One year ago today I was getting ready to go to a concert that I had no idea would be one of the best concerts I have ever attended. That’s saying quite a lot considering the amount of shows I have been to since I was 14. I spent the morning lounging around watching Mumford videos with my best friend, Andie, who had come into town from Mississippi for the show. At the time I was doing promotional events for Hard Rock Cafe and was working before the show that night. Fortunately for me and Andie, this meant we had to arrive at the venue extra early so I could start work. I put Andie in line to hold our spot and instructed her multiple times on which side of the stage she needed to be.
Left side in front of Ben. Remember to be on the left side if you are looking AT the stage.
While I was working outside, there were TONS of people trying to scalp tickets. I really felt like I had the GOLDEN TICKET, espcially when one man offered me $1000 for my ticket. Sorry dude, that’s a lot of money but I have waited MONTHS for this concert.
After everyone was in the venue, I could FINALLY go in once my work was over! I quickly ran in and found Andie right where I had repeatedly instructed her to stand. This is why we are best friends, y’all! She was on the VERY FRONT ROW! In all the concerts I have ever been to, I have never been directly on the front row. And let me tell you, It was SUCH an amazing experience! I always thought people were crazy for getting there so early just to be up front. It was worth it!!!
The first opener came on. King Charles. I feel like that is all I need to say. He was absolutely amazing. And his outfit was even more incredible!!! I had heard such good things about him from other friends, but it did not prepare me for actually seeing him perform live.
Next up on the bill was Cadillac Sky (Rest in Peace). Again, another electric performance by an incredible band. This is where I first fell in love with David Mayfield and Ross Holmes. David was all over the stage. Rolling around. Jumping up and down. Shaking his ass. Typical David Mayfield stuff. Marcus actually came out and played drums on a few songs. Ben came out and played keys. It was awesome to say the least. I was so very, very sad when they announced they were splitting up soon after this concert.
If you look close, you can spy Marcus on drums!
Then….it was the moment I had been waiting MONTHS for…..
MUMFORD AND SONS
The setlist was as follows:
Sigh No More
Roll Away Your Stone
Winter Winds
White Blank Page
Below My Feet
Timshel
I Gave You All
Little Lion Man
Lover of the Light
Thistle & Weeds
Broken Crown
After the Storm
Awake My Soul
Dust Bowl Dance
Encore:
Lady of the River (King Charles cover) (with Cadillac Sky)
Go to Sleep (The Avett Brothers cover) (with Cadillac Sky)
The Cave
I think that it pretty much speaks for itself. Looking back, I realize I got to hear A LOT of songs that aren’t played very much anymore. I comforted Andie as she bawled her eyes out during Timshel. She covered me as I ninja’d an awesome video of Aawake My Soul. She also saved me from being killed by Ben’s piano during Dust Bowl Dance. That man rocked out so hard on the piano that it FELL over. If it had fallen off the stage it more than likely would have fallen directly on me. When it was happening she screamed at me “He’s coming closer! HE’S COMING CLOSER!” And what did I do in response….pulled out my camera to take photos!! Even if I died, it had to be documented. Suffice to say, my face was properly melted.
This was the best photo I could get of Winston because he was on the other side, as was Ted.
One of the first “official” photos of Ross Holmes as an honorary “Son.”
Here’s the infamous Ben photo after his keyboard fell over and he continued to play. Please notice the UR a Fucking (Star) sticker that David Mayfield put on his keyboard before the show!
Especially when they all (Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky, & King Charles) came back for the encore to play Go To Sleep by the Avetts.
