The Jesus LIzard & Fantomex @ Orange Peel

Fantomex Setlist

The Jesus Lizard Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 514th concert.
This is my 4th concert at Orange Peel.
This is my 15th concert in Asheville.
This is my 135th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 314th concert in the USA.
Fantomex are the 599th band I've seen.
This is my 5th Jesus Lizard concert.

Jesus Lizard is the 600th time I've seen an American band.

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Bank of America Stadium

 

Bonnie Raitt & The James Hunter Six @ Ovens Auditorium

Tonight is the opportunity for A to tick a performer off her bucket list.  I'm pretty sure I don't know a Bonnie Raitt song, but I'm always up for a show (and a midweek date night at that).   That in combination with the fact that Raitt is donating proceeds to those that suffered from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, makes tonight a no brainer.

We got to our seat half way through opening act, The James Hunter Six.  What a mistake!  We definitely should have been there from the beginning.  We walked in as he started Okie Dokie Stomp.  A rockin' bluesy number was excellent, and his voice - sterling.  Then he spoke.  He sounded like a Cockney.  How does the sound of a Mississippi bluesman come out of that small English body?  We got the last 20 minutes of his rockabilly/blues/R&B set and it was awesome.  A great cover - Percy Mayfield's Two Years of Torture was well received by the crowd, and his whole set had the crowd pumped for Bonnie Raitt.

James Hunter Six Setlist

A 20 minute set change before Bonnie Raitt and her band strode onto stage to thunderous applause.  Raitt then gave a masterclass in blues-rock, both vocally and with her guitar playing.  When early on a crowd member wished her a happy birthday, I was amazed to find 2 weeks ago she turned 75.  Her voice was perfect.  Every note hit the sweet spot.  As predicted, I didn't know any of her music, but it stop me getting into a fantastic set.  I know she paid tribute to John Hiatt and John Prine with a couple of songs.  And it sounded like she suffered during Covid.  Not only losing friends, but the loss of time and touring opportunities played on her mind.  Her version of Chris Smither's Love Me Like A Man was great (even though I don't know the original).  she did a couple of solo acoustic songs, which showed a couple of flaws in some guitar playing, but beautiful songs nonetheless.  Raitt not only supported western North Carolina tonight, she did go out of her way to mention the organizations that were being funded from tonight's show.  Overall a great show.  It always is when you don't know a performer, and they make you sit up and take notice all night.  A thought it was amazing, so always an added bonus.  Tonight I have "discovered" 2 artists, whom I'd happily see again.

Bonnie Raitt Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 513th concert.
This is my 4th concert at Ovens Auditorium..
This is my 112th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 134th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 313th concert in the USA.
James Hunter Six is the 597th band I've seen.
Bonnie Raitt is the 598th band I've seen.

Les Savy Fav & Ultra Lights @ The Earl

I am getting to an age where I still love seeing shows, but getting motivated to see them is getting harder and harder.  This is the case tonight.  Les Savy Fav are a bucket list band, but Atlanta is as close as they get.  And when a three and a half hour drive turns into as 6 hour drive, I really question what I am doing.  There were 2 occasions where I was just stopped on the 85 for 45 minutes at a time, and considered turning around and going home.  I'm so glad I didn't!

The Earl is a new venue for me, and is in the cool East Atlanta Village.  It looks like a street where it all happens.  Late night bars, restaurants and just people out and about.  But tonight I get to the venue just in time to line up through the narrow corridor, to the back room, for Ultra Lights to start 5 minutes later.  While waiting in line, Les Savy walked past, much to the crowds cheer.

Ultra Lights are a local band, and seemed pretty stoked to be playing tonight.  A good sized crowd in the small room (Dive bar?  maybe) were in early and saw Ultra Lights put in a good 35 minute set to warm up the crowd.

Within 25 minutes a white-wigged Tim Harrington was on stage, pulling out all the dance moves to the lead-on song, before the rest of the band joined him.  As the guitarist's pick slid up the strings and Harrington burst into "He's a bad motherfucker....16 pairs of shoes in his closet....", the wig was quickly lost, the suit jacket dispersed of, but the dancing ramped up a couple of notches - band and crowd - as LSF opened with Blackouts on Thursday.  From the start the band were on fire, and Harrington spent as much time in the crowd as on stage.  And when you could take your eyes of him in the crowd, you'd see a tight band having a great time on stage.  The music reflected that.  The sound and songs are great.  I'm not familiar with a lot of their songs, but Reprobate's Resume was rocking, as was Patty Lee.  To finish the set the notes of The Sweat Descends rang out to the joy of everyone.  You could tell people had been having a good night but this song took it up a notch.  Again Harrington was out in the crowd, and was this the song he left and sung in the front room (? - I can't quite remember).  The band left the stage, leaving behind a fired up crowd.  It wasn't long before Les Savy Fav were back for more.  The 4 song encore crescendoed when in the middle of Dirty Knails, Harrington got everyone on the floor, before busting out for a banging finish.  I'm not sure how he did it, but by the time I bought the Oui LP, Harrington was a the exit, thanking everyone for coming.

