The Poop Deck

Live Stuff Is Good Stuff

This weekend I had a chance to catch a few different shows in the area. It was a whirlwind of performances ranging from the not-so-funny, to the awe-inspiring. Let's jump right in, shall we?

Friday night started the whole thing in Albany, New York, with a comedy show starring some of the people from the Howard Stern show. KC Armstrong, the Reverend Bob Levy, and Artie Lange put on a show for us folk, and it was pretty funny. Actually, let me rephrase- Artie and the Reverend were funny, while KC Armstrong SUCKED. He was so bad, it was funny- it was so funny, he was bad. He was like a drunken frat boy who realized his voice was louder than everyone else's, and just decided to use it. He didn't care what came out, he just had a power and took advantage. It was... bad.

Saturday involved a lot of sleep early on, as the trip home from Albany didn't get us back here until around 4:00 a.m. Of course, waking up involved walking to the couch and playing Mario Kart. Ah yes, it was like college all over again, except no homework. It was nice to rest up for the evening, however, as Medeski Martin and Wood were in town. Not only were they within walking distance from my apartment, but Jenn here at work scored me a free ticket. We went out to a few parties around town, and ended up in the majestic Warner Theater. Medeski Martin and Wood were very impressive, and I recommend seeing them if the oppertunity ever arises. Just be prepared for a hipster frenzy, as they seemed to crawl out of the woodwork even here in Borrington, Patheticut. Very good stuff none-the-less.

Sunday turned out to be the perfect end to the perfect weekend. Not only was another show scheduled for the evening, but I must have played Mario Kart for a good 4 hours. After the racing was out of my system, I met up with Joe, Karen, and two of Joe's friends for some sushi and some Ani Difranco, playing at the University of Hartford (I hear some really cool people have graduated from that school). The opening performer for Ani was probably one of the strangest, yet most amazing things I have ever seen. That 1 Guy came on stage with his homemade, one string, galvanized pipe machine and created some of the weirdest sounds I have ever heard. What made it so amazing was that, as his name suggests, he is just one guy. If you go here and watch some of the video, you'll see what I mean. Seeing it live was one of the most confusing things I have ever been witness to. I also bought his cd, which is wonderfully titled "Songs In The Key Of Beotch."

Anyway, That 1 Guy brought us right up to Ani Difranco, who is yet another person who should be on the list of 'must see' live performances. She has such an aura about her, and an amazing stage presence. And as I said last night, regardless of what she is speaking of, ranting about, or whatever you want to call it, you can't deny the fact that she makes the guitar her bitch. I don't know how she makes that kind of noise come out of just a few strings. It was incredible, and a great way to end the weekend.

No more live shows on the calendar for awhile, but at least we get turkey on Thursday. Thanksgiving here I come!

Cheers!