After the show, Andie and I headed out back to where the tour buses were parked. There was a short line of people waiting to talk to Ben. He was so awesome and taking time to actually talk with everyone individually. When I finally got up to talk to him, I told him what an inspiration the band was to me and how unique they were. I’m sure I rambled on and babbled. He just smiled and said “Thank you so much. It doesn’t matter how many times we hear that, it always means just as much.” Then I proceeded to tell him how he had almost killed me with his piano during the show. To which he replied, “I seriously thought I broke it. That’s why I immediately walked off the stage after the song. I played through because the song has to have the piano bit at the end.” He then took my ticket and wrote “Blair, Sorry I almost killed you. Benji.” We high fived, then hugged a million times. When we went to go take a photo together, I took off my glasses and he asked if he could wear them. He actually said “Let’s take two photos. One with me in the glasses and one without.” So we did. After he took my glasses off, he said “Woah! Those are amazing. I can see so clearly with them on. Maybe I need to have my eyes examined!” After he was finished talking to everyone else, he came back over to where we were standing and talked to us for a bit longer. I told him that Mumford and Sons were probably going to be nominated for a Grammy. He just laughed and shook his head and said “Naaaaah. Nope. No way. We are too new.” And I said, “Yes, exactly. For Best New Artist.” *Cough*I told you so, Ben.*Cough*
After we chatted with Ben, we continued to wait in the freezing cold to see if anyone else would come out. The crowd waiting dwindled down to about 10 people or so. Then out came Marcus. When I approached him, I was not quite as well spoken as I was with Ben. I think my entire body was frozen at this point. I just said “Tttttthaaaaanks.” He replied “Oh my word, you’re freezing. Come here let me warm you.” He then wrapped me in his arms and hugged me tight for our photo. After we took the picture, he put his hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eye and said “Go home and take a warm bath.” I just laughed and nodded my head because HOW THE HELL DO YOU RESPOND TO MARCUS MUMFORD TELLING YOU TO TAKE A BATH?
The photos all pretty much speak for themselves. Needless to say, it was a night I will NEVER forget. I honestly cannot believe it has already been a year.
I am going to go a little off the path today and make a different post.
Dear Ticket Scalpers,
I understand that in this economy, everyone wants to make a buck where they can. We are all going through tough times. But what you are doing is absolutely shameful. I have NEVER wanted to support your business. No matter how insanely bad I wanted to attend a show. I see no reason whatsoever to pay 100x times or more the price of a ticket to see my favorite band play.
Actually….there is only ONE reason that it would be valid to sell a ticket above face value.
For a band approved charity auction.
That’s the only reason.
Think of what you are doing. You are hurting the fans. You are hurting the band. And you are hurting the venue at which they are playing. None of these individuals are profiting from the amount of money you are making off of them. You are obviously NOT a music fan and are just out for blood and money.
SHAME ON YOU!
I recently got this in my Google Alerts for Mumford & Sons.
I am attending the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and have in the past. It is one of the most amazing festivals ever created and has been going on for the past 30+ years. I was one of the unfortunate ones that did not win tickets through the lottery to this very intimate (read 300 capacity) show. Mind you, I was very upset, but understood it was a lottery system for a reason and not everyone could go. That is until I saw that these tickets were being sold for upwards of $500, $600 and even $800 PER TICKET! Also keep in mind that the tickets were originally sold for $30!!!! This is beyond outrageous! If you are a fan and would DARE to sell your ticket for this much, you are hurting a band you claim to love. They are seeing none of that $770 that you are pocketing. Again I say…..SHAME ON YOU! Just know that you are hurting Mumford & Sons, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Planet Bluegrass, Sheridan Opera House and all the fans.
Ben Lovett, keyboardist & accordionist for Mumford & Sons, recently addressed this situation himself:
“The thing that’s annoying me, especially this tour, is what you guys call scalpers,” Ben says. “It’s really frustrating when you meet lovely people outside venues who are fans of the band and they can’t get tickets, and scalpers go and sell them. This guy in Montreal the other day tried to sell me a ticket to our own gig! He had no idea, [who I was] and I was on the edge just… I was just angry… I mean, he wasn’t a fan and it ultimately takes away from musical creativity and it makes it impossible [to continue doing what we do]. I think our common mentality is to make sure that we don’t do anything that is exploitative or questionable. But in decisions we make, we try and do everything we can that is straight down the line. We’re definitely not trying to profit from what we’re doing. And as long as we can keep playing shows and keep having material to tour we’re happy and it feels like our fans are happy. It’s a simple life in a nutshell.”