My cousin Moz gave me a digital copy of Inches in 2009, and it is an album that gets listened to all the way through quite often.  Les Savy Fav are now a bucket list band I can cross off, but I'd happily sit in 6 hours of traffic to see them again - any day.

Les Savy Fav Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 512th concert.
The Earl is the 140th venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 2nd concert in Atlanta.
This is my 2nd concert in Georgia.
This is my 312th concert in the USA.
Ultra Lights are the 595th band I've seen.

Les Savy Fav is the 596th band I've seen.

Les Savy Fav are the 600th time I've seen a band in the US.

Starcrawler @ Repo Record

Early start.  Starcrawler playing a morning show at Repo at 10am on a Saturday.  And free!  I'm in.

I was introduced to Starcrawler at Punk Rock Bowling earlier this year and enjoyed their set, so I thought I'd come and see what they could do in a smaller venue.

I got there as the doors opened and about 50 or so people headed into the back of the store, where they'd cleared a space for the 5 piece to play.  Starcrawler had played at Cat's Cradle the previous night and were headed to Atlanta to play tonight.  I love the daytime gig.  I wish we could get some more bands to do this in Charlotte.  

Rocking from the first note of She Gets Around, Starcrawler played as it were a regular gig, and the early morning crowd were into it.  I Love LA was played early in the set - I remember that from May.  And somewhere midset singer, Arrow de Wilde pulled out her backbend.  I really liked No More Pennies, Roadkill and their cover of Pet Sematary.  16 songs in 45 minutes.  Yeah I'll take that at 10am before I go and get my groceries.  Starcrawler finished the set with a rocking Chicken Woman, which saw guitarist, Henri Cash, stride through the crowd, jump up on the front register and blaze away from the rest of the band.

Great show.  Better than Punk Rock Bowling, mostly because the energy transferred better in a small closed in venue.  It's not often I see Repo do in-stores, but I will always keep an eye out for future shows.

Starcrawler, Repo Record, Charlotte, NC

Starcrawler Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 511th concert.
Repo Record is the 139th venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 111th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 133rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 311th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Starcrawler concert.

New York, NY

New York, NY

New York, NY

Big Day!  Big Day indeed!

We all packed into the breakfast space at the hotel before heading off for a day's adventure in Manhattan at 10am.  We all walked up to Wall Street, not far from the hotel, and then past the New York Stock Exchange to Trinity Church.  We stuck our head inside this ornate church, as well as toured the cemetery, where we saw the grave of Alexander Hamilton. two blocks, and one tourist store, south is the Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green.  We, like every tourist on the planet is seemed, lined up to take a photo.  Not sure why I hadn't been here on 2 previous visits, but it was funny watching people pose with the bull, and we got a great family photo.

We then walked the half dozen blocks up Greenwich Street to the 9/11 Memorial Pools.  Such a somber place.  This is a tragedy that still affects many people, and you can see this in the respect of all the visitors, as the air is tense, and people mostly look in silence or hushed tones.  We saw the names of those lost on that terrible day, and noticed some had white roses placed with them.  I learned that this was done daily and the white roses were for those who should have been celebrating a birthday.  I do find it both eerie and triumphant that this memorial sits in the shadow of the since built One World Trade Center.  Taller than all, this landmark sticks out everywhere in Manhattan, and serves also as a reminder of the overcoming spirit of that fateful 2001 day.

Just west of the area is the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal.  We jump on for the half hour ride down to Staten Island.  Along the way we take in the views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (time meant we didn't go over and spend time on the island), as well as Manhattan at the back of the boat.

The stop in Staten Island is at a near empty mall, where we stopped at Shake Shack and had lunch.  Kel & Lucy took the Staten Island Ferry back to the hotel, while the rest of us jumped back on the ferry all the way up to the 

 

New York, NY

We didn't really do anything of significance while my sister and her family came to Charlotte, but we did take off for a long weekend in New York.  A great stop in their month long adventure in the US , and the perfect opportunity for us to take the boys there for the first time.

We tagged along as KJL&M had booked their flights and hotels already.  We book the same.  It's an easy flight up to La Guardia, and a van took the 8 of us straight to our Fairfield Inn in the Financial District in Manhattan.  After our experience in Philly, we opted for 2 rooms with king beds as A&I and the now teenage boys are crammed into a room with 2 doubles.

We dumped bags and headed straight to the Fulton St Subway to get over to High St in Brooklyn.  We then spend the late afternoon wandering around Brooklyn Heights, taking in both Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.  Doing all the touristy pick of the bridges and the Manhattan Skyline.  Eventually we ended up at the Time Out Market, where we seemed to go 8 different ways to get dinner, but still manage to find a table together.  Unfortunately the roof was closed for a private event.  That's where we really wanted to be.  The boys and I had eaten at a Time Out in Montreal, and that was a great experience.  This place may have been even better still.

