The Goose is Loose!

Fantastic weekend in Vegas. Took a long cab ride to JFK to board my JetBlue flight to Vegas on Friday. Still felt pretty miserable but slept the entire flight. Landed in the desert and hopped in the cab line where Annabel immediately jumped on me. Caught up with her while sharing a cab to the Alexis Park. Long line to check in, but my politeness to the clerk yielded me a free upgrade to a room with a jacuzzi and a fireplace.

Soaked in the jacuzzi for a while and napped, which helped me feel immensely better. Met Beth and Amy in the lobby and was revitalized by their slap-happiness. Played with their one-eyed stuffed animals, Hans and Choctopuss (the latter was named by me). Went to dinner at Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock. Waited for me people to arrive--slowly trickled in one by one--Jill, Russ, Deanne. Hung with Doug and then drove to The Hotel to set up for Russ's surprise birthday party. People started arriving--first came Dan (whose actual birthday it was), Dana and Jordan. Then the Alexis Park crew, and finally Adam!! A short stint at the craps table (nary a roller hit the point--sigh). Back to the hotel for some sleep.

Woke up bright and early with another Jambase addition in the room. Bummed a ride with Andrew Warren, Dee, Scott and Kayceman. Made the rounds at the festival grounds, sucking down Smart Water like it was my job. Still weak on the feat, spent a lot of time in the shade and sitting down. Highlights--Toubab Krewe, Gomez, Cat Power, MMW with Maceo (Slade saw me on the webcast!), Raconteurs, Black Crowes (sat in the photo pit 3 feet from Chris Robinson). Didn't quite get the Mars Volta and was pretty bored by the Killers--but I did smile like I meant it. Scored a free pair of Crocs that kept my feet nice and comfy.

Left before Petty to catch a quick nap back at the hotel. Adam and Dee woke me up around midnight and we hopped a cab to the Orleans to see Phil and Trey. Got to hang with Cory Swindle and danced to a fun Ghost->Cryptical->Other One->Dark Star->Drifting. What's not to like!? Left the show during the second set to lose more money at the craps table, this time with Andy Gadiel. Shared a cab home with Shari Beth and passed out around 5, which was really 6 (I hate you, lack of daylight savings time!), which was really 9.

Sunday morning, bright and early again. Rode in with Jambase just in time to see Band of Horses (thanks, Alyson, for that half a sandwich), who were awesome, followed by Built to Spill, who also ruled, despite some sound problems (Nowhere Nothin' Fuckup was a highlight). The Rhythm Devils played a fun New Speedway Boogie while we were riding the ferris wheel and Phil and Trey rocked out with Shakedown, Like a Rolling Stone and Help->Slip->Frank.

But nothing during the weekend came close to the Jim James set. Steph, Jill and I staked out a good spot 5 people deep from the stage, dead center. Jim played with Carl (from MMJ), who spent most of his time on the slide guitar. They came out on stage with an axe and a sledgehammer and promised that by the end of the show, the 8 jackolanters at the front of the stage would be smashed. They went through 17 songs, spanning MMJ's whole catalogue--Old September Blues, Butch Cassidy, The Bear, Nashville to Kentucky off of Tennessee Fire, The Way that he Sings, Bermuda Highway, Hopefully off of At Dawn, Just One Thing, Golden and Dancefloors off of It Still Moves, and Gideon, Wordless Chorus and What a Wonderful Man from Z.

Golden and Gideon were just spectacular. Jim can hit the high notes perfectly EVERY single time--it's really something special. Right before Wordless Chorus, the bleed from the Roots to the left and Widespread Panic to the right was pretty bad, so Jim asked us (and himself) to imagine being isolated in a sound forest--trees all around, and just to focus on the music coming out of the right speaker (the left one didn't want to work). It was very easy to get lost in his voice. But Dancefloors was truly the most transcendant moment. Steph and I were going crazy (and the only ones singing the responsive "Oh I know") as Jim's pristine voice and perfect guitar playing soared high above one of the best hip hop acts and one of the best souther jam rock bands.