I have emailed Planet Bluegrass to inform them of this. I doubt they will be able to do anything about tracking these tickets but in my opinion if they can, they should invalidate them so that whomever buys them will not be allowed in the venue. I am not saying they should be re-released or that I should even be allowed to buy them for the proper amount. Just that this type of behavior should NEVER EVER be allowed.
Scalping should be absolutely illegal and punishable by an EXTREMELY hefty fine and possible jail time.
Just remember…the proper authorities have been notified.
The moment I first heard this band I believe was my sophomore year of college, I instantly fell in love. Their music is so fun, upbeat, and catchy. I often have a hard time understanding how MORE people don’t know about them. Or why I have been to TWO Guster shows by myself one of them being FREE!!! But thankfully I met my friend, Jess. One of my favorite concert going buddies. When I found out she loved Guster just as much as I did, I almost fell over. We were so meant to be friends.
Guster puts on a live show like nothing else I have ever seen. It’s one thing to listen to a bands music that is recorded in a studio. It is another thing to see them perform it live. To see the energy that they radiate into each member of the audience.
For one, I must always be in a position to see Brian jam out on the bongos. Yes! BONGOS! He plays almost the entire set with his hands banging fiercely away on the bongos. So much so that he now has to tape his hands because they used to bleed so badly! It is a true sight to behold. Secondly, one of the first times I saw Guster live was at the Tate Center at the University of Georgia. It was a smaller show, but it was amazing. The most awesome thing about it….Ryan Miller played the entire show with bronchitis and a fever!! That’s serious dedication right there folks!
Ever since that day he has been my hero. And my love for Guster has grown.
I even traveled to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 2007 just because they had been added to the lineup. And they just so happened to be on my flight from Dallas to Montrose when I was traveling there. But that’s a story for another time…
Needless to say….I love this band. They will always be one of my favorites.
Plus they always seem to play at my favorite Atlanta venue….The Tabernacle.
Jess and I arrived early-ish to the show. And thank goodness we did because we got to hear the opening band. And discover a new love! Jukebox the Ghost…..what a GREAT band to open for Guster!!! They were upbeat and fun. Even though I didn’t know one of their songs, I found myself bopping and dancing along to their music. It was instant love. And they did a hilarious cover of “I Love You Always Forever” which had everyone singing along. Here’s a clip:
If you haven’t checked them out yet, I highly suggest you do because they are on the brink.
After JBtG were finished, it was time for some Guster action! I was beyond excited! Their shows are the kind where everyone knows every word and sings right along. This one was no different. They played songs that spanned their entire catalog history! The setlist was as follows:
Ramona
Barrel of a Gun
Architects and Engineers
Homecoming King (Chariots of Fire outro)
Red Oyster Cult
Hercules
Satellite
The Beginning of the End
This Could All Be Yours
Backyard
What You Call Love
Airport Song
Two Points for Honesty (chosen by audience over Careful)
On the Ocean
Come Downstairs and Say Hello
Do You Love Me
Happier
Hang On/My Life (Billy Joel cover)
ENCORE ONE:
The Captain
I Spy
Manifest Destiny
This is How it Feels to Have a Broken Heart
Demons
ENCORE TWO:
Jesus on the Radio (acoustic without microphones)
Suffice to say, the setlist speaks for itself. I always love hearing the old songs and doing all the audience participation. Holding up my hand for the countdown during Barrel of a Gun. Screaming “Dirty, dirty, oh so dirty” during Airport Song. Watching the band members dodge audience thrown ping pong balls at the end of Airport Song. But it was also good to hear the new songs live! And they are just as amazing as the old ones.
