The crowd
was the perfect size and very social. Lots of light moshing cranked
the energy to the right level and kept it there.

Definitely an experience I'll cherish if I don't need to repeat it.

Sometimes Bangkok reminds me of Vegas

2009-08-28T00:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes Bangkok reminds me of Vegas

There are some exceptionally nice venues in Bangkok. Several times I
felt a profound deja vu as if I were in Las Vegas.

Riding around the BTS is a great way to check out the city. It's very
reasonably priced usually taking me about a buck to get from one of
the city to another. There terminals are very clean and accessible
and even at peak times it's not ridiculous (a la Tokyo or Mumbai).

The monuments are beautiful and tasteful, with a sense of pride in
evidence at the places of honor. For some reason I didn't find myself
taking as many pictures as usual. I guess it was either things I
didn't want to take pictures of, or things I didn't feel it was
appropriate to snap.

The lightning storms at night have been really dramatic. Being on the
17th floor offers a great view of the lightning striking all around
the city. I'm hoping the weather is much different in the islands for
the next week.

Things are coming along well with Pivotal, and I'm almost done
crafting up a resume. What a major pain that has been.

To Change Your Attitude, Change Your Altitude

2009-09-01T04:51:00.001-07:00

To Change Your Attitude, Change Your Altitude

It's been a wonderful couple of days on the islands. Yesterday we
pulled a coup for a private boat by asking for a random time to leave.
Nobody joined and the six of us had our own private snorkeling
expedition around the islands.

@triceratopshead and @coolmarie knew all about the different fish we
saw. We also got to check out Maya Beach which is famous for being
where they shot the movie The Beach. It was really spectacular.

Today we've had rain on and off but still managed to climb to the
viewpoint to look out at all the islands.

Tomorrow we head to Koh Phangan in a marathon travel day.

Wish me luck!

The View from Haad Rin

2009-09-03T03:26:00.001-07:00

The View from Haad Rin

Finally settled on Koh Panghan with the essentials acquired for the
next couple of days.

Part of the gang went touring on scooters, preferred to enjoy the sun
on the beach for a few hours. Now I'm going to nap in the hammock and
watch the sun go down so I'll be energized for tonights craziness.

Wish you were here.

The Morning After

2009-09-05T00:44:00.001-07:00

The Morning After

Last night was the Full Moon Party but there was no moon. That didn't
stop the revelers though.

The boys dropped at various times and I outlasted all of them in the
race to sunrise. When finally those gorgeous rays of sunshine hit the
beach I was exhausted and ready to crash.

Still awash in body paint and fading memories from last night, we swap
stories and down grub to restore some normalcy.

It really is one of the best parties in the world. And Thai food for
the next day? Yummy.

Blink-182, Weezer, and Taking Back Sunday

2009-09-10T23:13:00.001-07:00

Blink-182, Weezer, and Taking Back Sunday

Tonight down south I got to watch some of my favorite music performed
live.

The weather cooperated for a glorious afternoon which was kicked off
by Taking Back Sunday. I've never seen them live and it was
interesting to see those harmonies performed.

Weezer put on a great show. I've seen them before and this was a solid
set that did justice to their talent.

Seeing Blink-182 was something I didn't think I'd ever be able to do
and it was a really big deal for me. They did not disappoint in the
least. They played all the old hits and sprinkled in a bunch of new
singles.

The experience was all-around exhilarating and inspiring. If you don't
catch a stop on this tour, you're really missing out.

As for me, I rest easy knowing I've crossed a big item off my list.

Jason Aldean & The Rodeo

2009-09-11T22:08:00.001-07:00

Jason Aldean & The Rodeo

Tonight the weather was perfect for an outdoor show. I ran into some
good friends volunteering at the Puyallup Fair.

After a thorough education in the ways of professional rodeo, I got to
stand up close in the dirt to watch the country folks rock out to Big
Green Tractor.

Good thing I got some strawberry shortcake so I'd have energy to
boogie alongside 'em.

Even though it was packed, it was a fun experience and he puts on a
fun show.

Keith Urban and Little Big Town

2009-09-12T21:26:00.001-07:00

Keith Urban and Little Big Town

Tonight the Dome was rockin' and reeling. One thing for sure, Keith
works hard for his show.

A few times he seemed a little hoarse but that boy can play some
serious strings, I tell you!

The light show was very well done and everyone took advantage of loose
security to stand up close in the aisles.

If you don't get to see many shows, his is worth your time.

Feeling Wicked

2009-09-19T19:59:00.001-07:00

Feeling Wicked

There are some things in life you never get tired of experiencing,
like ice cream, swimming, or the musical Wicked.

I've seen it in 4 cities almost a dozen times and I was just as
excited for tonights performance as for any previous. It's simply that
good.