We continued walking along the East River, just being happy to be in a new city.  Our last stop was at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, for the kids.  From there it was across the street to the ferry, which took us back to Pier 11, just a short walk back to the hotel.

LMB&L, Brooklyn, NY

BMD&L, Brooklyn, NY

DBL&M, Brooklyn, NY

Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat @ Spectrum Center

We didn't do a ton of stuff in Charlotte when my sister and her family were here.  But one thing the boys wanted, was to see some sports.  So the boys and I took Jason and Maxy, and Uncle Drew, to the Spectrum Arena to catch the Hornets in a pre-season game.  

We got some seats at a good price on the lower level (I've never had that before) and headed into town to catch some dinner at the 7th Street Market before getting into the venue just before tipoff.  The arena wasn't 1/2 full and we probably could've moved down closer, but we were content with some good seats.  Thing were pretty even in the first quarter, then it looked like Miami might start to pull away in the second.  After half time the Hornets came out and dominated, going from 58-62 down to leading 89-81 at the end of the 3rd.  Things remained even throughout the last quarter and the Hornets held on for a 3 point victory.  

I hope the result is the sign of  a good season for the Hornets.  With Charlotte FC having a good year, it would be nice if another Carolina team could follow their lead and get people excited about sport in this town.  Because, while the arena was not half full, the atmosphere in the arena was like that of a library....again.  I'm not sure how to change that, but I'm sure a winning season wouldn't go astray.

Charlotte Hornets 111 (L. Ball 24, T. Salaun 15, M. Bridges 14, T. Mann 14) defeated Miami Heat 108 (B. Adebayo 13, K. Ware 13, J. Butler 11, P. Larsson 10)

Crowd: 10,093

Weezer, Flaming Lips & Dinosaur Jr @ Bon Secours Arena

So this is a belated birthday gift for the boys.  We all love Weezer and Dinosaur Jr and Flaming Lips as openers meant getting tickets was a no brainer.

We made the easy drive down to Greenville after the boys finished school and got there just before 6.  Got a great parking spot right near the venue and walked the same distance away to have dinner at Ink n Ivy.  A good meal and then back to the venue and in our seats as Dinosaur Jr started.

Dinosaur Jr were only allotted 1/2 hour, but blistered through 6 great songs.  I got to hear a favorite (Freak Scene), a Feel The Pain/Start Choppin double, and of course their great Cure cover, Just Like Heaven.  Though I don't think I converted the boys (yet).

Dinosaur Jr Setlist

BMD&L, Dinosaur Jr, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

It wasn't long before Flaming Lips were on stage.  It was 4 songs in before the pink robots were inflated for Yoshimi (Parts 1 & 2).  Another great show from them, though I thought the room was too big for the show they put on - or is it just so magic in a smaller venue?  Loved hearing She Don't Use Jelly, as did the boys.  They also liked the Yeah Yeah Yeah song.  A perked up when she instantly recognized the Borderline cover, as did everyone in the audience our age.  Do You Realize??? to finish the set was another highlight.  L & I made a run for it as soon as the song finished so we could go and buy tshirts for him and B.

Flaming Lips Setlist

Flaming Lips, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

They came from outer space.  Weezer appeared from under their departing rocket ship taking all the applause they could before launching into their 25 song set.  It all started for us when Hash Pipe came on, to be followed by Pork n Beans, Beverly Hills & Islands In The Sun.  This 4 song interlude revitalized the fading boys (there had been a long day at school and a 2 hour drive to get here - and we were well past their bedtime).  Video graphics were spectacular and definitely complimented what the band was doing, even with their cheesy spoken interludes.  A spate of Pinkerton songs (unfortunately not including El Scorcho or the Good Life) led into a quick break, before Weezer came back to head into The Blue Album from start to finish.  This is the 2nd time I'd seen Weezer do this.  The 1st time was  back in Vegas just before the boys were born when they did The Blue Album and Pinkerton in the same night.  From the first notes of My Name Is Jonas the energy in the room picked up and the set was great.  Obviously Buddy Holly was a favorite and everyone was singing Undone - The Sweater Song at the top of their voices.  Surf Wax America and Say It Ain't So were also highlights for me.

Weezer Setlist

Weezer, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

We bailed during the last song, Only In Dreams, to beat the crowd out, and prep for the long drive home.  Big week of rock for the boys.  First time they've seen 2 shows in a week.  As stoic as they can be (I wonder where they get that from) both said they loved tonight's show, but both of them struggle with a late night.  Violent Femmes in Asheville in a couple of weeks.

