Back from Philly!

We are back from the, "City of Brotherly Love." I really enjoy this city, every time I return home, I think about what I would like to see the "next time" I go back. That being said, this was a great trip! Tracy and I got there on Saturday morning and left early afternoon on Tuesday. We stayed in the Rittenhouse Square area, in a beautiful hotel right in the middle of Center City. It was nice to stay in this area because it made everything we needed, accessible on foot.

Here are some of the highlights...

• Participate in the half marathon and watch the Philadelphia Marathon. (Nice Job Karl!)
• Walk through the historical district and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, and Federal Reserve.
• Take a Tour of the Eastern States Penitentiary (Wow...this was very interesting)
• Cruise through the Reading Terminal Market and sample all the treats (Yum!)
• Walk around the neighborhoods and streets of Philly!
• Eat at some great restaurants....Tokyo Sushi and El Vez....

Rock and Roll Means Well.

This just in….a full report from Saturday. My last post was about the anticipation of the rest of my (our) Saturday night.

Tracy and I went to Seven Sushi in downtown Minneapolis. I can say this with confidence, if you want an entire dining experience go here. The wait staff is very friendly, attentive, and courteous. The restaurant creates a perfectly cozy, warm environment, located on the second floor of R. Normans Steakhouse. The sushi was great it was very playful, flavorful, and presented very creatively. My only word of advise…watch what you order because your bill can add up quickly…WOW! I am glad that we had a gift certificate.

The walk to the show, at the First Avenue, was a block away from the restaurant and I am glad that it was. We arrived at the door right at the stroke of 7:00 and the Hold Steady were already playing. (When do concerts ever start on time??? ) Anyways, like the tour name: Rock and Roll Means Well.

Now I really enjoy the Hold Steady and I have seen them three times in the last year. But this was my least memorable experience. Maybe it was because the H.S. was the opening act or that the band lacked the excitement they usually portray? I am not saying that the show was bad, but I have seen them perform better. They played songs from several of their albums and sounded good, but not great.

After about a 75 minute set the Hold Steady left the stage and the Drive By Truckers closed the night out. They were good. I have never seen them perform, but have heard some of their music. Their Alt-country sounds makes you want to grab a PRB and do a shot of Jack Daniels, if you know what I mean?? Pretty smooth sounding and great background music for a night out with the boyz!

All in all the night was great night.

Click here if you would like to hear about the show from music critic Chris Riemenschneider of the Star Tribune.

Saturday Night
Sunday Night

Triple Play!!!

As I am waiting for my counterpart to get herself ready to roll. I was thinking about how great today has been. Started it off with a run with some friends I haven't seen in a while. Followed by a great breakfast at Trotter's Cafe in Saint Paul, with Tracy. It was a great meal with even better company.

If the morning was any indication of how great tonight will be, I am excited. We are having dinner at Seven Sushi in Minneapolis followed by going to First Aveune to see one of my favorite bands...the Hold Steady!

Stay tuned for full report...