Backaches & Toad The Wet Sprocket

I have a general rule about concerts..if someone invites me to a show and I don’t really know the music I should seriously consider going just for the experience. Toad The Wet Sprocket is one of my BF’s fave bands. Of course I heard of the song “Walk On The Ocean,” but hadn’t obsessed about Toad like people in the 90′s. I had no expectations about this show only that I new that they were playing their hit album “Fear” in it’s entirety.

As I have gotten older the whole concert experience has gotten a bit tiring. You Know, all the STANDING and waiting in lines. So I was quite relived as I waited in line for the upstairs section of the Great American Music Hall to open and there was GASP.. SEATS and tasty food available. The major draw back to enjoying a show from the upstairs balcony in the seats are the following: frozen butt (wood chair plus butt =frozen butt), the fact you had to lean over the balcony to see which resulted in back strain, and the corresponding neck strain to actually see the stage.

So besides the strain the show was enjoyable even though I only knew a few songs. The venue was not packed but noticed that there was a older gentleman in the front of the stage the entire show singing along for 2 hours straight and as we were leaving caught up with him. He exclaimed “I got the set list!” Nice to see even after many years of shows what I saw that night was representative to the band in their hey-day and to their core fans.

Paloma Faith & The Unfortunate Smell At Her Show

Paloma Faith is not a a well know name in the US, but in the UK
(where she is from) she can not walk down a street in London without being stopped by adorning fans. Her new album “Fall From Grace” comes out Tuesday but you can check out her new album now via the early stream on the NY Times.

In September I got to check out her show at the Rickshaw Stop in SF. I love having the opportunity to check out artists at intimate venues such as the Rickshaw. Paloma was darling, dressed in funky futuristic space outfit. She was backed by a small band and sounded poised even though her flight into SF was delayed and her luggage was lost.

This evening would have been perfect except for one thing… or person. Halfway through Paloma’s set something happened that is hard to explain unless you were there. A smell hit me and almost whipped me out cold. Someone had the nerve to fart in a very small enclosed space. I first noticed concert goers ahead of me starting to wave their hands in front of their noises. Then the odor traveled back to me and I was taken aback. Holy Cow! I immediately went into my purse to retrieve my hand sanitizer spray which happens to be lavender scented. That helped to dissipate the odor a bit but it still lingered and perfect strangers were asking to borrow my spray. Being in a small venue and fart really, really don’t mix. Especially if it was a epic fart like the one we experienced.

If you don’t believe me check out the conversation I had via Twitter with a few other concert goers:

What has the been the worst smell you have experienced at a show?

 

Music To Run To…

In order to keep my behind in tip top shape (from sitting in front of a computer for 9-10 hours a day) I starting running in April. I have done a few 5Ks and now I’m preparing for a the Mermaid 10k (in SF) in a few weeks!

Music is a huge tool to keep going in a race and a perfect way to tune out your body screaming at you. I usually put together a playlists in Rhapsody or Rdio. Below is one I have been using for my previous 5K’s. Do you have any suggestions on songs to add? If you are a Rdio user the playlist is open to collaboration and if not below is a form. Would love to hear what motivates you to keep going!

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Check Out my post @ Midlife Mixtape

I got the awesome opportunity to do a guest post over at Nancy’s lovely site Midlife Mixtape:

http://midlifemixtape.com/2012/10/still-in-rotation-live-at-luther-college-dave-matthews-and-tim-reynolds.html

 

Check it out!

Scenes From Outside Lands 2012

The Outside Lands Sign 2012

Choco Lands Where I spent the most time

Tastiest Vender In Choco Lands

Geographer!

Metallica!

Allen Stone, best show of the festival!

 

 

Countdown To Outside Lands 2012

Next weekend I’ll be enjoying the frozen summer tundra that is SF at Outside Lands. Last year was my first year as a fan attending and I will admit fully that I was hesitant. Porta Potties, Non-existent public transportation, and general fear of too many drunk people in one general area? My boyfriend finally coerced to go and I had a great time. Now that I know the tips and tricks for having a great time I’m ready to go! Keep reading for the inside scoop…

Buy A Shuttle Pass

The Luxury Shuttle

If you have ever have been to Golden Gate Park you know that A: Getting there via public transportation sucks (I have been stranded before), B: You need major parking karma to even think about finding a parking spot. So my answer to this problem if you live outside is a shuttle pass. It’s downright luxurious after a long day in crowds and being wind-blown. The best bet here though is to leave a bit early (but not too early or you’ll be waiting for the shuttle to arrive) to the beat the throng of concert goers.

Use The Porta Potties In The Morning

A lot my hesitation last year was the fact that I knew that there weren’t any REAL bathrooms at Golden Gate park and I all I could think of is the eww factor. So I found as long as you go to the bathroom earlier in the day and pack your hand sanitizer and maybe a few tissues you should be golden.

Download The Outside Lands App

Rather than fumbling with several pieces of paper with the list of bands you want to see simply download this year’s Outside Lands App. You can make a schedule of the bands you want to see, see where you would like to eat next and more! There is a map too which is very important because as the day wears on you get tired and knowing exactly where stuff is will save you a headache.

Enjoy The Developing Artists

What I love most about Outside Lands is that you can discover tons of new bands and artists. Last year I loved Charles Bradley and it was amazing to see him play at the main stage early on Sunday. It was a small crowd and it felt great to be apart of something special that day.  Out of all the acts this year I would highly recommend Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tanlines, Tennis, Of Monsters and Men, Alabama Shakes, and Allen Stone.

Save Your Tummy

CHOCO LANDS

The food at Outside Lands beats any venue I have been to hands down. My favorite area last year was Choco Lands which was a chocolate only yum fest in the forest so if you need to escape Die Antwoord this is where I would recommend you go.

Going to Outside Lands this year? Let me know in the comments with your favorite band choice…

Lifestylers: Rapping with professional triathlete Jordan Rapp

Reblogged from The Rhapsody Blog:

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blog.rappstar.com | @rappstar

Three weeks after being born, professional triathlete Jordan Rapp went for his first open water swim (sort of) in the waters of Lost Lake in Brewster, NY. Fast-forward 18 years and he took the first strokes of a different kind--in a rowing shell--on Princeton University's Lake Carnegie, marking the start of his endurance career.

In 2003 Rapp was injured training to make the U.S.

Read more… 1,063 more words

Love this post about what Jordan listens to while training....