The rest of the weekend was lowkey--chill dinner at Mr. Lucky's with Dan, Steph and Jill, then some hanging with those two ladies and a quick cameo at the ReapAndSow Superunloader concert at the Paradise Cantina.

Easy flight back to NYC and life was good. Rode home in Junior with Dee and said goodbye to another perfect festival. Excellent weekend--kudos to Superfly. I'm the only person to ever leave vegas healthier and feeling better than when I landed.

"daybreak. nightfall. long as I believe
there ain't nothing glowin like this skin you're showin
and the keys you gave to me"

Vegas, baby, Vegas!!!

So, I'm lying in bed, where i've spent the last 30+ hours, miserable with the flu. Thanks a lot, influenza...

Tomorrow, assuming I can get out of bed, I'm heading to Vegas for the second annual music festival Vegoose. Very pumped to see most of my crew (Russ, Beth, Marcus, Meredith, Jill, Amy, Jordan, Adam) and everyone else who's going to be there. I can't wait to spend a long weekend in the desert with some great bands (Jim James solo, Band of Horses, the Raconteurs, the Killers, the Mars Volta (going to give them a second chance), Tom Petty, Phil, Trey, Built to Spill, Gomez, Cat Power, the Roots, etc) and some great people.

A recap from earlier this week--after work on Tuesday, I met Deanna at Bar Tabac in Carroll Gardens. Stephane was playing with his trio for one set, followed by the gypsy jam session. Dinner was great, with an excellent Gigondas to whet our pallates. Good pate appetizer topped off with a perfect lamb steak entree.

Got home and my throat started closing in. Which I knew was bad news... woke up Wednesday morning feeling like death. Took a very difficult subway ride to work and realized I shouldn't have left my bed. Made it to my morning meeting and then to RHD to do the page placements for the next issue of the mag. Took a car home ($8 from Dumbo, yikes!!) and passed out in my bed. Felt pretty horribly again this morning, but my fever did break a few hours ago.

So, I have 13 hours until I have to leave for my flight. So here's to hoping I get better by then!

See you after Vegas :)

I want to glide through those brown eyes dreaming

And another weekend spent in the city. And another amazing weekend. Friday was long and the whole day I couldn't wait to get over to Deanna's place. Got there around 6:30 with two bottles of wine in tow (and a quick plum wine tasting at Landmark Wines on 23rd). We decided to go out for dinner and I took her to The Elephant for some yummy French/Thai fusion. I tried a new beer (Import 33) and her sangria had a grapefruit twist. Excellent.

Spent the rest of the night drinking wine at her place, listening to tunes. Woke up bright and early the next morning, had some coffee and read the New Yorker on her couch and parted ways. I went home to my bed to catch up on my DVR list and relax for a few hours. Met Steph at Century 21 to do some shopping. Dropped a lot of money but got some great shirts, a cashmere sweater, a funky track jacket, a belt and some socks. Steph did well, as always.

Met up with Deanna again to tour The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, Alex Grey's installation in Chelsea. I met Alex at the Jammys in 04 (or 05?) and have definitely enjoyed his art. But I was pretty blown away by the Chapel. 14 or so full length paintings going through the cycle of human science--anatomy to consciousness to self-awareness to transcendental awakening.

Ended up grabbing a bite at Pete's Tavern on Irving. Built in 1864, it claims to be the oldest continually-run pub in NYC. Excellent burger and really yummy chickpea salad. Which reminds me--what defines a salad? Is tuna and mayo tuna salad, or does it need to have celery and carrots to garner that distinction? We finished the night off at Common Ground, celebrating the one-year anniversary with the ice luge. Good times!

Sunday morning was spent over brunch at the Grey Dog then off to HeadQuarters to be an extra in the John Popper Project video shoot for the single "Lapdance." 'Nuff said :) Great day, though it did drag on a little too long. Kudos to Raven for chatting with me for 45 minutes, giving me a great insight into the inner-workings of the dancing industry. She was part of the unionizing dancers, as told by the movie "Live Nude Girls Unite!"