Here are a couple of videos I found from that night since my camera was left at home…ooops!
And the always favorite acoustic with no mics at the front of the stage….Jesus on the Radio….this one shocked Jess because she had never heard it live before!
I cannot wait until they roll back through town again….it is ALWAYS a good good time!
For a few months now, I have been hearing this name buzzing around.
Lee MacDougall
Listen to Lee MacDougall
You will love Lee MacDougall
So I listened. And I liked. But being that SO much good music is flying around these days, he got lost in the shuffle. (So sorry, Lee). That is….until I just happened to see a tweet of his pop up on my screen. Something about a party and then playing Smith’s Olde Bar afterwards.
HELL YEAH!
It was a Sunday. I posted a message on Facebook inquiring if anyone wanted to come with me. *Crickets* Truth be told, I wasn’t expecting people to fall over themselves to go with me. But who am I to deny myself good music. Even when you don’t know who someone is, look them up….go to a show. Because you never know how big they will become. Never underestimate the little guys! I did this with Bobby Long and look at where he is now….playing on the Dave Matthews Band Caravan Tour!!!
Lee was absolutely amazing. Quite witty. Loves telling stories about his songs. That is one of the things I love about these British singer/songwriter types. They aren’t just up there to sing you a little song. They like to tell you the meaning behind it and the songwriting process. It gives me more of a connection to their music.
It was a short show being that Lee was opening up for another band. Here is a little snippit of a song called “Falling in Love for the Last Time”
Got to chat quickly with him, but unfortunately the band he was opening up for came on stage and they were quite loud. Lee is extremely tall….so I made him stand on the step below me to snap a photo.
Hopefully he will be returning to the States again soon. And maybe next time I will be able to see him play a longer, headlining set.
This is a concert I never thought was going to happen. I missed out on tickets initially and thought “Well, if I don’t get them it wasn’t meant to be.” But I kept looking around. Just in case something popped up. But everything I found was $125 and in the back of the venue.
That is until I happened to check on Craigslist whilst lounging in my hammock listening to The Avett Brothers.
And the stars were aligned.
There was a guy who had a friend who unfortunately couldn’t go to the concert so he was selling his extra ticket. But fortunately for me, I saw it at the right time. And it wasn’t even near $125 or at the back of the venue! I was so thankful! Really I was jumping around screaming and dancing….
It wasn’t even a big deal that I was going alone. The day before I made plans to meet up with my FAVETT girl, Lindsey, and her bestie, Ellen, before the show. I had a wee bit of drama before heading to Athens, but nothing was going to stop me from enjoying my time. Some may think I am crazy for going to shows alone, but it is actually quite enjoyable. Don’t have to worry about anyone else. Can come and go as I please. And I am not going to let a small thing like the fact I can’t find a friend to go with me allow me to miss out on good concerts!
Before the show, Lindsey, Ellen and I were standing in front of the venue waiting for the doors to open. There was a group gathered near us (who were somewhat annoying) that started running over to the street. We looked over and there stood none other than Mr. Joe Kwon, Avett cellist extraordinaire.
We quickly spoke to him and had our photo snapped. Above is me, Joe and Ellen. Then we went back to waiting. The guy I bought my ticket from finally arrived with his friends and we were ready to go in! I am not going to mention that Lindsey and Ellen made BFFs with Jim Avett, aka Scott and Seth’s dad, because I kept being in the wrong place at the wrong time and missing him. I sat with L & E as long as I could before their seat neighbors came and booted me. It was long enough to watch part of Langhorne Slim’s opening act which was quite amazing and entertaining if I do say so myself.
I made my way back to my actual seat which wasn’t really that far away from where the other girls were. Straight away, I made note of the people in my section. In the row in front of me there was a group of friends who later became “those drunk people.” Next to them was a couple who were already making out and all over each other. On my left was another couple who ended up royally pissing me off during the show. Dude I bought my ticket from was on the other side of me with 4 of his friends all who ended up being really nice!
