Staying awake

I am sitting at my computer desk trying with all my might to stay awake; and wondering if I should just give it up and take a nap at 7:30 p.m. A song runs through my head... ah ah ah ah staying awake, staying awake, complete with the Bee Gees harmony. But first things, first. Translated, that means bloggin before sleeping.

In the last episode, I was hoping to be furloughed on Friday August 20. I had hoped to take annual and leave a little early so I could be well-rested for Candlelight Serenade. I did almost get my wish. I was furloughed on August 20, but at the close of business which means I was not given an option to leave early. SO, it almost worked. Instead I worked late, stayed up even later and had about 3-1/2 hrs. of sleep. When driving in the morning for an hour or more, it isn't the best of ideas. Still, I made it up (slightly later than planned) and was at the venue bright and early. I was, in fact, the first in line even though I was only there an hour before door times. It was not too long before a few people showed up, but even when the doors opened things were pretty laid back which was rather nice actually. I had a vip ticket (not the one with the tent and food, just first entry and best location) and did not have any camera problems even without stopping to get my photo pass first. I never did collect it. In hindsight perhaps I should have, but things worked out well. The only stipulation was no flash and I was definitely okay with that policy.

The first part of the day, I was front and center at the barricade and had no idea where the vip people were supposed to be. Neither did anyone else from what I could tell. Someone suggested by the sound booth which didn't seem likely as that would have been a downgrade from where I was. LOL After the first few bands played, they did finally divide the grassy area into thirds, and the middle section was for VIP.
I was really impressed with ALL of the music on the main stage and enjoyed every artist. Making April and The Fictionist were really good. I had never heard either band perform before and I was definitely impressed with them both.


Some of my favorites performed (though not in this order at all), Sherwood, Relient K, Vedera are bands I have seen a number of times, and I am always impressed with them. Kristen's (Vedera) vocals were so good.









I enjoyed Priscilla Ahn's set. Prior to Candlelight, I'd only seen a video clip on Candlelight's facebook. Her song about "boobs" made me literally laugh out loud, and I looked it up online and shared it with my darling husband the day after.

Third Eye Blind was really good, and they are rather a guilty pleasure of mine. Stephan Jenkins made a comment about all of his lyrics being dirty. It wasn't literally 100% true, but not that far off. But I have to admit to loving it anyway, just not 100%? LOL



I really loved Steel Train's set, especially Bullet. It's a great song!!


Neon Trees really gave the crowd their monies worth for the day.



John Allred was amazing as always (even though he was pretty sunburned. LOL) Next time he plays outdoors, I'm bringing sunscreen (which reminds me, thanks to the girls who let me borrow their's when I walked out the door and left mine sitting on my desk!)

I was holding up rather well, for most of the day, but started to falter a little during Relient K's set. It figures, with Relient K being my favorite band and all.
About 2/3 of the way into their set, I started feeling queasy and had to sit down. for a song, then back up, then back down, etc. Everyone around me was very nice, and helpful!! The people around me offered to hold my spot so I could eat and go to the bathroom. I hadn't had food in a long time, or moved from my spot, and I guess that was a bad idea. I managed to find some cinnamon almonds, purchased them, and ingested a few (not normally on my diet) before finding some more "dinnerlike" sustenance. It was chicken, couscous, and spinach. It was really very good, but there was enough for 3 people! There was a little bit of a language barrier, and I ended up with a full meal when I was just asking for chicken and rice. I paid her a dollar more than I thought I was supposed to and there was no offer of change, and I didn't care but thought it odd. It was a lot of food. Later when I looked at the photo, I realized what happened, and I probably paid her a dollar too little, which made me feel bad. She didn't say anything, just that I would like the food. I did.

I ate as I walked back to the barricade. I managed to make it back just as Chris of Dashboard Confessional started his set. He was fun, funny, engaging and the music was good. I felt much better, although it took a little bit before I was back to feeling somewhat normal. I was relieved.


After Chris played, the 311 brothers performed, and they were amazing. I'm not a huge 311 fan, but I left rethinking that since their music was incredible performed live. Come to think of it, I should go back and take a complete relisten to their tunes! :)


Throughout the day, during set up times, there were a few speakers that spoke about child slavery and prostitution. It was such a heartbreaker. It never ceases to amaze me the depravity that some people get into, and how much it hurts people.

