Not just your "typical" day. Mute Math, Alanis Morisette, Matchbox 20

Wow, I just about had my whole adventure typed up and all of a sudden, it just vanished except one letter. I didn't do anything. :(

So, the shortened version is:

I worked until 3 a.m. (March 5th turning over into March 6), slept until about 10 a.m., was at work by 11 a.m., worked until 3 p.m., headed for the venue, but decided to stop at home. I got gas and headed out to the venue about 4:30 p.m. It took about an hour or so to get to the venue, and the trip went well. I spent time trying to find a way to get things to Mute Math, and was finally successful, although the doors had already been open a bit before it was mission accomplished.

I purchased a usb wrist band to get a copy of Matchbox 20's part of the concert. I got a ticket and was to pick it up after the show. It's a cool little invention, let me tell you.

I took my seat, chatted with the person in front of me and told them all about Mute Math. (He later got pretty excited when he recognized things I had described about their show had he loved them!) Then Mute Math took the stage and did the incredible as they always do, except the sound was phenomenal, and Paul sounded great! I took some pics -- not great pics, but I'm happy to have them!







Then I took a potty break and waited for Alanis. She was outstanding. I was really impressed with her voice, and her band was amazing. It was kinda fun to hear the whole arena singing Ironic, but I was a tad disappointed that she didn't sing more of it herself as well. The audience pretty much sang the first verse.




After Alanis set, I went up to see Mute Math and got to talk to them, get a couple of pics and a few hugs. I wanted hugs, but wasn't sure if they were into that sort of thing, but it just happened naturally. Paul seemed very happy to see me there, which made my day. I was able to hang about the table and chat and security didn't bother me about it, which was unusual. It was pretty cool.

I went down to watch Matchbox 20 in progress. I think they were about 3/4 through the first song when I reached my seat. They were actually quite good. There were a few slow spots, but overall not a bad concert. I had been told the first 20 minutes were the best part of the show, and I tend to agree, except there I did enjoy the encore and a few other highlights (like their cover of She Came in Through the Bathroom Window.) After the show, I got my wristband and dallied a bit talking to people including the gal who helped me find a way to get some things to the Mute Math guys. I thanked her lots. She talked about people who were lingerers. I told her I was probably one. She said she was thinking she should hand them trash bags, and I told her if she handed me one, I'd probably help. She said, "I know you would." LOL I liked her lots. LOL So, I went outside and chatted with another venue employee while I waited for traffic to die down. Then I headed for home.. a very happy camper.. er.. I mean concert goer. LOL







I can't wait for Mute Math to come back. I think they are going to be hanging about closer to home after the tour and be working on music, so that's pretty awesome as well.

Anyway, another great adventure comes to a close.

--Melanie

More Ramblings...

New entries to my wanderous ramblings:

Thoughts --

floating in a sea
like trying to catch a fish
the line's too short
elusive, escaping thoughts
try to catch a thought as it floats along

profound thoughts
lost thoughts
found thoughts
unwound thoughts

Meandering thoughts
looking for trails and clues
trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Lost in a maze
I can see the end, but I can't quite get there

I'm so very tired now, I can't believe I haven't collapsed in a heap right here. Well, I did doze at my desk for about 20 minutes or more. Tonight I saw Mute Math, Alanis Morisette and Matchbox 20. Those who know me know that I am a huge fan of the band known as Mute Math, and the guys in it as well. :) I don't think I can think clearly enough to recount the whole night's events, but I will very soon.

I'm going to put the doggies in their crate while I sleep.... sleep, perchance to dream? :)

Hope everyone is well and has a good day. :)

Peace Out,
Melanie

Sneak Preview:

Lots to say, but nowhere to start...

There has been so very much going on lately, that I have no idea where to start. LOL

I'm back at work. This is a good thing, overall. I have to get out and live in the real world for a while, and the pay definitely doesn't hurt. Things have been a bit tight, but I'm still supporting my concert habit. Just when I think I'll cut back several of my favorites will come to town. I love it too much, I guess.

I'm very excited to see Mute Math this Thursday! I'm also excited to see Angels & Airwaves, The Color Fred and Meg and Dia on Tuesday, but I don't know them quite as well and we haven't met yet. LOL I've been listening to TCF's cd this week a little and I think I'll like Fred's set. The downside is no photo pass. I'll request one this weekend, if I can figure out who to ask. LOL But this Thursday, I get to see one of my very favorite bands open for Matchbox 20. Roy says they will be at the merch tables after Alanis' set, so I'm double excited to actually get to see them!!! I not only love their music, but I'm quite fond of them as well. I don't know if they'll understand why, but I did blog about that very issue once. And, I found out some really good/happy news for a certain someone in the band, so I'm way more excited than I probably should be. Again, the downside is the camera thing. I hope they at least allow point and shoots. I can usually photograph Mute Math, and I would so be excited to get to in some decent lighting for once, but it would have to go through Matchbox 20 this time. Anyone know how to contact them? I just want to take pics of Mute Math (not that I wouldn't love the opportunity to photograph the others, just MM is more important to me.)

This week I had to put in 46 hours so that I could go to the shows. I was sweating it for a bit as work is denying all leave until March 14. I finally got approval last night, so it's a huge relief!! I had to turn copies of my tickets and my receipts.

In addition to the 46 hours last Saturday I was up at 6 a.m. (after working until 1 a.m., getting home around 1:30 and staying up until 4 a.m. to prepare) to work at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. It was a very long day, but one with some good memories. I really wish I could have met Steven, but I had the opportunity to meet his sons and I thought they were very nice indeed. There wasn't a lot of time to chat, but it was really a pleasure meeting them just the same. I worked in catering, so I helped set up and prepare food. I made a trash run once.

