Hello....It has been awhile since the last post. We have been kind of in between events, but no fear we have attended two events the last couple of days. The first being the Baniff Mountain Film Festival held in conjunction with the Midwest Mountaineering Expo. The second being Tu Dance held at the O'Shaughnessy, on the St. Kate's campus.
My impression of both events was that they were good, but not great. Maybe it is that I have had more exposure to independent films and dance performances then in the past, which has made my expectations to get higher.
Lets start with the Baniff Mountain Film Festival...I enjoy everything wild that planet earth has to offer. I have spent countless hours exploring and experiencing what it has to offer. I equally enjoy hearing about other people's experiences, travels, and rites of passage. But what I don't like is a human highlight film with the best thing being the music and possibly the scenery. This was the case of 3 of the 5 films, I saw on Friday night.
I have seen enough films that show a few individuals who have the economical background or have solicited a major sponsor to endorse a fun filled trip. Many of these individuals have shrugged off human responsibility and have followed their dreams. Good for them. Keep doing what you are doing, in fact call me I would love to join you.
But, when it comes to documenting your trip. Create a film by introducing a storyline, instead of having highlight shots of an epic ski run down a mountain face or an interview of a trip member saying, "You need to respect the mountain...." or "...that was crazy sick...." It has all been done before.
Of the two films I liked, they both had a storyline. They had the human element. The first one was about a female BASE jumper who was addicted to the sport and couldn't stop until she crashed landed into a tree breaking both her legs. Even after multiple surgeries and several years after the accident, she still can barely walk. The entire film had a sick uneasy feeling that something bad was going to happen. It was like watching a slow motion train wreck.
The second film was the shortest. It was about a band, the Black Eyed Snakes, who traveled from Duluth to Colorado for a music tour and Nordic skied along the way. It was simple, non pretentious, showed the enjoyment of the sport, and was entertaining to watch.
Saturday.......Off to dance. Tu Dance is a great company. I have heard about them from Tracy and I know she really enjoys seeing them perform. As well as respects the athletic and artistic talent that the dancers have. After seeing them, I agree they are very gifted individuals and I enjoyed seeing their show. Of the five pieces, my favorite was a very contemporary, abstract piece that had a woman bound by elastic bands who was being pulled in and out of the spotlight by her fellow dancers. Beautiful....
My take on the entire show. I would have enjoyed it even more if the other pieces performed were more of the abstract bazaar style of dance rather then the traditional style. I am aware that there were a lot of technical dance moves being performed. But, I personally enjoy more stimulus from the overall production of the dancing and not the technical side. But that is just my opinion.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The New Rockstar Persona: Mr. Nice Guy, parts I and II
If I were a rockstar, I'd want to be Craig Finn (small scale) or Bruce Springsteen (world-domination scale).
Part I
In a world where we have musicians known for bad behavior and ungracious performances, Finn was downright giddy with appreciation during the Hold Steady concert at the State Theater on Thursday, Nov. 4. He personifies "nice guy," offering a new take on what it means to be a rockstar. The whole rockstar persona is given new meaning with Finn and the rest of the Hold Steady. The band consists of five guys -- four of whom I understand are Minneapolis-area natives -- who seem to be bound together by a simple love of fun times and head-bobbing music. Their latest release, Boys and Girls in America, is one of my favorite CDs, so seeing them live was a thrill, and they didn't disappoint.
The show? Bone-shakingly awesome. The music was solid and fun in that clap-your-hands and sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs sort of way. Or was it just Finn? Hard to separate the two...he is the heart and soul of the band. From the get-go, when the show started with "Party Pit," Finn was high energy, running around and clapping his hands in a maniacal but lovable sort of way. Minnesota loves him, and he wasn't shy about showing his love for us. Every round of applause and cheers evoked true appreciation from Finn, evident in his hands covering his mouth, clasped in fists under his chin, or his fast-forward dance moves. He even said, at one point, how much joy and love he felt. Could this guy be any nicer? I'd almost expect to receive a thank-you note for coming to the show.