At the end of the evening, everyone was given a small candle (the flameless variety) and the artists came back on stage to sing John Allred's song that was written especially for the event.

I picked up my trash, walked back to the merch tables and had a nice, long chat with Scott Cannon. It's been a while since we could talk very much, and it was good to finally be able to chat. I did feel a little helpless when he was getting the merch straightened. I offered to help, but then he seemed to have his system down and I didn't want to mess him up by interrupting. It was awkward, a little, but he didn't seem to mind. Somewhere in the process I bought a candlelight tee, although there were no small's, so it's a bit on the large side.

Finally, I headed out to my car and braced myself for the drive home. It was a long day, I was exhausted, but it was a good day.

August 2010 was nearing a close, but it wasn't over yet. There was still Avalyn's first birthday to look forward to!!! It was definitely a busy time. I'm still playing catch-up, but I'm getting there. :)

Peace out,
Melanie

Yellowcard Unplugged

Well, fortunately Yellowcard wasn't completely unplugged as it might have been difficult for the crowd at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to hear all of the wonderful vocals. ;) However, the show on Tuesday was incredible to say the least.

It was later than planned, by the time I left for Logan, UT. I wanted to leave a bit earlier and get to the venue by 9 or 10 a.m. After all, I reasoned, Yellowcard is pretty well-known. I was afraid people would be camping out for the general admission floor space. As it turned out, I arrived to the venue a little before ten and spent a good half hour or more trying to find a place to park before 5 if you aren't a student. Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is on the University of Utah campus. I mainly regret two things: 1. Not bringing my SLR and 2. Not stopping with my SLR to record all of the beautiful fall colors in the canyon. 1 would not have been possible without 2. LOL I guess I would have had pics, just not the same quality.

Finally, I found a parking terrace (with a little help for a kind employee of an adjacent lot I could park in for $4 an hour without a permit - kinda pricey) I could park in for $7.50 per day (or free if I left after 9:30 p.m.) It was a little bit of a walk, but not too bad.

Then I proceeded to wait, and read, and wait some more. I kept hoping someone would show up so I could chat, take potty breaks, etc. After about an hour, I realized that I'd left my point and shoot camera in the car. If you know me, you know that won't do, so I convinced myself to hike back to the car and use the restroom while I was at it. IT didn't take that long, and I went back to my spot by the doors and waited, and read some more, and waited, took a few pics of the surrounding area, etc.






Every now and then I would walk around the building and wonder if I was at the right door, or someone would come along and ask where the ticket office was. I saw no one.
Again I needed a potty break, and I was alone, so I went to the ticket office in the building and was able to go. I was surprised at how open everything seemed. So, I asked a few questions at the ticket office and went back to my waiting spot.

At 2:30 p.m. I heard drums - yes drums! I went to the side of the building to the right of the doors and could hear perfectly. Jason Reeves was doing a sound check and played a few songs. It did sound very good indeed. Then it was quiet once again. Not too long after a couple of girls came by to check out the doors. Their mom had driven them all the way from Reno to see Yellowcard. They had a mission - front and center for the show. We shared a common goal. LOL They had been waiting inside the building since 11 a.m., about 1/2 after I had arrived. At about 4 o'clock or therabouts, Yellowcard began to do soundcheck and rehearse. They probably played 4 or 5 songs, which I could hear perfectly. It was getting closer.

At about 5, I met the promoter and asked him about cameras. He said he was o.k. with it and the band was, but he didn't know about the venue. He said he didn't know so mine was o.k. he didn't know about anyone elses that came after me. LOL

By the time 5:30 rolled around, the line was getting rather lengthy. At about 5 mins. to 6, security decided to inform us that we couldn't bring in any bags. Now, my car was not close, and I waited all day to be in the front and I have to walk blocks to put things away? I was not a happy camper. Fortunatly, Nancy, the mother of one of the girls from Reno, put my bags in her car, which I REALLY appreciated!!! 6 o'clock came and went and the crowd got a bit antsy. At last the doors finally did open, and we made the made dash for the stairs, down the stairs and in front of the barricade. I was nearly center.