One thing I can say about this tour is that it cemented my impression of tour bus drivers. They continue to be some of the nicest people. I guess bands wouldn't want them around otherwise, I suppose. I talked to one of the bus drivers a bit during breakfast. We are both lactose intolerant and he was looking for something he could drink. We talked about Lactaid and Soy Milk, and he had a runner take him to the store a little later and came back with some Lactaid and said it was for me. LOL I thought that was really sweet! So, you know I had to have some with my lunch.

For the concert I purchased a reserved seat in the front row. Someone made an error and treated the seating in the VIP section as open for the first few rows. So, I had a little argument with the person in my seat to no avail. I spotted a seat between 2 couples dead center front row and finally gave up and sat there. I felt badly for the person that should have had that seat, though. Anyway, it was only the second time at that sort of venue for me, and overall things went well. Word has it that Steven and company were quite happy and want to come back, so that makes my day! He said they were treated like gold. That's how it should be.

After the show, I hung about outside the meet/greet for a few minutes, but only a few. I was sort of hoping to be able to go in but there was work to be done, so I was feeling I should help. It was good, though, because I got to talk to a few friends there, met Will Chapman and others. During the concert there was a collection to help offset expenses for an adopting family. I met them before the show and afterward they were in the catering area and I got them all drinks. I really enjoyed meeting them a lot and hope I can see them again sometime. They are a beautiful family. I managed to get some pics of them on the stage at the end of the show as well.

It was a very long day. I don't think I can remember being so very tired but it was worth it. So many good things happened. As usual, I have to struggle with my more selfish side of things sometimes which I always hate, but it's probably a good thing to work through this somehow.

As for the rest of my life, I have my days and nights totally swapped. I was up until after 7 a.m. and woke up around 3. It's 6:43 p.m. and I'm still at the computer in my nightgown. Don't get too excited, it's cutesy but that's all. ;? My feet are cold, but inertia has set in, so I've done nothing about it. The plan was to go to Olive Garden tonight with our gift card, but Ed has settled in for the day, so it's unlikely. As I thought about it, Sunday evening would be better as there are fewer crowds and Ed hates crowds. I love the OG, though. :) If I could eat there twice a day I'd be happy except I'd probably look more like a blimp than I already do.

Things are busy, but I just want to sit here a while. A nice warm shower sounds good. I think that's my next stop.

God's blessings,
Melanie

My busy January plus February concert news

So far January has been somewhat quiet, which is a good thing. I'm not sleeping enough... not too unusual. I have been going to sleep a little earlier, but I seem to wake up after 6-7 hours of sleep, and I always feel like I need 8. Such is my life. LOL

I have tickets for quite a few shows in January, and two shows planned that I don't have tickets for as of yet. I am supposed to be called back to work around
Jan. 21. I'm hoping to delay it, if possible to the 24th. I already put Jan. 23 as a requested day off, but I really want to see Sound the Alarm on the 21st, and I really don't want to use my leave for the 23rd. So, we'll see what happens.

Anyway, here is what things look like so far:
Jan. 12 Brian Magana in Layton, UT (local, not too far from home... beautiful voice, haunting melodies.)
Jan. 16 One Republic McKay Events Center in Orem
Jan. 18 We Shot the Moon at Kilby Court in Salt Lake
Jan. 19 Brighten (Number One Gun, et al.) Solid Ground Cafe in Sandy
Jan. 21 Sound the Alarm, et al. at The Avalon in S. Salt Lake City
Jan. 23 Melee at Kilby Court in Salt Lake
I need to move to Salt Lake City for about a week. LOL Gas prices are going to
kill me.

In February, I only have two concerts planned, and that's because one of them was postponed from December(Colbie Callait.) It just figures that the December show was moved to Friday, Feb. 15, which will be a bear to get off work. They hate it when anyone takes off on a Friday. The other date is Steven Curtis Chapman on Feb. 23. I will likely be working at that show. I'm still waiting for word on how that's going to work as I've never worked at that venue before.

Anyway, here is the info. on the Steven Curtis Chapman concert:



(click for larger view)

This is the first time Mr. Chapman has performed in this area. The nice thing is that it's a much easier/shorter commute than usual. That's always helpful. :)

If you know anyone in SLC, pass the info. along. I've seen him in concert before and he puts on a good concert. I think he is much, much better live than his cd's.

Should I even talk about March yet? Hey.. why not?
Angels & Airwaves, The Color Fred on March 4 at In the Venue (still need approval for time off work)
Mute Math with Alanis Morisette & Matchbox 20 on March 6 @ the E-Center
March 29, The Starting Line (yea for a Saturday show!)

You know... I almost hope no one comes in April. LOL I hate to miss a show I really want to see, but I may need a break. Yes, I think I am certifiable. LOL

Love, Peace, and a musical 2008,
--Melanie

The hurrieder I go the behinder I get

I think I used to hear that saying from my mom long ago. I'm not sure where she got it, but it tends to suit me too well. LOL

At any rate, I am going to see Weird Al tonight at the fair. I haven't had enough sleep. I need to do a lot of things, and here I am online. I'm a glutton for punishment. LOL

And, I am now the street team co-ordinator for Mute Math in Salt Lake City! The tour just started with a sold out show in Boston. It shouldn't be any surprise that Mute Math would sell out. Not only is the music outstanding, but they probably have one of the best live stage shows out there. They set the standard for stage presentation!! Not only that, but they are touring with Eisley. It's an interesting combo. Eisley is just pretty. Mute Math rocks! But both bands are absolutely incredible live. If it comes near you, DO NOT miss it!!!!! I can't emphasize that enough. I've had my ticket since the day they went on sale.

http://www.mutemath.com/tickets