So, by now you probably know that I'm really into making music, but I am also a huge fan of finding new music and going to music concerts!! And I've had a blessedly music filled week or so! Here are a few of the highlights:
Death Cab for Cutie/Cold War Kids/Ra Ra Riot - Wednesday, April 15th, Ruth and I went to this performance at the Roy Wilkins auditorium in St. Paul. This was a fun concert, and the first time I could buy grossly overpriced beer at an entertainment venue, which was exciting more for novelty than the actual beer. I liked their show in Fall 2006 better (Narrow Stairs was, in my opinion, a bit of a step back after Transatlanticism and Plans, but still good), but the opening acts were quite good. We were a bit late, so we didn't hear a ton of Ra Ra Riot, but Cold War Kids were fun, and DCfC was wonderful, as I always think they are.
Barn Dance! - Friday April 17th, This was another one that required a car, but this was in Northfield. A Carleton band called Last Known Whereabouts that involves a fiddle and banjo, etc. played at a barn and played toe-tapping, exciting folk/country/hillbilly kinda stuff. Just right for the group of crunchy hippies that live in CANOE, Farm, and make up a good number of my friends. It was a great time, involving long lines of people laughing and dancing and stomping. Good fun!
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Friday April 17th, SO MUCH ENERGY!! This was the third time these guys had played at the Cave, but the first I'd managed to see them. I moved up to the front, in the throng of moving/dancing/jumping people enjoying the energy of the music. This was a great show. I didn't see the openers, but I heard they were good too.
Coyote Grace! - Wednesday April 22nd in the Cave, as well. I love this band! They're so great! They are a woman and a transman, partners in life and in music (they just hit their 5 year anniversary!), and they are great. They play acoustic guitar, upright string bass, and occasionally an ankle belt tambourine. All in all, they're a great show, and were not only celebrating Pride Month at Carleton (which we do in April instead of June), but also the release of the GSC's new publication, "Drag." It features contributions from Carleton students and the same drag performers who came to Carleton and talked in our panel. The writing centers on gender, gender performance, drag performance, and people's experiences of the rigidity and fluidity of gender. It has really great design and while I haven't had a chance to read it all yet (it was released just last night!), what I have gotten to read has been really great. Last year I contributed to the publication that was "When I Knew," which was about when people knew they were LGBTA, or whatever else they identify as.
PS - Don't forget to listen to my radio show, Guitars and Pink Stars, on Tuesdays at 7:00AM CST - I will definitely play some music by some of these great artists!