Weezer Fans, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

The Crap Facts
This is my 510th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Bon Secours Arena.
This is my 3rd concert in Greenville.
This is my 7th concert in South Carolina.
This is my 310th concert in the USA.
This is my 11th Dinosaur Jr concert.

This is my 6th Flaming Lips concert.

This is my 6th Weezer concert.

Airborne Toxic Event @ The Underground

Time for another freebie show, and another one for the boys to see.

It's been over 11 years since Erik and I made our discovery of Airborne Toxic Event, after we saw them at the Hard Rock Pool.  Since then, their self titled debut gets plenty of play in our house.  Hence the boys know them, so even after a game of soccer in the morning and a 9pm start, they were keen to go.

We walked in just before they started and were immediately greeted to Wishing Well, which got the crowd into a good mood.  A few songs from the new album, Glory, before a ripping mid-set Gasoline.  After this the boys started to fade, with fewer recognizable songs, but a great show regardless.  The main set finished with Something Around Midnight, and afterwards the band left the stage with the crowd wanting a lot more.  I know the boys were tired, so we moved closer to the exit for when the encore finished.  But the last 3 of the 4 encore songs were a highlight for me - and the boys.  Does This Mean You're Moving On? was excellent.  The highly anticipated Missy was so good.  Such a great day.  And the way they weave in I'm On Fire and Folsom Prison Blues is exciting.  Happiness Is Overrated finished the night and left everyone on a high.  

BD&L Rockin' Out

I know the boys were super tired, and have the teenage emotional range of "Good" when asked how they enjoyed everything, but I really think they enjoyed the night.  Let's see how they go on Wednesday when we have to drive to Greenville after school to see Weezer.

Airborne Toxic Event Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 509th concert.
This is my 10th concert at The Underground.
This is my 110th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 132nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 309th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Airborne Toxic Event concert.

Airborne Toxic Event is the 1150th time I've seen a band.

Liverpool v Manchester United at Williams Brice Stadium

Brian, Mike & I, Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC

I've only been back from our summer trip for 2 days, when I get in the car again and drive down to Columbia with Mike & his mate, Brian, to go and see Liverpool again.  This time against Manchester United.  Things did not look good, as were caught in a storm on the way down.  So severe, that you could barely see 10 feet out the window.  Fortunately it passed quickly.

Getting into the parking lot was a mission.  It was so poorly organized it took nearly 45 minutes once we got off the 77.  Thankfully we left Charlotte with way too much time.  Cowden and their entire clan were tailgating in the parking lot, so we went to hang with them before following the masses into the stadium.  Thought we'd get our beers before getting to our excellent seats, (in the Liverpool section, 20 row behind the goal) only for the woman in front of in line to buy the last beer.  What?  It was still 15 minutes until kickoff.

Liverpool started strong, and within 10 minutes we were up 1-0, when Carvalho put one away from the top of the box at the other end.  Before the half Salah made one of his strong runs down the right, his perfect cross hit Curtis Jones in the 6 yard box and we were up 2-0.  The game settled a little in the 2nd half, with both teams rotating their squads and bringing on B squads.  But we got another.  When Liverpool attacked, Jota had a strong shot parried by Onana, straight into the path of Tsimikas, who put the ball in the back of the net.  3-0 us.  And before the restart the Liverpool fans were calling for 7 - reflecting the score of the Liverpool win in March 2023.  Unfortunately that didn't happen, but I'll take 3-0 over Manchester United any day.

Good atmosphere in this game, maybe slightly better than the Philly game on Wednesday.  Coming in it looked like there was going to be a lot more United fans, but inside I thought it was pretty even.  And our Liverpool end, while no Kop, was more vocal than Man U's at the other end.

Three Post Scripts:

1) 77,559 is the largest crowd to see a soccer game in South Carolina.

2) If I thought getting into the parking lot was tough, getting out was a clusterfuck on a massive scale.  And we were lucky enough to sneak out quickly, then sit in non-moving traffic for over 90 minutes.  Surely the stadium and police have had practice with football games for years.  We sat within a block of the stadium for longer than a regular trip back to Charlotte should take.

3) A couple of days later I found this picture on Liverpool FC's Facebook page.  Obviously I stand out in a crowd when singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

Liverpool 3 (F. Carvalho 10, C. Jones 36, K. Tsimikas 61) defeated Manchester United 0

Crowd: 77,559

Liverpool v Arsenal @ Lincoln Financial Field

 