After the usual wait for showtime to come and go, John Allred took the stage. John Allred is a local and very talented artist. His set was really good, and it was clear that many in the audience did know him. John did a medley of different cover songs, including Bubbly and Ocean Avenue (Colbie Callait - Jason performed onstage with her and of course, Yellowcard.) He also did a number of his original songs, ending with Parades, which was a big hit with the audience, or so it seemed. :)




After Allred, Jason Reeves came on stage. He had a keyboardist and drummer onstage with him. Jason was quite engaging and very good. I really liked his set as well. At one point a couple of gals next to me were yelling for Jason to sing "Gasoline" and he didn't have time for the whole song, so he did a little part of it for them. I thought that aws pretty cool.




After Jason's set it took a bit for the stage to be readied for Yellowcard, but finally things were ready, and Yellowcard took the stage and never turned loose. :)
Some of the songs they played were Rough Landing Holly, Only One, Lights and Sounds, and, yes, Ocean Avenue. Yellowcard did a wonderful job engaging the crowd, encourging audience participation, and even a sing along with background vocals. The crowd was pretty crunched, but also very enthusiastic. They chanted one more song for the longest time. Usually you can tell by the lights (or a set list if you can read it from where you are) if they band is finished, but the lights weren't giving us much of a signal. Finally, it was clear that they weren't doing an encore. However, Sean came down to the barricades and started doing autographs, and getting photos. After a little longer, Ryan Mendez (guitarist) came out and talked, gave autographs and posed for pics as well. Then just a short while later Ryan Keys came out and did the same.




I tried to get the set list and had my eye on it, but then I was so tired I zoned out for a minute and another guy got it. I saw another one under a guitar case, and asked Sean for it. He said it was gone. I looked up and a stage guy was taking it to some security gals backstage. I forgot to ask the guy if I could get a pic like I usually do.



Anyway, after the show, I went to the merch tables and bought a couple of cd's. I said a brief "hello" to John Allred, but couldn't wait for a pic as the people with my belongings in their car were heading for the elevator. I didn't want to make them wait, so I tried to hurry. As it was, they were waiting downstairs. We went outside and saw Sean (he told them he'd be down there) and we talked to him. I missed my photo op with Sean at the barricade, but I did get my photo with him outside, and my new friends as well.


Then Nancy, Rachel, and Gabby headed to their hotel, and I headed for the parking garage. Man, did my feet hurt!! Then I walked up the stairs because I figured I'd find my car easier. I was wrong. I got totally turned around. I could have just walked straight down the street I was already on. As it was I got turned around and ended up walking a long way past where I needed to be in the wrong direction and had to walk back again. I did finally find the garage and my car and headed for Burger King (at least I remembered how to get out of there ok) and then for the hour and 15 min. drive home. I was tired, but it had been a fun night.

Start spreading the news....

Today was promote the bands day. On Wednesday, March 19, I am going to see Sherwood and We Shot the Moon, The Higher, Houston Calls and Allred. It should be a great show! I've never been to the venue before, also known as "The Circuit" so I have no idea what to expect there. I ran in to Allred's manager at the Angels and Airwaves concert and told him I'd put a few up at the local Graywhales, also known as, a small area chain of cd/games/video exchanges.

On April 4, I have a ticket to see Mae w/ the Honorary Title, Between the Trees and Far Less. I have been a big fan of Mae's since about 2005. The first time I saw them it was in May. I loved the sound of saying that I was going to see Mae in May.
I volunteered to promote the concert. As a result, I will be on the guest list, although I have a ticket already. I do this for love, ya know. I had hoped to have flyers to hand out at the Angels & Airwaves concert on March 4 and the Matchbox 20 concert on March 6, but some of the posters arrived just after I left for the show with another envelope of posters and stickers arriving the following day. In one of the envelopes were the instructions. I gave some thought as to timing and decided that Saturday would be my best shot at getting things up. So today, I printed venue, date, time, etc. and affixed them to the posters and set out on the road. IT was a very long, but very productive day.

First stop wasn't far. I just went up the street and around the corner to a small coffee shop I'd been wanting to check out called Bikini Coffee. It was actually a nice little shop and I was able to order a Peach Italian Soda without the cream and it was quite good. They I asked if I could put up concert posters and was given permission. I could barely reach enough to put them up, however. Yes, I am vertically challenged. I should just take a portable stool with me next time I try this. LOL




Then I headed out in ernest for Bountiful, Salt Lake City and Taylorsville.
In Bountiful I stopped at one of the Graywhales and it looked as though they knew
I was coming and cleared the way for my posters. That was so very kind of them. ;) I got permission to hang the posters, took a few pics, went over and looked at their new releases and headed off to the next site, although not before I left a few Mae stickers for their counter top.