Refreshingly the audience tonight dressed up a little more than
Seattle audiences have been known to do. It always distresses me when
this city can't seem to appreciate the culture to which they have such
access.

If you have an opportunity, make the time. It will change your life.
Or at least give you a new found love of musicals.

The Proclaimers

2009-09-22T22:03:00.001-07:00

The Proclaimers

After dancing like crazy to Flogging Molly at Marymoor, we are
continuing our tour of non-US bands with The Proclaimers at the ShowBox.

The surprise tonight was a band I'd never heard called Handful of
Luvin' that is from Seattle. They had a really unique sound with
clearly Irish influences melded with reggae and folk. A solid
vocalist and gifted bassist drove their music which was smoothly
danceable.

The Proclaimers were a treat to see if a bit on the novelty side.

All in all, another great night courtesy of the ShowBox and my friends
at TicketMaster.

LIA.

Secondhand Serenade

2009-10-14T06:44:00.001-07:00

Secondhand Serenade

The first time I saw Secondhand Serenade was at the House of Blues in
Anaheim. It was a one-man acoustic show and his passion and powerful
lyrics got to me.

It's hard to compare this show, as he was headlining with a band, and
the Showbox SoDo was in it's more intimate arrangement. But having
Evan Taubenfield open was a flash-back that made me smile.

Usually I'd be seeing gigs like this at El Corazon or Chop Suey, so
it's nice to see the artists upscaling to the likes of the Showbox and
the venues expanding their audiences.

Watching acoustic songwriters transition from carrying a show to
performing in front of a band isn't always the easiest. They can over-
reach and end up sounding formulaic and repetitive. Take Matt
Nathanson for example. I'd quit a job, lie to my mom, stand-up a date
with Mrs. Draper, or mug an old lady for tickets just to watch him
play a 5 song solo set. But tell me he's headlining his band again and
I'll have to check the calendar to see if there aren't any good movies
playing first. The difference is that significant.

All in, the bands were engaging and lively, while the crowd was
festive and typical for Seattle. I'll definitely head back to SoDo
whenever it's in small setting though, because that was well done.

Snow Patrol and Plain White T's

2009-10-15T21:37:00.001-07:00

Snow Patrol and Plain White T's

Last night Seattle got rocked by two great bands.

The Plain White T's started things off right, engaging the crowd with
favorites. They played some new stuff which was exciting to hear.
Their sound has gotten a lot smoother and more accessible which was
evidenced by all the people singing along.

After a longer than expected break, Snow Patrol woke everyone up with
some rowdy renditions of popular singles. Some of the lesser listened
to music took on new life with passionate and powerful stage
performance.

The Paramount in GA mode remains a great venue, especially for smooth
rocking bands who feel intimate but have a full presence on stage and
a diverse audience who aren't necessarily used to rubbing shoulders.

Snow Patrol captured my ear again and the chance to hear the accent
live and watch the guitars rip in real-time was a treat I'll always be
down to catch. If you have half an ear you'll want to find a
performance to watch for yourself.

Halloween in Puerto Vallarta

2009-11-01T11:47:00.001-08:00

Halloween in Puerto Vallarta

Headed to Mexico to help some friends celebrate their nuptials. We're
staying at an excellent resort that's perfect for the size of this
party. It's low season so not many tourists but plenty of locals.

Yesterday we took a boat tour and did some snorkelling and zip-lines.
I wasn't a fan of the ropes course, but loved zipping around on the
lines. And all this time amongst the locals is really helping my
Spanish.

We went out last night and had dinner at a distillery that overlooked
the main strip. Everywhere were people in costumes begging candy from
shopkeepers and cars cruising. They closed the road and there was a
candy parade with thousands of people mobbing the buses and trucks
throwing out goodies.

The food and the tequila was amazing but the balcony view for the
festivities was outstanding.

We decided to take the day off and chill by the pool. Tomorrow is the
wedding and then we have some ATVing and stuff. It's good to go with a
big group for the activities.

I'll let you know if we get around to parasailing.

Vacation Tip #42

2009-11-02T10:13:00.001-08:00

Vacation Tip #42

When you travel, arrange to lodge with a cool gal who is staying in an
all-inclusive resort. It makes buying drink rounds a lot easier and
cuts your travel budget immensely.

Shaimus @ Nectar

2009-11-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

Shaimus @ Nectar

After an extended absence Seattle finally was blessed with an
appearance from the boys of Shaimus at Nectar.

They pulled a great crowd, doubling up as an MI reunion. I'd be lying
if I said seeing the old gang didn't leave me nostalgic.

The performance of Left To Dry was a favorite of mine. Glad I got the
chance to bask with them for a season.