The show was phenomenal. I realized that it was my first official, full set Avett show. I saw the end of their set when they opened up for Dave Matthews Band a few years back, but unfortunately wasn’t as into them yet. The setlist went as follows:
Living of Love
And It Spread
Pretty Girl From Cedar Lane
Paranoia in Bb Major
January Wedding
The Fall
Distraction #74
New song
Kick Drum Heart
Spanish Pipedream
Colorshow
Sanguine
When I Drink
Murder in the City
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
At The Beach
Tin Man
Salina
Slight Figure of Speech
I and Love and You
Encore:
Laundry Room
Now my tiny rant about the RUDE people next to me. Right after Colorshow, Scott & Seth came to the front of the stage. It was just the two of them with one mic and their guitars. Beautiful, right? That is until the chick next to me decides to talk EXTREMELY LOUDLY to her boyfriend about her financial woes and buying a house. Mind you it’s just Seth and Scott on stage. Acoustic. So quiet is the operative word in the building. I bitchfaced that girl something good because if not I would have done or said something worse and probably gotten kicked out. Fortunately for all those around us, she finally shut her mouth. But I missed most of Sanguine because of her rude chatting.
Moral of the story: DO NOT TALK DURING CONCERTS! IT’S BEYOND RUDE!
The rest of the show continued to be amazing. I wish I could say the same for the crowd. They were highly disappointing. Mostly drunk college kids (I think I just proved how old I am getting with that last sentence). There was no real energy in the crowd. The Avetts played their hearts out to a crowd that gave a mediocre response.
But I danced and sang my lungs out and boot stomped and jumped around. So hopefully that made up for some of the lame-o people around me. Just like I don’t let not having a concert buddy stop me from going, I do not let lame section mates ruin my time.
My camera did not want to cooperate during the show, so I was unable to take proper photos. Fortunately, Ellen & Lindsey had their amazing cameras and were able to snap some good shots. So all the credit goes to them for the following photos.
Here’s a short clip from Ellen of Seth singing the end of January Wedding…..so sweet…
And a video of one of my faves Paranoia in B-flat Major
After the show was over, I went out back to meet up with L & E by the tour bus. We were hoping to get to meet the brothers. We waited. And waited. And waited. For almost 2 hours. That’s dedication because I had an hour drive back to Atlanta ahead of me. Unfortunately, the brothers were tired (they did only do a one song encore so I had my suspicions) and chose to make it an early night and go to sleep on the bus after the show. They also had an early morning drive to Savannah the following day, so I completely understood. We had a blast waiting on them. Singing songs. Meeting Langhorne Slim. Getting one of Scott’s banjo picks that he used during the show that night.
Yep.
You heard me right.
One of the guitar techs came over with something in his hand. So I just stuck mine out in front of me not knowing what he was handing out. In it he placed a GLORIOUS white banjo pick. I had a feeling it was Scott’s. Upon closer examination, I realized it was worn on one side meaning used. This totally made my night! And is probably one of the coolest pieces of memorabilia I have ever received.
Anyone who knows me, and knows me well, has probably heard me talk incessantly over the past two years about Bobby Long. The moment I heard his music, I fell in love. It was like nothing I had ever heard before. Very soulful and very unique. I have been following his career pretty much since it started (because I am hipster like that). It has been so fun to watch his music and fanbase grow.
His first official album, “A Winter Tale”, was released on February 1st. (But thanks to the AWESOME people at Criminal Records, I was able to get my hands on an advanced copy back in November). It is nothing short of amazing. I may be a little biased, but it was very different from his original stuff that was recorded in his bedroom. When he first started out, he was just a solo singer/songwriter from Wigan, UK. Once he signed with ATO Records in April of 2010 (it always goes back to Dave Matthews somehow), I knew things would change. He was on the brink of making a huge change and making it big.
