I HAVE TO GO TO THIS: Bridge School Benefit Concert.

Please, Jon?

This has been an amazing year of concerts for me. I’ve basically seen all the bands I could ever hope to see.

Last night, Jon and I went to the “This Land is Your Land” show at the Concord Pavilion. It started at 2pm and bands played all day. We mainly wanted to see The Black Keys, and I wanted to see Sheryl Crow, who was headlining the night. We showed up around 6:30pm and were just in time to see The Black Keys go on. They played a really awesome show. I was a little bummed they didn’t play my favorite song, but thankfully I had the chance to see them earlier this year and they played it then. Have a listen: Lies.

The night gets better.

When Sheryl Crow went on, Jon and I were sitting on a blanket in our $19 lawn section. After 2 songs, a woman comes out of nowhere and asks us if we want her tickets [so nice of her]. She said that they were leaving and didn’t need them anymore. Jon was a little hesitant since it looked a little busy down there in front and he’s not a huge fan of Sheryl Crow, but I insisted we take the tickets and go check out the seats. Turns out they were $120 front row seats! I couldn’t believe it, I’ve never been so close at a concert before! There have only been two times so far in my life where I’ve had that totally awkward moment when you make eye contact with a “celebrity” and you realize “Oh, holy crap. I guess they are real. I’m going to look away now cause I feel awkward.” Or at least that has been MY reaction both times. Here she is looking directly at me, while smiling and singing the words: I’m gonna soak up the sun. Gonna tell everyone to lighten up. All the while, I had the most awkward, serious look on my face, much like I was angry. I didn’t even smile back cause I was too uncomfortable. Gosh, I DO need to lighten up.

At the end of the show, Sheryl invited all the bands back out on stage and they sang “This Land is Your Land” together. Sheryl was beautiful as usual, and Dan from The Black Keys was so cute that I wanted to squeeze him several times, put him in my pocket and take him home with me.

I apologize for the crappy quality of my camera phone. Here’s the best pics I could get:

Last weekend was the Outside Lands Music Festival.

I love my friends.

I love Thom Yorke. [despite the claustrophobia and technical difficulties]

I love Katie. Seeing other kids at this festival made me want to start taking Katie to concerts.

Her name even sounds famous. This amazing woman came to my church about 10 years ago as an intern from Australia. We quickly recognized that her voice was beyond leading worship, and that she’d someday be known for singing/writing her own music. She moved back to Australia about 5 yrs ago, and has recently released her first album in which all the proceeds go to the Hope Foundation. Caitlyn has been in the States for the last couple weeks, spreading awareness of this foundation and the release of her new album. While in town, I shot some promo photos of her.

Here’s some:

The Indigo Girls played an amazing set. There were only a few songs I couldn’t sing to [I love when that happens] and they were songs off their not yet released album. I can’t wait till February to hear the whole thing! Also, Amy Ray has a new solo album coming out July 22.

Funny thing. When we were walking up to the door, this guy came over to me and asked me if I’ve ever met Emily, as if it was totally normal for this to happen. I said no, and he proceeded to tell me that she would flip if she saw how much I look like her in a younger sort of way. I asked him if he knows her and he said, kind of awkwardly, that he does. I’m thinking he’s a roadie or something. Towards the end of the concert, I saw him at the front of the crowd flailing himself about with all of the women that were dancing.

Brandi Carlile was the opener. I didn’t expect such a strong voice from such a small girl. She totally blew me away! I tend to have twinges of jealousy towards people with so much musical talent. I think it’s time to pick up the guitar again. She really was amazing, and I loved how Amy & Emily asked her [and the rest of her band] to join them on a bunch of their songs.

Mom - Thank you for the fun night!

Here’s a video of Brandi:

On Saturday [June 21], I went to the Death Cab for Cutie concert at the Greek in Berkeley. It was a really awesome show with really awesome friends. Afterwards, IRF [my brother’s band: www.inreverentfear.com] played the after party show for Death Cab at Blakes on Telegraph. Their energy was high, probably due to their new member, Greg. They sounded better than ever. I took some photos, of course.

I love irf:

New guy [left]:

In conclusion: I need/want a new lens.

Also, I made the flyer for this show:

I wanted to post a pic to get myself excited.

Indigo Girls. Tomorrow [June 24] at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, CA. Yesssssssssssssss.

I’m totally excited now.

Sometimes I wonder how certain people can sleep at night. I had someone break my passenger side window today while I was working. Right in the parking lot. They took my [expensive] awesome thrift store looking Coach purse and my makeup case with all my favorite [expensive] makeup in it. Steeling a girls makeup bag is a little bit like steeling her soul, but not. Also, the bag I kept my makeup in had been passed down from my sister to me, straight out of the eighties - teal blue with hot pink “L.A.” written on it. Damn. Now its in a dumpster somewhere, probably next to my Coach purse.

Things I’m thankful for:

1. I’m in a photography class, and I take photos at work as well, so I’ve been using my camera bag like a purse lately and it therefore had my wallet in it, rather than in my purse that was stollen.

2. I took my camera in to work with me. I’ve been leaving it in my car sometimes thinking, “I’ll just come out and get it if I need it.”

3. My new laptop was safe and sound at home.

4. I get to see Death Cab tomorrow night at the Greek with fun friends.

The outcome:

No window, no makeup, no money.

Bummer.

Finally.

I’ve always wanted to see REM in concert, and I finally did! I went with 7 other friends including my brother and his wife. It’s thanks to my brother I even know who Michael Stipe is. Really, Stevie’s the reason I have such an appreciation for music in general. REM played with The National and Modest Mouse at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on May 31st. I came to the realization that IF I was a gay man, I’d totally have the hots for Michael Stipe. I like the way he moves. I enjoyed Modest Mouse as well. They’re always entertaining [this is my 3rd time seeing them this year].

Sidenote: when you’re buying tickets for the Greek and it gives you the option to purchase “lawn seats”, what they mean is “steep and slippery hillside” seats. I was surprised everyone didn’t end up in a pile at the bottom of the lawn by the end of the night. Oh, I also was not in love with the long bathroom lines cause beer makes you pee.

But overall, I had a really good time. Hanging out with close friends + playing “one & two” + beer + watching one of my favorite bands from my childhood = happiness.

Upcoming shows I currently have tickets to: Indigo Girls on June 24th and the Outside Lands Festival from August 22nd-24th. This includes Radiohead [I love Thom Yorke], Beck, The Black Keys, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson, Wilco, and lots more. This is a good year for concerts!

My brother, Stephen and his wife, Shannon and I went to downtown Martinez yesterday morning to walk around, take pictures, go in cute shops, and have lunch together. It was a perfect day for such activities. It’s probably because they’re my siblings, but they were so fun and easy to photograph!