Luna Park

We've promised to take the boys to Luna Park the last 2 times we were in Australia, so this time we had to come trough.  And thanks to the organisation of Kel we went and spent the day at an old childhood haunt.  Mum used to take me here when I was really young.  It was so long ago, you could get in for free if you bought 3 Stork margarine lids (yep, I'm that old).  That all came to an end in 1979 after the horrific Ghost Train Fire.  A tragedy which closed the park for 16 years.  It would be another 9 years of openings and closing before it went back to business as usual in 2004.

We went full tourist today, catching the train down from Gosford to Milson's Point and getting to the park at near midday.  And a beautiful day it was!  Sun shining, shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter. Couldn't ask for more.  And what a great day.  We watched the kids ride the Tango Train, the Volare, The Hair Raiser, the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.  We all then went into Coney Island.  This was always my favorite spot as a kid, though it didn't seem to have the same appeal as what it used to.  Anyway I even got on the slides and the kids did the Turkey Trot, Joy Wheel and Barrels of Fun before we headed back outside for them to ride some more.  And watch out fearless cousin L go on The Big Dipper and the Sledgehammer.  Better her than me!

It was a great day, in that we got to share it with cousins and Nanny, and it was great to be back at a place I haven't been to since my early childhood.  Great fun had by all - even riding the night train home.

Kel, M, Me, L, B, L & Nanny @ Luna Park

L, L, M & B on THe Tango Train @ Luna Park

Me @ Luna Park

Me, M, Kel, L, Jase, L, B & Nanny at the end of the day @ Luna Park

Colombia v South Korea @ Allianz Stadium

We're in Australia and the Women's World Cup is on.  How could we not go to a game!  Even though we couldn't get Australia tickets, and the US is playing in New Zealand, this was still a spectacle to behold.

After driving home after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last night, it was back on the freeway and into the same parking space for the game next door at the Allianz Stadium (I know it's a completely new stadium, but it will always be the Sydney Football Stadium to me).  This time with B, L, Dad and Kathleen in tow.

We got there pretty early and soaked in the atmosphere around the ground.  I was confident there would be a good contingent of South Korea fans, but I was really surprised by the amount of Colombians that were there - and in large groups at that.

We got into the stadium pretty easy and watched the Colombian team warm up.  Then we made the hike up to our seats.  We weren't given a choice when I bought the tickets yesterday, but I thought Row AA would be good.  It was actually the 4th last row - way up in the nosebleeds.  Oh well!  Once I calmed down about the height it was all about enjoying the game.

The crowd around us was evenly supporting South Korea and Colombia, but we chose Colombia, as their national anthem was much more upbeat. The game started evenly with South Korea maybe having a slight advantage.  South Korean Son Hwa-Yeon seemed strong on the ball and was causing some problems with movement around the pitch.  But in the 30th minute a handball in the box allowed Colombia to take the lead. Catalina Usme sent the keeper the wrong way, and Colombia were fortunate to be up 1-0.  Less than 10 minutes later Linda Caicedo got Colombia's second.  This time from a mistake by Korean keeper, Yoon Young-Guel.  A relatively gentle shot slipped through the keepers hands (above her head) and into the back of the net.  You know she's made that save a million times, but at the worst possible moment, it didn't go as planned.  I felt bad for her.

After going into the half up 2-0, Colombia came back out and took control of the game.  While their attacks weren't completely effective, they killed the game when Korea got the ball, not giving them an inch.

Nearing the end of the game we went down to the exit level and watched injury time closer to the pitch, and were there when the final whistle went.  Viva Colombia!

We picked up a World Cup shirt for mom on the way out.  Though got nothing for ourselves.  A great day had by all and an experience I hope the boys remember for years to come.

Colombia 2- Catalina Usme (30 min penalty), Linda Caicedo (30) defeated South Korea 0

Colombia: C. Perez, D. Arias, J. Carabali, M. Venagas, L. Santos (M. Restrepo 76 min), D. Montoya (D. Ospina Garcia 87 min), L. Bedoya Durango, C. Usme, M. Ramirez, L. Caicedo.

South Korea: Y. Young-Guel, L, Seon-Joo, S. Seo-Yeon, K. Hye-Ri, J. Sel-Gi, C. Hyo-Joo (M, Mi-Ra 88 min), J. So-Yun (P, Eun-Sun 68 min), L. Geum-Min, C. Yu-Ri (C. Phair 78 min), S, Hwa-Yeon (K. Chae-Rim 68 min).