Then he was on Jay Leno!
This was the craziest thing to me. To see someone you saw play in your friend’s living room performing on national television is like seeing a close friend make it big. And he was with a full band! Even though I have seen Bobby perform live, I had never seen him with a band. I was blown away. It was like seeing another person! So when his concert got announced in Atlanta I was beyond excited to finally get the opportunity to see him in a new light.
Two of my favorite friends came in to town specifically for this show so that made it even better. Then on top of that Criminal Records (the best record store on the face of the planet) announced that they were having an in-store performance before the show. (I like to think it was my constant harassment about scheduling it that made it happen!) DOUBLE BONUS!
The day of the show, my friends and I met up at The Porter Beer Bar next to Criminal for some drinks and food. Once it was time for the in-store, we walked over, purchased our copies of “A Winter Tale” and headed to the back to watch Bobby do his thing. This performance was more along the lines of what I was used to. Solo. Acoustic. Just Bobby and his guitar.
Here are a couple of videos I took during the set.
After his set, he was able to sign a few things so I had him sign my advanced copy of “A Winter Tale.” He was quite impressed I had one and of course I had to mention that the lovelies at Criminal had graced me with it!
It was then time to head to Vinyl where Bobby was scheduled to perform. It was a nice sized crowd at the venue. The opener came on and I hate to say but I was not too impressed with him. We won’t go any further than that. Maybe it was just the fact that I was excited to see Bobby with a band. Once he came on stage, he did not disappoint. I felt as though I was seeing a new musician I had never heard before playing the songs that I know and love.
For those of you who know how much I love his shoes….you know how excited THIS made me….
He was absolutely on fire. Dancing. Jumping. Smiling. Full on ROCKING OUT! Like I said before, it is a side of Bobby Long that I have never seen before. And it is a good change. Not that he wasn’t amazing before, but you could just tell that he is really enjoying having a band. During Penance Fire Blues he was freestyling and just having the best time jamming out. I wish I could find a video of it because it was a sight to behold. I did capture my favorite song “In the Frost” on video (save for the first line of the song which I missed).
The only downfall of the show was the drunk girl next to me who kept coming up and practically molesting me during the show. Kind of creeped me out a bit. But overall it was a FANTASTICALLY AMAZING show. I was so happy to have two of my best girlfriends there, Andie & Robyn. It was Andie’s first Bobby show! I’m pretty sure she enjoyed herself just as much as I did!
When his set was over, I didn’t think he was going to come out for a meet & greet so needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when he did. Andie had obviously never met him so she wanted to talk to him. I went over and stood in line with her. Once we got to where he was sitting, both Robyn and Andie clammed up, but I walked up to him like he was an old friend. I recently did a fundraiser for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Bobby donated an autographed copy of his CD for me to auction off. I thanked him for doing that and told him how much it raised. He immediately offered to sign something else for me, grabbed a poster and asked what the charity was again. I reminded him and he paused and said “Right, AGAINST domestic violence. Not for. Can’t put a fist.” I had to laugh and told him “No that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.” The fact the he jumped at the opportunity to do something else for me made me so happy. And I impressed both of my friends with how easily I talked to him, but honestly it’s like seeing an old friend….who never remembers your name….
Thanks again, Bobby, for yet another memorable performance. And many many thanks to Criminal Records for hosting the in-store. Y’all are awesome at what you do!
Oh and PS here is the FULL performance from the In-store at Criminal Records….don’t mind me dancing around at the start of the video….
The week of the Bobby Long shows (April 1), one of my best friends, Andie, came in town. That Thursday that she FINALLY got here, we went out to have drinks and watch some hockey at Taco Mac in Virginia Highlands. We had the cutest server. I believe her name was Michelle. The restaurant was pretty slow so she stood at our table and talked to us for quite a while. We explained to her about going to see Bobby at Vinyl. She told us that the following Thursday (April 7) a band called Civil Twilight was playing at the venue next to Vinyl called The Loft. She said they sounded a lot like Muse/Coldplay.