Montreal, QC

7/27

Larry's

Contemporary Art Museum

Ave Mont Royal - Aux 33 tours, Bixi home

Les Enfants Terribles

7/28

Patisserie Guillaume, Fairmont Bagels

Bixi to Parc la Fontaine

La CAtrina

Last Kem Coba

7/29

Montreal, QC

7/22

Walk down St Denis to St Catherine

Lunch at Cage Sports Bar

Chinatown

7/23

Putting Edge Laval

Les 3 Brasseurs

Despicable Me 4 at Cineplex Laval

Niata to Go

Neighborhood walk

7/24

Sir Wilfred Laurier Park

Ta Pies

Rain

7/25

Botanique Gardens

Villa Tandoori

7/26

Zoo Ecomuseum

Cage lunch

Mandys Dinner

Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities Under The Big Top

Little Italy

Jean Talon Marche

Bus to Old port

Cirque

Dinner at Vieux Port Steakhouse

Abaye de St Benoit du Lac & Yamaska National Park

7/18

Biosphere

Ferry to Old Port

Smokies Food Truck

Archeology Museum

7/19
Ta Pies

St Josephs

walked to to Snowdon Metro

Train to Bonaventure

Walk St Catherines

7/20

Drive to 

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

Lunch in Picnic Grounds

Yamaska National Park

Montreal, QC

7/14
Mont Royal

7/15

Toi, Moi et Cafe

Biodome

Planetarium

Siboire St Laurent

7/16

Chill

Ta Pies

7/17

Underground City

McCord Museum

CF Montreal v Atlanta United @ Stade Saputo

Atwater Market
Lachine Loch walk

Uber to Saputo

Montreal, QC

7/10

Rain all day

Rumicube

Bishop & Bagg for England v Netherlands

7/11

Rain

Bernie Beignet

7/12

Bus to downton

Notre Dame

Walked St Catherine St

Lunch at Time Out Market

Marie-Reine Cathedral

Quebec City, QC

Montmorency Falls

Parc River St Charles

Drive Thru Trois Riviers

Montreal

Montmorency Falls, Quebec City, Quebec

Montmorency Falls, Quebec City, Quebec

B&L, Montmorency Falls, Quebec City, Quebec

LB&L, Parc Lineaire de la Riviere-Saint-Charles, Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City, QC

Dizzy spells

Citadel

Lunch at Ficelle Sandwiches

Hotel

Evening Walk

Fairmount

Sapristi for dinner

Funicular

DML&B, Citadelle de Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec

BM&L, Citadelle de Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec

L&M, Citadelle de Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec

D&M, Citadelle de Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec

MB&L, Hilton Hotel, Quebec City, Quebec

LMB&D, Rue de Cul du Sac, Quebec City, Quebec

Vieux Fakar Toure @ Festival d'ete de Quebec

7/6 - Rain

Bishop & Bagg to watch England v Switzerland

Dinner at Home

Kem Coba

BM&L, Bishop & Bagg, Montreal, Quebec

7/7

Drive to Quebec

Lunch at l'Omelette

Wander old town and lower town

Hilton Quebec

Dinner at Les Freres de la Cote

More wandering

Vieux Fakar Toure

The Crap Facts

This is my 508th concert.
Place de Assemblee is the 138th venue I've seen a concert at.
Quebec City is the 57th city I've seen a concert at.
Quebec is the 17th state I've seen a concert at.
This is my 4th concert in Canada.
Vieux Fakar Toure are the 594th band I’ve seen.

Sherbrooke, QC

Fairmount Bagels

Drive to Sherbrooke

Lunch at Siboire Depot

Atmosphere, bike ride

Murals

The Traveler's Hotel Mural, Sherbrooke, Quebec

DLM&B, Riviere Magog Bike Ride, Sherbrooke, Quebec

Montreal, QC

A mid morning start saw us head one block over to Rus Saint Urbain to catch the bus into downtown Montreal.  A 20 minute ride dropped s off a the door to Notre Dame.  The plan was to visit, but a mile long line was a deterrent, so we just wandered.  Headed in the direction of Vieux Port.

By the St Lawrence River there is a neat area with family activities i.e., Ferris Wheel, Zipline, paddle boats, as well as a line of tourist stores and food trucks.  The old docks have been converted into the Montreal Science Museum, including an IMAX and it is where some of the river cruises depart from.  After looking around we purchase a ticket on Petit Navaire for 2pm and then head back to look for lunch.

LB&M, Port Vieux, Montreal, Quebec

We wandered through the shops and art galleries of Rue Saint Paul before stopping, eventually, at Creperie Chez Suzette for a nice, casual, inside-from-the-sun lunch.  A good meal, but nothing that screams coming back again.

Back down to the Grand Key to get on our 45 minute cruise around the St Lawrence River.  While waiting we meet a couple from Rock Hill, SC.  They saw B's McCaffery shirt and had to ask where we were from.  Great couple, who sounded like they were on free time from a larger organized tour.  The small electric boat starts heading south, as our captain describes the cityscape in both French and English.  We cruise past the converted ferry, now a spa, Bota Bota, on our way to see the first gate of Lachine Lochs.  There is another cruise on the loch, which I hope we can do at a later date.  As we turn around to head north the first distinguished building is Habitat67.  This cool looking condo building sits right on the water, and looks like no other building you've seen before.  The series of un-neatly stacked cubes brings a unique building to an already beautiful city.  We follow the artificial breakwall down to the end and effortlessly catch the fast moving St Lawrence River further north, all the way to the Clock Tower.  We turn into the Montreal Yacht Club, and see some of the beautiful boats, knowing they will all have to go by winter, as the river freezes.  It's tough going back to the quay, as riding against the strong current really puts a strain on the boat.  An absolute belter of a day for it, I'm so glad we did this little ride.