Crowd: 24,323

Yeah Yeah Yeahs & Automatic @ Hordern Pavilion

I like to take any opportunity to see a good show, but to have the chance to do it when I'm back at home is always a blessing.  So when timeing saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at an old haunt, the Hordern Pavilion, how could I say no.  

I even got Moz to come along with me.  The only other time I've seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was with Moz at Coachella in 2009.  We met at Mary's just outside the front doors for dinner before the show.  I love that in Australia you can still sit outside and eat dinner in the middle of winter (but also because of some well placed heat lamps).

The Hordern is smaller than I remember.  I've seen a lot of shows in there: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bodycount, Alice In Chains and more, where a frenzied floor took you all over the place.  The complete opposite of that occured with Automatic.  I didn't go for them and I'm not sure the rest of the crowd cared too much - though no one was rubbishing them.

The crowd picked up when the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hit the stage.  And why wouldn't they?  Karen O's energy from the start was on fire.  As was her voice.  Such a unique voice!  This would have to be one of the hardest bands to cover, just for her voice alone.  3 songs in, Black Tongue, and I was fully hooked.  Rockers To Swallow followed that - the only ong they did off Is Is.  A third of the set contained songs from the new album Cool It Down. I didn't know them but they mixed there way into the set really well.  Soft Shock lead in 3 new songs in a row and they finished the main set with Maps and an amazing crowd-dancing-confetti-bombing Heads Will Roll.  Y Control and a faster Date With The Night were the 2 song encore, that had everyone buzzing as they left.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Hordern Pavilion

I know it is good for the band overall that Karen O has "it".  You can't not watch her (like Nick Cave, or Iggy Pop, or Les Claypool), and that voice draws you in even further.  Many times you forget that a great band is playing behind her, and tonight was no exception.

I wish I'd bought the boys (not that they're into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), as tomorrow I have to come all the way back to next door to see the Women's World Cup.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 488th concert.
This is my 22nd concert at the Hordern Pavilion.
This is my 29th concert in Moore Park.
This is my 186th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 189th concert in Australia.
Automatic are the 557th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Yeah Yeahs concert.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are the 100th band I've seen in at least 2 states.

Magic Dirt @ Entrance Leagues Club

23 years since I last saw Magic Dirt (playing at the Gold Coast Big Day Out in 2000).  How lucky they are playing at The Entrance Leagues Club while I'm at home.  It was a no-brainer that K & I would go to the show.

With some time to kill we drove down to The Entrance to have some dinner.  Unfortuantely this is not the place I remember as a kid, or a teenager for that matter.  This once vibrant tourist town is a shadow of its former self.  Gone are the bingo halls, pinball parlours, and people in general.  We drove past quite a few empty restaraunts before heading to Saigon Chopsticks, where we had dinner.  I don't dine at many different places since we left Vegas 10 years ago, but I still am a fan of a nice meal in a Fine dining restaurant.  Having said that, I do miss the casualness of Australia, and the Central Coast in particular.  This restaurant was the epitome of that.  We could've been in someone's dining room it was that casual.  But the food was outstanding (as is usually the case for Asian food in Australia).

I had been trying to find out all day what time Magic Dirt were coming on, but getting no help from the club.  So it was a bit of a suprise to get there at 8pm only to find out they weren't on till 10.30pm.  Shit!  Anyway K & I ended up getting a drink and just talking in front of the footy in one of the lounges.  After so many years apart it's always good to catch up on some rare one on one time with my sister.  We walked into the venue, got our spot and it wasn't long before Magic Dirt were on stage and tearing into the Young & Full of the Devil album, which they are playing in full to celebrate its 25th year.  She RIff and Rabbit With Fangs are the only 2 songs I know off the album, but Adilita and her boys played the album like their life depended on it.  Once the album was done, they launched into Redhead, my favorite Magic Dirt song.  It was a ripper.  Worth travelling half wasy accross the world just to hear that song.  A very cool version of Dirty Jeans finished off the 13 song set and Magic Dirt walked off to a (finally) hyped up crowd.  Moments later they came back on to finish it all with Bring Me The Head Of...

This is my 7th time seeing Magic Dirt.  They have come a long way since I saw them play in the front bar at Max's at Petersham back in 1993.  That night they were playing between bands, who in the main room.  People were shuffling out between Screamfeeder, Crow and Pavement.  I believe it was there first ever Sydney show.  They didn't do much to impress me then, but each subsequent show got better.  Their Gold Coast Big Day out show in 2000 was mid-afternoon awesomeness.  I'm glad they're still playing, and tearing it up on stage.  I wish I was old enough (and in the right place) to enjoy the great sounds of G-Troit back in the day.  I finished the night by grabbing a vinyl copy of Signs of Satanic Youth so I can relive Redhead over and over again.