I was sold.
Not only do I love both of those bands, but I love checking out new music. Even if they sucked, what did I have to lose. I made plans and enlisted a friend to go with me. At first we were a bit confused about the opening bands. We thought that there was a silent film being shown. Little did we know it was a BAND called A Silent Film. When we arrived the opener for the opener was on, Eyes Around. Unfortunately since we were confused, we didn’t listen to them very much. Plus we missed about half their set. But what I did hear was pretty good.
A Silent Film came on second. Since we were still confused (and had never really listened to any of the bands performing) we thought they were Civil Twilight. This band was really quite impressive. The lead singer reminded me a lot of Chris Martin (perhaps that was part of the added confusion). He danced around the stage and was very interactive with the audience. I always enjoy musicians who will chat with the audience during their set. It makes you feel more connected. The rest of the band was very talented as well. Once I figured out that this was indeed NOTCivil Twilight, I made a note to check them out more once I got home.
After A Silent Film finished their set, we finally figured out that they were not who we thought they were because people were still standing around waiting. Oops! That’s what we get for not paying closer attention.
Civil Twilight finally came on.
I honestly had not heard one song by them until they started playing. Once I saw that the lead singer was playing piano, it was all over for me. I fell in love instantly. Their sound is very reminiscent of Muse or Coldplay. They are from Cape Town, South Africa (hello accents!) Again, they were also very interactive and chatty with the audience, which was filled with fans. I had a blast dancing around even though I did not know one song. They were highly entertaining.
To me this band is still up and coming. I think they have a few songs that are played on the radio and possibly featured on a TV show or two. They are playing a few festivals, including the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, AL. If you are going or want to check out some new music, I definitely recommend this band as well as A Silent Film.
Just goes to show that it is worth going to see bands that you may have never heard of before because you never know what you will like.
Sunday, April 10, 2011, was probably one of the most fun days I have ever had. How does it get much better than baseball and REALLY good music? When I first saw this concert announced via The Avett Brothers’ Facebook page I immediately grabbed tickets…and then called my friend, Jess, to tell her to not make plans for April 10. We were both jumping with joy! I bought the closest seats I possibly could because I wasn’t sure how the concert would be laid out. Soon enough, an announcement about FIELD PASSES was sent out!! We were sure to get those as soon as possible.
I was in heaven!
The thought of seeing The Avett Brothers whilst standing on Turner Field had me filled with GLEE! I was counting down the hours until BRAVETT DAY! I even made a custom t-shirt for the occasion. More on what happened to that shirt later.
I awoke yesterday morning like a kid on Christmas and immediately started getting ready for the game/concert. Let’s be honest here, I love baseball but to me this was more of a concert than a baseball game. I packed up the cooler, Jess picked me up and we were headed to the Ted! Tailgating was awesome! Jess drove which meant parking in the Nalley Lot which meant FREE VARSITY FOOD and a FREE BRAVES T-SHIRT!!!! Hell yeah! It doesn’t get much better than that. And the weather was absolutely gorgeous! 80 degrees. Lovely breeze. Blue skies! Perfect day for a concert outside!!! I had so many people calling and texting me to tell me they were coming to the game. I wanted to meet up with everyone but I didn’t have the time. I had priorities.
And their names were Scott & Seth & Bob & Joe.
We made our way into the stadium around the 4th inning because we were having entirely too much fun socializing in the parking lot. We sat down in our seats long enough to watch a few innings of baseball before we had to go pick up our wristbands to get on the field after the game. Then it was a waiting game….for all the people who weren’t staying for the FREE concert to exit….