MBL&D, Petit Navaire Tour, Montreal, Quebec

B&L, Petit Navaire Tour, Montreal, Quebec

DBL&M, Petit Navaire Tour, Montreal, Quebec

We walked back up to Notre Dame, still as crowded as this morning, and wait for our short bus ride home.

Tonight we are staying in the neighborhood and we walk up to the corner of Rue Saint Viateur and Saint Laurent to have dinner at La Catrina. Great meal! We got to sit outside and had some of the best tacos we've had in ages. Each of us had something different, and we all ended up with order envy. Will definitely keep this in mind if we need Mexican again in Canada.

Montreal, QC

Today we decided just to keep it in the neighborhood.

The boys and I walked down to Ta Pies for morning tea/early lunch, and the first of what will be many stops here while I get my fill of a classic Aussie pie, that I can't get in the US.

From there we walked back towards Laurier Metro and stopped at Parc Saint-Michel to kick a soccer ball around for a while.  We wandered around St Laurier Boulevard and Park Avenue, between Laurier and Bernard Avenue before heading home mid-afternoon.  The highlight came for B when we went into the Boutique des 3 Sorciers - The Harry Potter Store.  So much to see.  But he did come out with a Hufflepuff shirt.  Tomorrow should be a bigger day, as A has the day off and we will go and explore downtown.  

Dinner at home before what will quickly become a nightly ritual - Kem CoBa

DL&B, Ta Pies, Park Avenue, Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, QC

First thing's first.  I have to get a parking permit for the street while we are here for the month.  This I have been warned about by locals a number of times already.  I take B and we walk 10 minutes to the Services du Quebec and pick up the prepaid sticker as I try (unsuccessfully) my first French.  Anyway, we are set to park in our neighborhood for the month.  Below is the fire station we had to walk past to get there.

Pompiers Auxiliaires de Montreal, (St. Laurent Blvd & Laurier Ave), Montreal, Quebec

We get back to the condo and pick up L.  Unfortunately Mom has to work while we are here.  Back down past the Services du Quebec to Laurier Metro station, where we catch the train to Lucien L'allier.  A short walk up the hill is the Museum of Fine Arts, but first we stop to eat lunch at 3 Brasseurs. They have the Euros on, so we watch a bit of Netherlands beating Romania before making our way up the rest of the hill.

The Museum of Fine Arts looks like it covers 3 buildings, though entry and exit is only out of one.  One of the boys wanted to see this so the had done a little research which helped keep their attention for a lot long rger than I thought it wood.  We learned about Wanda Koop from her Who Owns The Moon room and Ando Hiroshige, from their Tokaido dreamscapes.  The boys took a great interest in both artists.  A great display of Quebecois artists as well as a ton of Inuit art makes this a fantastic museum.

Below are pictures of 2 favorite pieces of mine.  Manasie Akpaliapik is an artist I found while in Toronto several years ago.  Most of is works are carvings from whale bone, like the Untitled (Shamen Head) on display here.  And Richard Hunt is an artist I first saw when I first came to North America, and was predominant in the Pacific Northwest when I visited Vancouver and Victoria.  I loved this style since I first saw it and was happy to see a lot of indigenous art represented in the museum.

Untitled (Shamen Head) by Manasie Akpaliapik, Le Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal, Quebec

Kwaguilth Moon Mask by Richard Hunt, Le Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal, Quebec

The museum is so big we kind of got lost on the way out.  Fortunately we came across staff who pointed out the we almost missed the massive Saint, Sinners, Lovers & Fools exhibit.  These were Flemish masterworks which took up another hour.  The boys were waning in the end, but they were really up for discussing all these great old pieces.

What I also loved is how the museum encourages young families to come.  I paid for admission, but the kids were free.  And that's always.  Of course you'd want to go there as a family.  An idea that should be adopted in more venues.

L&B, Le Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal, Quebec

Leonard Cohen Mural, Crescent Street, Montreal, Quebec

It was late afternoon before we were on the Metro, headed back to home base.  It was an absolutely great day, and I'm elated the boys really enjoyed themselves.  An art museum is not something we do often, and art is not a big deal in our house, but both of them were engaging the whole time, and had different favorites for different reasons.  