Magic Dirt Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 487th concert.
The Entrance Leagues Club is the 134th venue I've seen a concert at.
Bateau Bay is the 56th city I've seen concert in.
This is my 185th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 188th concert in Australia.
This is my 7th Magic Dirt concert.

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans @ CommBank Stadium

My first Rugby League game in 27 years.  Yikes!  And the boys first ever.

Thanks to legendary Michael Cronin (my brother-in-law's brother-in-law) and the also legenday Peter Wynn, the boys, nanny & my sister's family got 8 incredible seats (in the Michael Cronin Stand, no less) to see th Eels play the Gold Coast Titans - a team that didn't even exist the last time I went to a league match.

We drove down early and started at Peter Wynn's Score to pick up our extra tickets and meet Peter himself.  What a gentleman!  I remember watching him play for Parramatta when I was a kid.  He always had that sports store, and it looks like game days are good to him.  The store was packed, but he made sure to spend time with everyone that walked through the door.  And the amount of time he spent with us was amazing.  He really hyped up the boys for their first league game and talked to, and shook hands with, all of us.  I am honored and humbled to be able to use his tickets, which are the 4 next to the Cronins.  

Peter Wynn-signed ball for B&L

Near the CommBank Stadium is Club Parramatta, where we had our pub dunch (as L like to call it).  While a limited menu, because of the volume of people coming in before the match, still some good food.  

L, M, Nanny, L & B @ Club Parramatta

A quick walk over the river and we are at the stadium.  Turns out CommBank Stadium is in the same spot as the old Parramatta Stadium, where I last say Wests v Cronulla in a semi-final in 1996.  We are in the 7th row on the 22 years line.  Perfect!  as for the footy - it was great.  A biased Parramatta crowd giving to the referee non-stop, and just a great back and forth for 80 minutes.  Parramatta ended up winning by the slimmest of margins 25-24.  A Moses field goal the difference on the day.

J, Nanny, K & Me @ CommBank Stadium

We stuck around after the game as the Parra players came out to meet the fans, as footballs and merchandise were thrown into the crowd.  I managed to score a mini-footy for the boys, only after dropping a real sized ball moments earlier.  Another great first experience for the boys, which I don't think they get at this age, but will hopefully appreciate one day.  And the opprotunity to do it with family, made it all the better.

Parramatta Eels 25 (R.Campbell-Gillard, W. Penisini, B. Cartwright, C. Gutherson tries: M. Moses 3 goals, field goal) vs Gold Coast Titans 24 (A. Khan-Pereeria 2, P. Sami, T. Boyd tries; T. Boyd 4 goals).

Crowd: 12,599

Sunshine Coast

So we've been in Australia for 2 weeks, doing the family thing. On the 7th Mom, was flying back to the US, so I booked flights for me, B & L to go to the Sunshine Coast and catch up with some friends who I haven't seen since at least 5 years ago when I was here last.

We only had a couple hours wait with Robbie before we were on any easy 2 hour flight to Maroochydore. We were picked up by Tawnie and taken to the Kern's house. Kern, Robbie, Luke, & Luvvo I've known for 35 years, and they've known each other longer, so even after 5 years, when we get together, it's like it was last weekend. Kern has a couple of boys, SK & BK, around B &L's age. They were weirdly wary of each other for about an hour, when they started playing a game on the trampoline. That was it - they were as good a friends as the adults were. They were inseparable for the weekend. After spending the afternoon at Alexandra Headland Beach, we had an evening in at the Kerns and were joined by the Luvvos, the Marshes and Creany. Just fantastic to see everyone.

S, L, B & B at Alexandra Headland Beach, Queensland

Saturday morning was BK's soccer match in the morning, then we headed up to the Cooroy Bowls Club. Taken over by Your Mates Brewery, this casual Bowls Club does a barefoot Saturday afternoon for all and sundry. So about 20 of us had a bowl and a couple of beers. B & L did really well for 2 kids that had never heard of bowls before today. The did Grandddad Great proud. Fun afternoon in a Queensland "winter".