All in all, a great weekend. And I developed a whole new appreciation for "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" as if I wasn't already obsessed with it enough. But so it goes...

The Second Greatest Band on Earth

So let's just get it out of the way. Tenacious D is the greatest band on earth. Hands down, no questions asked, case in point, end of debate, exit stage left. And sure, I love Phish, the Dead, Wilco, MMJ, Kylie Minogue and others, but let's be honest with ourselves--do any of them hold up to the long and satanic shadow cast by the D?


The only one who comes close is Surprise Me Mr. Davis. 3 parts Slip and one part tomato farmer. The recipe for fun. Andrew, Marc, Brad and Nathan all join forces to play some of the most beautifully crafted songs with balls to the wall rock, americana, blues, folk and a rubber ball.

So since most people out there haven't heard of them, check out this SMMD show from High Sierra this past summer (and it was a damn fine show--they opened for MMJ in the big barn).

Take the Blues out of your Travels

Last night was the John Popper Project at the Canal Room. I saw these guys about two years ago, right when they first started, at the short lived venue Suite 16. Last night's show was fantastic. It was less about Popper showing off his harmonica skills and way more about a band of very talented musicians throwing down some serious grooves.


Check out their CD which just came out... and make sure you catch them when they come to your neck of the woods. It's a show not to be missed.

It's a great outlet for Blues Traveler fans... it's new, it's different, it's exploratory. It's funky. I had no idea Tad was such a great bass player (has a great tone on the upper registry of his 6-stringer). Logic adds great texture with his scratching and Popper is just insane. I'm really surprised he doesn't play any other instruments, but man, can he wail away on the harp. Or Gob Iron if we were in the UK.
Music Notes:
Got a copy of the new Tom Waits 3-disc set, Orphans. First disc is whiskey soaked songs about drinkin' and being rowdy (Brawlers), the second disc is slower ballads, lost loves, ridin' the rails and unending rain (Bawlers), and the last disc is everything else (Bastards). Very very good.

Fun in CT -or- How I Realized I Don't Ever Need to Run (and am very content lying on my couch)

Hopped the train up to Stamford on Friday night with Chrissy and Kyle. Beth picked us up at the train station and we got to see their great apartment. We had a massive Italian feast (so Beth could carbo-load for the big race on Saturday) and drove up to Hartford to a hotel to get some sleep.

Up at 6:30, breakfast and coffee, then off to the starting line in the park. Lots of people, mad rush to get in portopotty lines, a crowd, a shotgun and they're off. We saw Bethy in her pink shirt ("Beth" on front and "Ain't Life Grand" on back), waved, cheered and walked over to the bridge, mile 2 and 8 (on the return trip). We staked a good spot and waited for the first runnes to come through.

I loved cheering for everyone--a few people with their names on their shirts made it easy to root them on. One guy had an "Atom Heart Mother" shirt so I said "Pink Floyd rules!" and he pumped his fists. Another girl had stopped running and slowed down to a crawling pace of a walk. I cheered her on and get her jogging again. Half the people were in the ZONE and couldn't be disturbed but most people were psyched to hear clapping and cheering.

Then Bethy crested the bridge and we yelled, held out Chrissy's handmade banner and slapped her high five. She was in great shape--exactly on her 10-minute clip and still going strong. We went back to the finish line and saw some familiar faces--scary half naked dude, the mother pushing her stroller the whole time, the couple tied together with 3' of rope. And then Beth's smile came through the arch and she crossed the finish line at 2:12:15. What a champ!!!!!

And instead of getting food or a massage or sitting down, Beth exclaims that she really wanted a beer. So we went to the beer garden and had a few Sam Adams Oktoberfests at 10:30am. Check out some of Russ's pictures and write-up at his awesome travelogue page.