Because we were getting back a little late, as Mom was finishing work, she decided a debrief was required at Kem CoBa before dinner.  Kem Coba is the ice cream store 3 blocks away from the house that is so good, I wonder if we will try anywhere else.  And we've already made the owner happy with our vague attempts to order and pay in French.

Montreal, QC

Monday morning and a public holiday in Canada. The boys and I start our trip off by heading to Parc Mont Royal to have a look around. On the mile walk to the park, we pass Ta Pies, a local pie shop that you know we'll be at many times soon. But it's closed Monday & Tuesday. We enter the park and climb the hill trying to get to the lookout. It's a long slow burn uphill until finally we reach the Grand Staircase. It's either another mile and a half to the lookout, or 537 stairs. We, regrettably, take the stairs and by the time we reach the top - I've had it. The boys, however, were in fine form. The view definitely is worth it. You look out to the downtown area and the Lawrence River behind. In this perfect weather the view is unobstructed and a great city sits below us. The walk back down is much easier as we take a different route back down. On the way we pass the Monument to Sir George- Etienne Cartier By late afternoon we are back at the condo.

 

DL&B, Parc Mont Royal Lookout, Montreal, QC

Monument to Sir George- Etienne Cartier, Parc Mont Royal, Montreal, QC

When A finishes work, we walk down to Omnivore, a mile down St Laurent Boulevard, for dinner.  It has a good menu for all of us (even the vego) and the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the non-Charlotte weather.  We are down near Little Portugal, and after Portugal beat Slovenia in the Round of 16 in Euro 2024, we are "serenaded", for a good hour, by the horns of all the cars flying their Portuguese flags proudly.  The food is terrific, and my heart is full for our first full day in Montreal.

Montreal, QC

This summer we've been fortunate enough to head to Montreal for a month.  We picked this city so we could drive to it (no extra money spent on airfares), and we will stay in the same time zone.  We found a Airbnb in a neighborhood outside of downtown that would let us stay for a month, and we were off to discover a new city.  

We left early on Saturday morning in the hope of getting as far north as possible.  Straight up the 77 to the 81 we drove around 11 hours all up and ended in Scranton, PA.  Rain set in and we found a Panera Bread right near the Hilton and crashed for the night.

We got up naturally on Sunday and started our drive to Montreal.  We continued up the 81 until we reached the Thousand Island area, where we came over a bridge to a beautiful waterway that served as the US/Canadian border.  Border crossing was pretty quick, but there did seem to be a long line coming back.  In Canada we stopped for lunch soon after at a Tim Hortons.  Trying to get into the Canadian spirit as soon as possible.  It was disappointing to say the least.  Not sure we'd race back there again.  An easy ride got us into Montreal at 4pm and a parking spot was available right outside our apartment.  A really nice Airbnb.  We're about 2 miles from downtown in a very cool neighborhood.  Lots of restaurants and stores close by.  Close to the bus and 15 minute walk to the train.  This is going to be a good month.  

Our hosts left a list of places to eat at and, after unpacking, we started with the closest - Drogheria Fine.  This is literal hole in the wall that serves gnocchi.  Nothing else!  You get it in a Chinese container with some chopsticks and cheese.  And it's $5.  And there is a line all day every day.  The food is amazing.  As first timers we over ordered a serving each.  In the future we may share one.  To the left of the building is Kem Coba, an gelato store that, after one tasting, will become our second home in the next month.  It is so delicious.  While we didn't try it today, to the right of Drogheria Fine, is Fairmount Bagel.  Again, it's all they serve, and it's been in business for over 100 years, and in this location for 75.  I'm sure we'll be back - a lot.

AB&L, Drogheria Fine, Montreal, QC

We wandered around the neighborhood and did some grocery shopping just to be outside, after 2 long days of driving.  Every second makes me love this place more and more.  I really can't wait to see what the next month brings.

Charlotte FC v DC United @ Bank of America Stadium

Woke up to a text offering us tickets to tonight's Charlotte FC game from out generous neighbour.  Even though it's 90 degrees, it's Father's Day weekend and I couldn't think of a better way to spend it.

We parked in our regular spot and walked to the stadium with plenty of time before kick off.  Just before we got into our seats, we ran into Steve, Woltz and Bean, who were to sit 2 sections over.  Drew and Vince were also in that section - but they had the front row.

Cowden's seats are fantastic.  Close to halfway, 20 rows up - a good view of the whole field without being too high up.  And being on the Club Level, where we can escape to air conditioning if need be, is a blessing in this summer heat.

Charlotte are doing alright this season and while we dominated the start of the game, once DC settled in, it was pretty even for the first half.  The only goal came a little controversially in injury time of the first half.  After clattering someone in the box, Privett got a yellow card, but DC didn't get the free kick, as the corner had yet to be taken.  When it was, Vargas put a strong header into the back of the net, in front of the supporters section.