The guy's a true poet, setting years of his life and a multitude of experience to music that exudes tales of a fun, carefreeyouth. I could almost taste the keg beer and feel the crowded house party around me while listening to the bar-band songs. That's just the way of the Hold Steady: Guilty pleasures and irresponsibilities of the past have never sounded like so much fun. And while we may have grown up from our, say, irresponsible college days (for some of us), or entire decades of haze ("The 80s almost killed me," Finn sang at one point), that's just what they are -- memories of the past, safe for revisiting in song.
Part II
And now we move on to Bruce Springsteen, also Mr. Nice Guy and Brilliant Poet -- THE ORIGINAL. I'll admit that I don't know many Springsteen songs beyond the classic 80s standards (Born in the USA, I'm on Fire, Born to Run, etc.) or his movie soundtrack songs (Streets of Philadelphia, Secret Garden [from Jerry Maguire]). But when my dad called Friday afternoon offered Derek and I free tickets he came upon through a friends -- well, I would have felt like quite a prominent schmuck in musical history for turning them down. Luckily Derek felt the same! Add to the fact that they were first row and, well, I was very spoiled in my first Springsteen experience.
I probably can't ever see another show of his again, for fear that it will never live up to this one. His opening line -- "Is anyone alive out there?" or something like that (I know, Springsteen lovers everywhere are cringing at my ignorance) -- was enough to jolt the GINORMOUS crowd into collective cheers and screams, and from there it never stopped or let up for the entirety of the show. For a bunch of guys pushing 60 (some might even be there), Springsteen and the E Street Band wore me out with their power rock but won me over with their cohesiveness and infectious music. Add to that Springsteen's thoughtful lyrics -- apparent both when he was shaking the arena with his thunderous vocals or soothing the crowd with his more lyrical, acoustic songs -- and the show was a lesson from Rockstar Performance 101. Some of Springsteen's songs took a political tilt (it's no secret that he's no fan of the Bush administration), but he always countered with a hard-rocking, soul-shaking song that had the crowd singing in unison -- an unbelievable sound in itself. It's clear why New Jersey's favorite son has become a timeless piece of American culture.
The crowd in itself was a sight to behold. I would have fit in with a) 80s bangs b) a jean miniskirt and stilletos c) Tony Danza hair and a muscle shirt (if I were a guy) or d) a polo shirt and khakis. Springsteen attracted an eclectic crowd filled with fashion throwbacks to decades past, harley lovers, regular middle-aged business men and people such as yourself. You know you're in the presence of rock royalty when a diverse crowd like this can come together and sing and dance in unison to your musci for 2+ hours, demanding encore after encore.
I've never been to an arena concert like this before, and I'm not sure if I will again...I tend to favor more intimate venues (and let's be honest -- I ain't rich, so cheaper shows are more my style). But like the Hold Steady's Craig Finn during Thursday's show, Springsteen's sincerity, love for what he does and genuine appreciation for his fans transcended space and venue. The result? Another excellent show that felt more like an event, which will forever be etched in my memory as one of the best shows I've experienced. I may not know most of his songs, and I don't own any of his albums, but Springsteen is a true superstar, and I'm glad to have experienced a show from such a legend.
Part I
In a world where we have musicians known for bad behavior and ungracious performances, Finn was downright giddy with appreciation during the Hold Steady concert at the State Theater on Thursday, Nov. 4. He personifies "nice guy," offering a new take on what it means to be a rockstar. The whole rockstar persona is given new meaning with Finn and the rest of the Hold Steady. The band consists of five guys -- four of whom I understand are Minneapolis-area natives -- who seem to be bound together by a simple love of fun times and head-bobbing music. Their latest release, Boys and Girls in America, is one of my favorite CDs, so seeing them live was a thrill, and they didn't disappoint.