Back to the hotel for some showers and down time, then off to Manchester for a yummy lunch and 9 holes of disc golf in a gorgeous park Russ found. I hit the pin twice on long drives--came really close to making some spectacular shots. Fun was had by all.

Then we made our way to Guilford to Taylor's great cottage on a hill above the water for a great bonfire. 1 keg and 2 bottles of port wine later, we drove back (DD Russ drove) to Stamford to pass out.

Sunday, Deanna and I met up at City Hall and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to the arts festival in Dumbo. Such a beautiful day to be outside. We saw a moving Katrina exhibit, a fun hip-hop retrospective, some public art in the parks on the water, and saw a ton of private artist workshops and studios in 68 John Street--they opened their doors to the public so we could see all the great work.

Then off to the promenade to sit (lots of walking! or should I say "tramping") and dinner at my place. Got to sit on my couch for the first time in a while--great way to end a marathon of a weekend.

Music Notes:
Just got the new Pure Jerry release today... mmmmm. Started the day off with some Sigur Ros and Josh Rouse. But let's all take a minute to remember CBGBs, which closed its doors last night for the last time, after Patti Smith rocked the house down with Flea on bass. RIP CBGBs

Alcoholic Notes:
This Saturday is the one year anniversary of Common Ground, my favorite bar in the city. So to celebrate, they are having an ICE LUGE and a free shot for everyone who walks in the door. Yes, that's right, an ICE LUGE!!

TGIF and RIP Lenny Bruce

Today would have been Lenny Bruce's 81st birthday and one can only imagine what he would have been able to accomplish had he not ODed in '66. So, think back to the first time you heard "Religions Incorporated" and drink one for LB tonight.

Last night was great--met Deanna at Bar Veloce for a drink, then some yummy sushi at Takahachi followed by a drink and some connect 4 at Common Ground (where a reggae/dub band was playing, go figure!).

Today is a quick day at work and I'm heading up to CT to visit Russ and Beth's new place. Tomorrow we're riding up to Hartford to watch Bethy run a half marathon (!!!) then to Taylor's bonfire on the water at sunset.

Music Notes:
Nina Simone Remixed and Re-Imagined. This album has been blowing my mind nonstop for the last few weeks. Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter, Ain't Got No and O-o-oh Child. Go buy this album today. SO GOOD!

Regan and Rob's Wedding

What a fantastic weekend. Regan Teti married Rob Marscher in the most picturesque, beautiful, autumn weekend in the Catskill Mountains. A ton of old friends and a few new ones celebrated with with such a joie de vivre--with music, food, dance, drink, nature and a couple of slide didgeridoos.

Josh and I spent a great morning with SuperDee grabbing some bagels in Windsor Terrace and eating in the park. Got to see Sage and finally meet her new pup Leo, who is even cuter in real life than in pictures. Josh and I hopped in Dee's car, Junior, a great little '96 Honda done up with hippie stickers, to pick up Weintraub. We got up to the Full Moon Resort outside of Woodstock around 7:30 in time for dinner and a great bonfire / jam session. AGP acoustic played Tenacious D's "Friendship" and there was some great percussion jams in between smores and beers.

Monday morning was a lazy one, hanging by the stream, tossing the frisbee. The wedding took place at 5:00 outside in a field in between mountains. The perfect colors of foliage dotted the mountainside--vibrant reds, yellows and oranges. The couple looked great with huge smiles the whole time. Stephan played the cocktail hour and Sam Kinninger and his band rocked out later for two sets (with a sit in by Rob and a full AGP experience). Revelry continued long into the night and many hugs were exchanged this morning while we were saying "goodbyes" and earnest "we'll see you soons."

If you tried to script your perfect fall outdoorsy wedding, it wouldn't come close to how great this one was.

Music Notes:
Their first dance was Ween and another highlight was that "Alarms going off in my head" track off of Of Montreal's The Sunlandic Twins. I had just told Jill to check them out, as I'm sure she'd love the combination of 80s synth pop and crossdressing indie. Good stuff!