The second half say few chances for either team, but I still am nervous when Charlotte hold a slim lead.  Previous seasons have not held well for us in those situations, but tonight the defence held strong (just like the the first game of the season we were at).  A good win in front of a good sized home crowd.  Lets hope we keep marching on this season.  Currently we sit at 5th, but still a long way to go.

Charlotte 1: Vargas (45+7) defeated DC United 0

Paid Attendance: 30,468

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

This morning I went downtown to catch up with Claudia, Denise & Jesse from the Hyatt/Loews Lake Las Vegas.  We had brunch at 1228 Main, a cool spot that Claudia likes.  What a morning!  We spent 3 hours laughing non stop, about everything and nothing.  I hadn't seen these guys since we moved from Vegas 11 years ago, and catching up was like we had seen each other last weekend.  I didn't like how they said life was working in the hotels these days.  Sounds like Covid made management forget how to treat employees in the Concierge industry.  But otherwise all three were doing and looking great.

We were at the venue just before 5pm in order to catch the English Beat.  I saw them here in 2012 and really liked it, and today it added a mellow start to the day.  Mirror In The Bathroom was the only song I recognized and got the crowd riled up at the end of their set.

The English Beat setlist

Bratmobile were up next.  I was surprised to find out the had been around since the early 90s and from Washington.  They would have fit perfectly into what I was listening to at the time, but is seems they have slipped through the cracks.  They put on a good show.  I knew none of their stuff, but picked up a bit of Cheap Trick Record, and their Cherry Bomb cover to finish the set was a pearler.

Bratmobile setlist

Old school punk back on the main stage, with Stiff Little Fingers.  Again, not sure why I've never heard of this band, but that is the beauty of coming to Punk Rock Bowling - to find new, and new to me bands.  I liked their message of community in their songs and their between song banter.  They looked like they were appreciative of the crowd, and blown away that they had the opportunity to play for so many years.  Hate Has No Home Here was a particular favorite mid-set.

Stiff Little Fingers setlist

I watched a little bit of Scowl, but wasn't taken in by them.  I used the rest of the time to seek out food.  Then it was back to the main stage for Gogol Bordello.  I will tell you now, Hell will freeze over before Gogol put on a bad show.  The whole bands energy from start to finish is an amazing way to convey their message to the crowd.  And there was no one in the crowd standing still.  I Would Never Want To Be Young Again started it for me.  Straight into Not A Crime & Immigrant Punk and the crowd was on fire - matching the band for energy.  While only a 9 song set, it fit Punk Rock Bowling perfectly, and Start Wearing Purple was the finisher you'd expect.  That song was stuck in my head for days.

Gogol Bordello setlist

Sounds weird to say, but to wind down after Gogol Bordello, the small stage had the powerful Quicksand.  Their singer/guitarist looked familiar.  I looked him up an realized it was Walter Schreifels from the Gorilla Biscuits.  Then I remember them talking about that back at Riot Fest (though I missed Quicksand there).  More heavy and angular (think Helmet) than punk, Quicksand continued the energy push and the crowd was into it.  I need to look into them more - I'd never heard their stuff - and they were good.

Quicksand setlist

Another reason to come out this year was Madness.  Their show back at the House Of Blues in April 2012 is still a highlight from living in Vegas.  Tonight it took a little longer to get that feeling.  Sound issues meant they were delayed getting on stage, the crowd becoming restless - as you do on the last act of a 3 day festival.  The band finally arrived behind the Star Wars theme and, predictably, launched in to One Step Beyond, much to the roar of the crowd.  They then played a bunch of songs I didn't know, including 3 off a new album, and started to lose the crowd (I thought).  A poor attempt at humor had a band member badly singing a shit version of Livin' On A Prayer, under the guise of a casino audition.  But straight after they launched into House Of Fun, and all was forgiven.  From then on, it was all the good stuff.  Baggy Trousers, Our House and It Must Be Love.  The delay at the front end didn't allow for an "encore", so the band played pretend, we cheered ike it was a stage return and they finished off the set with Madness and Night Boat To (Cairo) Vegas.  Dave and I even got in the pit for the last song.  It's been years since I've done that, and afterwards I remembered - cause I'm 51, not 21.

Madness setlist

A great weekend's music was only outdone but getting to hang out with some old friends.  The boys keep asking to come to Vegas, to see where they were born.  I've only been back twice in 12 years.  We'll have to do it sooner, if just for them.  That and I didn't get to visit my old work-wife, Lisa.  SHifts and shows didn't allow us to cross paths.  Next time.

The Crap Facts
This is my 507th concert.
This is my 7th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 153rd concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 153rd concert in Nevada.
This is my 308th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd English Beat show.

Bratmobile are the 590th band I've seen.
Stiff Little Fingers are the 591st band I've seen.
Scowl are the 592nd band I've seen.
This is my 5th Gogol Bordello show.

Quicksand are the 593rd band I’ve seen.

This is my 2nd Madness show.