The show? Bone-shakingly awesome. The music was solid and fun in that clap-your-hands and sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs sort of way. Or was it just Finn? Hard to separate the two...he is the heart and soul of the band. From the get-go, when the show started with "Party Pit," Finn was high energy, running around and clapping his hands in a maniacal but lovable sort of way. Minnesota loves him, and he wasn't shy about showing his love for us. Every round of applause and cheers evoked true appreciation from Finn, evident in his hands covering his mouth, clasped in fists under his chin, or his fast-forward dance moves. He even said, at one point, how much joy and love he felt. Could this guy be any nicer? I'd almost expect to receive a thank-you note for coming to the show.
The guy's a true poet, setting years of his life and a multitude of experience to music that exudes tales of a fun, carefreeyouth. I could almost taste the keg beer and feel the crowded house party around me while listening to the bar-band songs. That's just the way of the Hold Steady: Guilty pleasures and irresponsibilities of the past have never sounded like so much fun. And while we may have grown up from our, say, irresponsible college days (for some of us), or entire decades of haze ("The 80s almost killed me," Finn sang at one point), that's just what they are -- memories of the past, safe for revisiting in song.
Part II
And now we move on to Bruce Springsteen, also Mr. Nice Guy and Brilliant Poet -- THE ORIGINAL. I'll admit that I don't know many Springsteen songs beyond the classic 80s standards (Born in the USA, I'm on Fire, Born to Run, etc.) or his movie soundtrack songs (Streets of Philadelphia, Secret Garden [from Jerry Maguire]). But when my dad called Friday afternoon offered Derek and I free tickets he came upon through a friends -- well, I would have felt like quite a prominent schmuck in musical history for turning them down. Luckily Derek felt the same! Add to the fact that they were first row and, well, I was very spoiled in my first Springsteen experience.
I probably can't ever see another show of his again, for fear that it will never live up to this one. His opening line -- "Is anyone alive out there?" or something like that (I know, Springsteen lovers everywhere are cringing at my ignorance) -- was enough to jolt the GINORMOUS crowd into collective cheers and screams, and from there it never stopped or let up for the entirety of the show. For a bunch of guys pushing 60 (some might even be there), Springsteen and the E Street Band wore me out with their power rock but won me over with their cohesiveness and infectious music. Add to that Springsteen's thoughtful lyrics -- apparent both when he was shaking the arena with his thunderous vocals or soothing the crowd with his more lyrical, acoustic songs -- and the show was a lesson from Rockstar Performance 101. Some of Springsteen's songs took a political tilt (it's no secret that he's no fan of the Bush administration), but he always countered with a hard-rocking, soul-shaking song that had the crowd singing in unison -- an unbelievable sound in itself. It's clear why New Jersey's favorite son has become a timeless piece of American culture.
The crowd in itself was a sight to behold. I would have fit in with a) 80s bangs b) a jean miniskirt and stilletos c) Tony Danza hair and a muscle shirt (if I were a guy) or d) a polo shirt and khakis. Springsteen attracted an eclectic crowd filled with fashion throwbacks to decades past, harley lovers, regular middle-aged business men and people such as yourself. You know you're in the presence of rock royalty when a diverse crowd like this can come together and sing and dance in unison to your musci for 2+ hours, demanding encore after encore.
I've never been to an arena concert like this before, and I'm not sure if I will again...I tend to favor more intimate venues (and let's be honest -- I ain't rich, so cheaper shows are more my style). But like the Hold Steady's Craig Finn during Thursday's show, Springsteen's sincerity, love for what he does and genuine appreciation for his fans transcended space and venue. The result? Another excellent show that felt more like an event, which will forever be etched in my memory as one of the best shows I've experienced. I may not know most of his songs, and I don't own any of his albums, but Springsteen is a true superstar, and I'm glad to have experienced a show from such a legend.
Free Tickets?!?!?!!!
It was about 5:00 on Friday evening, I was just about ready to put on some lounge wear and put my feet up for the night then the phone rang. It was Tracy's Dad, he knew someone who had a brother, who had free tickets to Bruce Springsteen. Two hours later, Tracy and I were handed front row tickets to our section. I about crapped!!!