I had seen another music/cd place called, Music to the Maxx, a few weeks earlier while meeting with friends at a restaurant in Bountiful, so I decided to check it out. I was so very glad I did! The young folks working there were extremely excited about Mae. I told them they were coming on April 4, and gave them information they could use to get their tickets. They said posters should be no problem and their manager loves that sort of thing. She wasn't available, but in the end, they put the posters up then and there so I could photograph them. LOL I also left them with stickers. I was now jazzed and ready to head out to stop number 3.



Stop No. 4 is a local/indie type cd shop in Salt Lake City known as Slowtrain. The young lady at the counter was extremely friendly and helpful. I asked about the posters and was granted permission to put them up, so of course, I put them up! LOL
I also left a few Mae stickers for the counter. While I was there I asked about Benton Paul's cd, as I had to miss his cd release party to see Mute Math, et al., and she listed it as being available through their store on March 18. I thanked her for all her help, took my photos and left for the next location.




I didn't really get enough Sherwood posters, so I stopped and made a few b&w 8-1/2x
11" copies and some small flyers made up to take along at Staples. The guy at the counter was really helpful, and I asked him if he ever went to concerts. He said as a matter of fact he did, so I told him about Mae on April 4. As it turns out he's a Mae fan, and he also commented on my Mae tee. I gave him a sticker and also left one of the Sherwood flyers with him. On the way out the door, I spotted a couple of interesting items in the clearance bin for 50 cents each and picked them up. After I paid for them, I gave the gal at the register a sticker, and also to a customer there and told them about the show.

I wasn't quite sure which direction to head next, but I ended up passing Wild Oats, so I turned around and went back. I stopped to see if they had any place for posters, but they really didn't. So, instead I gave stickers to a few people and told them about the show, made a quick purchase (soy sour cream substitute) and headed for Beans & Brews 906 S 500 E in Salt Lake City. There is another on S. State that I never managed to get to this time around. As it turns out, I found another Mae fan working the counter at Beans & Brews, so she was very excited to hear about the concert. I put up the posters, took a few pics, bought a muffin (ended up being 2 for 1 because it was after 4 p.m.) and headed for the next place on my list.


The Graywhale on 208 S 1300 E is rather close to the college. It looks almost as much like a house as a cd exchange, except for the large blue "Graywhale" on the exterier, and a cool looking sign with a dolphin out front. Parking on the street is limited, and I didn't see any. I had to fork over $2 to park behind the store.
I was able to get posters up there and take pics, although I had a bit of a time again being considerably shorter than the place they have designated for posters. I did manage, though. Again I left some stickers. (Is there a pattern here?)



My next plan was The Avalon and Bad Ass Coffee. I had thought it was one of the other places that closed at 7 p.m., but it turned out to be the coffee place, so I missed that one. On the way from Graywhale, I got turned around and went 31 long blocks out of the way, but I did finally arrive at the Avalon. I thought for sure it would be bustling with concert activity, but the place was pretty dead (seems rather unusual for a Saturday night.) I taped a poster up on their poster area (usually it looks like they use staples), and hoped that tape was o.k. I'm sure they won't mind the poster, just not sure they like the method I used to post it. Anyway, I took a photo of the poster, and then the theater with the area the poster was in, and one of the pics must not have really been taken at all. While I was posting I heard all these sirens going off, so my first thought was "uh oh, busted" but it obviously wasn't from the venue. LOL

I got back in my car and headed for my last stop of the night, Graywhale in Taylorsville. I was able to put up the posters, leave some stickers, purchase "The Maine's" ep for $4.99 and get the requisite photos.


By that time, it had been well over an hour that I had really needed a potty break badly, so I went over to Albertson's and used their facility. While I was there, I spotted a tea that I love and hadn't been able to find here for some time. I really love Bigelow's Decaf French Vanilla, and places at my end of town had pretty much stopped carrying the decaf version. I bought all three boxes at Albertson's. Then I ordered small #1 combo at Wendy's, ate my burger, and headed for home. It was a long but very productive night.

I only missed two locations on my list and if I have a chance I will catch them later. I still have some more local stops to make this week, but it should not be quite as much of an effort to get to them since they are closer to home.

So there you have it... the adventures of a wayward old lady acting like a teenager once again.

Love, peace and joyful poster hanging,
Melanie