FINALLY…it was time to go down to the field!! I had a hard time not running and shoving everyone in front of me out of the way, but I made it! The guys came on stage and it was all I had hoped it would be. The setlist was as follows:
And It Spread
Shame
The Fall
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
Slip Sliding Away (Paul Simon Cover)
January Wedding
Paranoia in B-flat Major
Kick Drum Heart
Laundry Room
Slight Figure of Speech
Living of Love
Colorshow
Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane
I and Love and You
Both of the brothers looked fantastic! Seth was wearing a black Braves hat and looked like a kid in a candy store playing on the baseball field. All throughout the set he made the BEST faces! And Seth looked just as happy too! His wife was there with them and my LAWD is she beautiful! She looked so cute in her little summer dress! I got so many good photos of both Scott & Seth that it was hard to narrow down which ones were my favorites, but here are a few.
And here are a few of Scott’s finest faces….
Here is a video I took of “Slip Sliding Away.”
It was so precious to see the guy in front of me with his young son. I always love when parents introduce their kids to good music at an early age.
Right before “Slight Figure of Speech“, Seth looked directly at me, pointed at my shirt and gave me a thumbs up. I freaked out! Since it was so extremely hot outside, I had worn a tank-top underneath the shirt. After he saw it, I decided he needed it. So I took it off and waited for the perfect time to throw it on stage to him. Just so you know, this is not normal for me to strip at shows and throw my clothes on stage. I kept asking Jess if I should do it and she was somewhat egging me on. Right before they played their last song, “I and Love and You”, I brazenly chucked the shirt on stage. I was afraid they wouldn’t see it. They played the song and as they were walking off the stage, Seth bent down and picked it up. I was floored! Just that simple act had made my day.
After their set was over we walked left the stadium. My phone immediately began ringing. It was my favorite Avett fan & friend, Lindsey. They were behind the stadium by the tour buses. I immediately motioned to Jess that we were headed over that way. We walked around back and had to wait for a bit, but it was definitely worth it. All four members eventually came out. Joe came out first and we talked to him briefly before Bob, Seth and Scott made their way out. Seth and his wife were holding hands and I about died from cuteness overload! I am so glad that they are married to such lovely women! She went on the bus while they stayed and talked to everyone waiting.
Fortunately, I had remembered to bring my issue of Garden & Gun where they were on the cover!
I spoke to Seth first. Of course I told him that it was my shirt that I threw on stage. He looked at me, smiled and said in his sweet Carolina accent, “It’s MINE now! And just my size so thanks!” I about died. His eyes are absolutely mesmerizing up close. He signed my magazine and then took a picture with me. And man does he give good hugs! My insides melted and I didn’t want to let go. Such a sweet, Southern gentleman.
I then walked over to where Scott was standing. He just smiled the biggest smile at me as I handed him my magazine. As he was signing it, I pointed out that my mother had a subscription to this random-to-me magazine. He replied “It’s a goooood magazine. She’s got good taste, your mom.” I am still smiling just thinking about it. Then he pulled me in tight for a photo-op. I seriously didn’t want to let go.
Best day of 2011! It was an absolute HONOR to meet these two gentlemen. And it is always an amazing feeling meeting those individuals that inspire you to be a better person. They show me that there are good people out there making good music! Not only are they talented but they are extremely down to earth, North Carolina boys!
Thank you Avetts and thank you Atlanta Braves for creating such a memorable experience. It is definitely something I will be telling my grandkids about and never forget!
Here you will get to read about my thoughts and adventures on the many live shows I attend this year…and occasionally a few shows from the past that were exceptionally memorable! So far this year I have been to 10 shows….and there are a lot more in the works. Until I get caught up, I will probably be working backwards, posting about the most recent shows I have been to. I have lots of stories, pictures and videos to post!!!
I am so excited about starting this new blogging venture. I love going to see live shows, big or small and figured this was the best way for me to keep up with all the shows I have seen. So I hope y’all enjoy the ride!!
If you look close, you can spy Marcus on drums!
One of the first “official” photos of Ross Holmes as an honorary “Son.”
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