Ain't life grand?

Oh man, where to start?! It's 3:30 on Saturday night and I've got a huge smile on my face. Why, you may ask? Why not! Today was just one of those perfect days... this week was one of those perfect weeks.

Last night I started out at the Merc for Hot Buttered Rum and New Monsoon. Got to boogie with Jen and Scott, Evan and Eve, Marimar, Amy, Molly and Jared. Always good to see my intern out. Butter boys started off slowly, which was just what I wanted. Some mellow bluegrass to start the weekend off right. A perfect tribute to Bill Monroe and a ragin' Well-Oiled Machine. Setbreak came and went and Monsoon came out RAGING. Unfortunately, I had to split after the second song to get uptown to Andy Bernstein's birthday party.

Rebel, formerly Downtime, is Jake's new venue. 400 people--bar up front, perpendicular stage space in the back, DJ area upstairs by the bathrooms, and a third room (that I didn't venture into). But the best thing about the party was all the people. From the usuals (Sage, Josh, Andy, Jesse, Ellie, Jenny, Josh Fields, Brandi, Joyce etc) to the randoms (Leah!) it was just full of the best people in the world. And I got to spend some time with Deanna. :) Kudos to Jordan and the rest of SpyWagon for funkifyin' the club.

One highlight from the party was when I was talking to Jay Bau. I saw Jonathan Healy walking by us, so I gave him a good smack on the arm, as a hello. Only it wasn't Heals. It was some completely random person. He handled it well, for sure. But Jay and I laughed pretty hard--I realized, wow, it's fun to hit a stranger...

Today was a lazy day... Slept in this morning, had a bagel, watched some TV (always good to catch up on my DVR), then got a call from SuperDee--she wanted to explore Carroll Gardens today. So I motivated. Only she was on the 2/3 line so I suggested we meet at Clark St and explore the Heights. On my way to meet her, Sage reminded me that it was the Oyster and Guinness festival in DUMBO, so Dee and I grabbed a cup of coffee, hung out on the promenade and urban hiked (read: walked) down to Front Street to have some afternoon Guinness and Oysters.

It was so gorgeous outside... sun shining, clear skies, fun honkeytonk band playing (The Defribulators, I believe--and their guitarist was simply named RoadBlock). We spent some time in the park, looking at the public art (see the pictures), noted the four different weddings taking place and just enjoyed being there. Great company, great borough, great beer--life is good.

Went back home, had a power nap, then went into the city to Jen Safady's place to catch up. We hung for a bit then went down Bowery to see some Gomez. Weird crowd, late start. Not too many friendlies--Kellita, Johnny Beach... Pela(?) opened--good music, bad vocals. Gomez came on strong with "Get Miles" and rocked pretty hard for the next hour and a half. Rachel, Dee, Tom and Cole all showed up and life was good. I left during the encore to meet Deanna for some more chatting. Love the dimples. Love the smile and laughs. Can't wait to see her next week.

Well, time for some sleep. Skins/Giants tomorrow, then off to Regan and Rob's wedding!!! See you on Tuesday.

Ain't life grand? It sure is...

Don't look a gift bong in the mouth

Please watch that. It's really funny.

A Monsoon of Butter

Yesterday was one of those whirlwind days--running from concert to concert, bar to bar, friend to friend. So, basically it was any day of the week ending in "y." Started the evening off at Nice Guy Eddie's for a drink with Steph, then onto Mo Pitkins to have some drinks with Cam (and see some guy play--Jason Darling). After that we went across houston to Mercury Lounge for the NM/HBR show. Got to spend some time with the Monsooners and was able to take good care of them (thanks, Intern Jared!!)

We got a great Bo's Blues and a sick Coal Mine (keep on singing, Bo!). Raj was definitely missed, but Brian really stepped up and threw down HARD. I'd never seen the boys drop into a jungle groove so seemlessly. The energy was through the roof and the whole band stepped up--one of the better shows I've seen them do. Jeff was rocking out the SG, Phil's organ and piano licks were perfect, Benny kept running riffs up the neck of the bass. The Stagger Lee cover was a highlight. As was the song that Aaron Redner sat in.

