Crowd Pleaser

I used to be a really big fan of live shows. Back in my late teens and twenties, I went to show after show. From Edie Brickell at the Santa Cruz Civic to Blind Melon and Neil Young at the Shoreline to Martika and Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up! Never Gonna Let You Down! Tell me you remember him?!) at Great America of all places. I was a fan in the traditional sense of the word. Meeting Tori Amos was like a dream come true back then (thanks for hooking me up with that once in a lifetime opportunity Tomato). But now, at the ripe ol' age of 32, I often find myself wishing I had stayed home and listened to the album at top volume in the comfort of my own home.

You see, I dislike crowds. Particularly crowds where asinine people flock in rude groups to drink too much and dance their hippy Santa Cruz-style trance dance while paying no particular attention to personal space issues of the people around them. Like last night, Jenny Two Times and I went to see Sara Bareilles play at Moe's Alley. We got their early so Jen could find a seat. She's all hobbled with that damn walking cast. Poor girl. As we sat there with our cocktails awaiting the start of the show, it became quite evident that we were like party crashers. It was as if everyone knew everyone and we were social outcasts at a junior high dance. Hugs and smiles abounded. Cries of delight of long-lost friends reuniting. It was weird I tell you. Turns out the lead singer of the opening band was born and raised in the Cruz. Ah ha! No wonder!

During one of their songs, an older couple stood blocking my view. That was pretty annoying in and of its self but then as she sang out, "I want to give you some good, good love. . . " this couple who bore an eerie resemblance to Stephen King (particularly his mouth) and Joni Mitchell (particularly her cheekbones) began to kiss. And by kiss I mean make out. I think I saw tongue.

I am traumatized.

The highlight of the Raining Jane set was when the drummer, who was hilarious as well as a kick ass musician, pulled out some flamenco drum and the guitarist pulled out her cello and they did a rockin' rendition of none other than Missy E's "Work It." It was awesome. Those girls can harmonize better than the Indigo Girls. The lead even sounded a bit like Alanis. I wasn't compelled to buy their album but it was still an unexpectedly good show.

Sara B. is the reason we came though. The reason us two grannies stayed up past our bed time. She is the next BIG thing. Mark my words. She played a bunch of new songs- all of which made me want to buy her album the second it is released. If you haven't checked her out, take a look-see. You might like it.