Your Mates Brewery @ Cooroy Bowls Club

After bowls it was off to Noosaville and a night at the Luvvos. As soon as we got there, all the boys (kid boys, not adult boys - gotta distinguish that now) headed into the backyard and were playing soccer like theyd known each other 24 years - not 24 hours. Luvvos, Kerns, Marshes, Creans, Robbie and even Hayden and his 2 girls enjoyed the evenings barbie, music and catch up around the fire. A tinge of sadness that I don't do this more often couldn't beat the overwhelming happiness of the night for me. Catching up with great mates and a second generation forging new friendships. Very cool. We all stayed in various parts of the Luvvo house. A couple of caravans parked in the driveway, B, L & I had the guest house, while the main house filled out with a tom other people.

A barbeque breakfast made for a slow start to Sunday morning, but once we cleaned up, it was back to the Kerns for lunch before Kern, Robbie & I went out to Mudjimba Beach and hung out for the afternoon. The kids were somewhere in their own world. From there we took Rob back to the airport, and then spent the evening at the the Kerns in Buderim.

Me, Bob & Kern @ Mudjuimba Beach

On Monday Queensland kids went back to school after their winter break. This was the perfect opportunity for L, B & I to go to Australia Zoo. Just an absolute ripper of a day. Perfect weather and barely anyone in the park. We saw literally every animal as B controlled the map. And we spent a full 7 hours in the park. The highlight was wathcing the boys feeding and patting the kangaroos - not something they'd get to do most days. Also was a big fan of the Crocoseum. You can definitely see the legacy of Steve Irwin when you seen the show they put on. One last, exhausted night with the Kerns. What a treat! It was special to finally meet his boys and see the life they have set up for themselves on the Sunshine Coast. And to see our boys mucking around like we did as kids (and in out 20's) was just the best.

L & B @ Australia Zoo

Obligitory Koala Picture @ Australia Zoo

Kangaroo Feeding Area @ Australia Zoo

On the Tuesday morning, after the Kerns left for work and school we were picked up by Aunty Trish and driven out to Mooloolabah, where we met my cosuin and her family for lunch at the surfclub. It was great to spend time with Trish, Kara, Cameron and Archie. Again, these trips back to Australia only come about once in a blue moon, so any chance for a catch up is a blessing. Trish drove us out to the airport and the boys and I said farewell to a magic 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast - their first venture ouside Sydney and the Central Coast, and only my 2nd visit there (the first in nearly 30 years).

Till next time

Gaslight Anthem @ Fillmore

I honestly have no idea why The Gaslight Anthem haven't been together for a long time, and I'd kind of given up hope seeing them again.  So to have a tour announced, and Charlotte included, was a plus.  This is the first time I've seen the Gaslight Anthem in 9 years, and I'm pretty excited.  The Gaslight Anthem were the first band I saw when we moved back to Charlotte, they are now the headliner for my 10th show in this city.

I called up work to find out what time they came on, as I'm too old to bother with the openers today, and I walked in and got my spot near the front (to the left) as the band came on stage.

From the start the band looked and sounded good.  45 kicked off the night, and an upbeat tempo got the crowd started on the right foot.  Next was High Lonesome, of my favorite record, The 59 Sound, and I was to get a good amount of it tonight.  Miles Davis and The Cool was a great mid set song.  Then leading into Great Expectations and American Slang had the crowd on a high.  Singer Brian Fallon also had the crowd laughing the night with his take on the best Batman (Michael Keaton) and his good-natured slandering of Robert Pattinson.  Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts was another great song, but I was really impressed by their cover of Pink Floyd's Time (with opener Emily Wolfe).  The '59 Sound sits in my Fave 40 playlist, so to hear it lie again after 9 years, was awesome.  I was a little surpised to then hear The Backseat (I thing 59 would have been the ultimate ender).

As The Back Seat finished I raced up the back to get a vinyl copy of The 59 Sound and was super surprised that as I paid the lights come up.  No Encore.  Still I was just glad that I got to see The Gaslight Anthem again.  Hopefully it won't be another 9 years.

Gaslight Anthem setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 486th concert.
This is my 28th concert at Fillmore.
This is my 100th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 119th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 289th concert in the US.
This is my 6th Gaslight Anthem concert.

The Flaming Lips @ Fillmore

So this is the first time I am making the most of my new part job working the box office here at the Fillmore.  A free show, and the Flaming Lips.  Can't go wrong.  I take Mike, Sanders and Ben with me.  And Cam and her neighbors are there, as is Nicole.  Big show for her.  The Flaming Lips are apparently a favorite of Matt's, she has camped herself on the front barricade and surrounded herself with some good friends.