I had a great conversation with Nat about the song Dolphin (his dad wrote it). I can't wait to hear it tonight. And here's to hoping for a Tom Waits cover.

Unfortunately, I had to leave Butter early to go see Jodi who was in town for the night.

Travel Notes:
Just booked my flight to Florida for New Years. I land on the 28th (mmmm dinner at the crab house) and hang out on Jupiter Island through New Years Day. Then down to Davie to hang with Ethan, then on to JAM CRUISE!!

A Monsoon of Butter

Yesterday was one of those whirlwind days--running from concert to concert, bar to bar, friend to friend. So, basically it was any day of the week ending in "y." Started the evening off at Nice Guy Eddie's for a drink with Steph, then onto Mo Pitkins to have some drinks with Cam (and see some guy play--Jason Darling). After that we went across houston to Mercury Lounge for the NM/HBR show. Got to spend some time with the Monsooners and was able to take good care of them (thanks, Intern Jared!!)

We got a great Bo's Blues and a sick Coal Mine (keep on singing, Bo!). Raj was definitely missed, but Brian really stepped up and threw down HARD. I'd never seen the boys drop into a jungle groove so seemlessly. The energy was through the roof and the whole band stepped up--one of the better shows I've seen them do. Jeff was rocking out the SG, Phil's organ and piano licks were perfect, Benny kept running riffs up the neck of the bass. The Stagger Lee cover was a highlight. As was the song that Aaron Redner sat in.

I had a great conversation with Nat about the song Dolphin (his dad wrote it). I can't wait to hear it tonight. And here's to hoping for a Tom Waits cover.

Unfortunately, I had to leave Butter early to go see Jodi who was in town for the night.

Travel Notes:
Just booked my flight to Florida for New Years. I land on the 28th (mmmm dinner at the crab house) and hang out on Jupiter Island through New Years Day. Then down to Davie to hang with Ethan, then on to JAM CRUISE!!

Back in the saddle again...

So, I'm way too busy at work to be doing this, but I feel that it's time (if not long overdue) to bring back my blog. So let it be written, so let it be done.

Fall is closing in quick... woke up this morning--crisp breeze, smile on my face from last night's date and no sunglasses to shield my eyes from the harsh morning sun. So I had to keep my head down, using my forehead and hair to keep my eyes in the shade; and today was the first day I noticed leaves on the ground. Time to switch back over from chilled whites to warming reds. Time to dust off the slippers (though, I did buy a new pair a few weeks ago) and break out the blankets.

Last night was a blast--went out with Deanna. Started the night at Crocodile Lounge (thanks to the lovely Ms. Seiden for having her bday party there a few weeks ago) where I got my assed kicked in skeeball and buck hunt. Then on to Irving Plaza for Built to Spill.


Doug Marsch is a god among men. He's just *that* good. It's amazing how he can replicate the studio vocals live every time, just like Jim James. And he just sounds soooo good. Last night's show was pretty perfect. Opened with Goin' Against Your Mind. Other highlights were The Plan, Carry the Zero, and Conventional Wisdon. Can't wait to see them again at Vegoose!

Music Notes:
Great weekend ahead of me. Gomez on Saturday. Tonight is New Monsoon and Hot Buttered Rum at the Merc. Seeing them again tomorrow, then running uptown for Andy Bernstein's bday party. Hopefully I'll be able to catch the tail end of RUBULAD tomorrow night. Brownies? Yes they are.

Travel Notes:
Going upstate this weekend to Regan and Rob's wedding at the Full Moon Resort. I can't wait!! Big thanks to Dee for lending me her car, Junior. I can't wait to see Marcus and Meredith!! (And Bobby D, Dan and Ali and everyone else). But NYC has missed M/M way too much.