So here Tracy and I were standing one row up from the floor about 50 meters from the stage at the Xcel Energy Center with 18,000 people above us. The half hour or so we sat there we were able to see the "X" fill up with people. Shortly after 8:00, the music began with a bang and didn't let up for over 2 hours. Bruce was unbelievable. I was amazed by the non stop action, number of songs, how professional the E street band was, the crowd, and how he was able to deliver such intensity song after song.
After having a couple of days to think about the show. I have realized that Bruce is truly the Boss. The way he controlled the stage, his band, and the crowd was truly awesome. He is a piece of music Americana. A musician who has the influence to sell out arena after arena, create wonderful songs, and put on more then a concert, but create an unforgettable event.
In the end, am I glad I went, hell ya! Thanks to Patrick (Tracy's Dad) for the tickets!!! I was lucky enough to see Bruce perform a great show and create musical memories that I will remember for a long time.
So here Tracy and I were standing one row up from the floor about 50 meters from the stage at the Xcel Energy Center with 18,000 people above us. The half hour or so we sat there we were able to see the "X" fill up with people. Shortly after 8:00, the music began with a bang and didn't let up for over 2 hours. Bruce was unbelievable. I was amazed by the non stop action, number of songs, how professional the E street band was, the crowd, and how he was able to deliver such intensity song after song.
After having a couple of days to think about the show. I have realized that Bruce is truly the Boss. The way he controlled the stage, his band, and the crowd was truly awesome. He is a piece of music Americana. A musician who has the influence to sell out arena after arena, create wonderful songs, and put on more then a concert, but create an unforgettable event.
In the end, am I glad I went, hell ya! Thanks to Patrick (Tracy's Dad) for the tickets!!! I was lucky enough to see Bruce perform a great show and create musical memories that I will remember for a long time.
Friday, November 2, 2007
...Hold Steady...WOW!!!
If the band Hold Steady were an engine it would be a supercharged turbo V8 that was firing on all cylinders last night. They were cranking out so much horsepower you could feel the energy, excitement, and joy it created at the State Theater.
If the all ages crowd didn't move you (look out Dad, the kids are coming thru!!!) Then Craig Finn would have, he danced and jumped around on stage, like a giddy school girl excited for her first date. By just observing the band play you could see that they were truly enjoying what they were doing. In between and during the songs the band members were given each other high-fives' and truly savoring the moment.
I didn't get an official count on the number of songs that they sang or how long they played (not long enough!!!) But I can tell you this, they played songs from the "Lifter Puller" days; as well as past, present, and future Hold Steady songs. They sounded as great, given the size of the venue.
The last song before the encore was amazing...I had never heard it before but, it didn't matter because it rocked! The Hold Steady engine roared out of control and the RPM's red-lined with excitement. Finn, was so entertaining skirting around the edge of the stage singing, clapping, dancing, jumping, and expressing his joy to the crowd.....WOW
The call back encore was great! Of the 3 or 4 songs they sang. They sang their signature song, "Southtown Girls," my favorite. I hate to say it but, if you missed this show you missed seeing one of today's powerhouse bar bands perform. The only thing that was missing was the confetti falling at the end of the show.
If the all ages crowd didn't move you (look out Dad, the kids are coming thru!!!) Then Craig Finn would have, he danced and jumped around on stage, like a giddy school girl excited for her first date. By just observing the band play you could see that they were truly enjoying what they were doing. In between and during the songs the band members were given each other high-fives' and truly savoring the moment.
I didn't get an official count on the number of songs that they sang or how long they played (not long enough!!!) But I can tell you this, they played songs from the "Lifter Puller" days; as well as past, present, and future Hold Steady songs. They sounded as great, given the size of the venue.
The last song before the encore was amazing...I had never heard it before but, it didn't matter because it rocked! The Hold Steady engine roared out of control and the RPM's red-lined with excitement. Finn, was so entertaining skirting around the edge of the stage singing, clapping, dancing, jumping, and expressing his joy to the crowd.....WOW
The call back encore was great! Of the 3 or 4 songs they sang. They sang their signature song, "Southtown Girls," my favorite. I hate to say it but, if you missed this show you missed seeing one of today's powerhouse bar bands perform. The only thing that was missing was the confetti falling at the end of the show.
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