The Fillmore is packed, and made more crowded by the Flaming Lips inflatables in the crowd.  They are playing Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, and 2 large inflatible pink robots make it nearly impossible to see the stage.  (and we are on the right side, near the front of the stage).  I don't know much of this album but the show is as great as a Flaming Lips show always is.  For me, obviously knowing only these 2 songs, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and Do You Realize?? are the standouts.

When they left the stage and the inflatibles were taken away, I assumed they'd come back on and do an encore.  But it was a whole other set.  Starting with my favorite song of theirs, She Don't Use Jelly.  A completely different cover of Madonna's Borderline was another highlight for this 8 song set.

Again they left the stage only to come back for a final 3 songs.  One of which, Feeling Yourself Disingergrate, Wayne performed in his bubble, but he stayed on stage and didn't venture out into the crowd, like he did last time I saw them here in 2017. Actually he seemed cautious with a lot of props.  Maybe they had problems last time here, on throughout this tour, and were holding back a bit.  Anywho, another great show from them and I sit and wait until the next time I get to see them.

Flaming Lips Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 485th concert.
This is my 27th show at Fillmore.
This is my 99th show in Charlotte.
This is my 118th show in North Carolina.
This is my 288th concert in the US.
This is my 5th Flaming Lips Show.

Charlotte FC v NYCFC @ Bank of America Stadium

The Boys, A & I were lucky enough to be gifted our neighbor's tickets as they travelled out of town.  Hoping for a big win for Charlotte versus NYCFC.  We have great seats in the last row of the club section, pretty much mid field.  A disappointingly small crowd for a Saturday night (not half the bottom section was full - though as always the supporters section behind the goal was packed to the rafters and providing all the atmosphere).  But you have to expect this with the high price of tickets.

Charlotte FC got off to a good start, with Enzo Copetti finishing off a great move down the right with a simple tap in inside the 6 yard box.  The crowd thought Charlotte had a second, only for it to be ruled offside.  At the ground the crowd did not see the linesman's flag go up, so we were unaware as to why the keeper was taking a free kick afterwards.  No replay was show, nor was there any explanation from VAR, nor announcement at the ground (for Christ sake, they announce when the ball goes out for a corner!).  A weak tackle allowed NYCFC to equalize in the 37th minute, but Copetti got us back in front with a header off a Swiderski corner.  That took us into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

I was thinking the worst when NCYC converted a penalty in the 57th minute after a bad hack in the box.  Were we going to see Charlotte blow two leads?  Apparently not.  An own goal from a header from a Swiderski free kick restored Charlottes 1 goal lead in the 74th minute.  A tricky chance for New York was saved by Kahlina only moments later, and Charlotte survived the last 10 minutes to hold on to a 3-2 win.

I know it says attendance was in the 30,000 mark, but the upper deck wasn't open and the lower bowl was half full at most.  I wonder if that number was closer to 20,000.  The atmosphere tonight came totally from the supporters' section behind the goal.  This is a great group, who don't stop the whole game.  I hope in future games this enthusiasm infects the rest of the crowd.  More wins like this should do the trick.

Charlotte FC 3 (E. Copetti 8, 39, R. Ledezma OG 74) defeated NYCFC 2 (G. Pereira 37, S. Rodriguez Penalty 57)

Crowd:  30,454

Nassau, Bahamas

For my 50th this year, I decided I wanted to go away for a long weekend to somewhere I'd not been before.  Couple of restrictions - it had to be within 1 three-hour flight.  We whittled it down to 2 choices.  Montreal or Nassau.  Eventually the choice was made after a cold January day.  We needed some sun and warmth, so Nassau it is.

We gave the boys 2 days off school and took a direct flight to the Bahamas on Thursday morning.  From the moment we got off the plane, I knew we made the right choice.  A small delay in passport control (everyone needs to fill in a form - not just one for the whole family) we had a car service waiting to take us to the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar.  While the room wasn't ready, we changed into to swimwear and went for a wander around our home for the next 3 nights.  This place is nice.  And just what I'm looking for.

What then happened was we proceeded to switch between beach, pool and dinner for 3 days.  It was perfect!  Our first two nights meals were at The Sugar Factory and then The Pizza Lab.  

The only variation was on Saturday when we headed to the resorts Baha Bay  This water park was so much fun, even if we only rode the lazy river in between dragging the boys out of the wave pool.  Then after a hard day at the pool we officially celebrated my birthday at Marcus at Baha Mar.  We sat outside at this beautiful seafood and chophouse and had the most delicious meal, with my favorite people on the planet.  A great birthday meal, and a great way to finish the weekend. 

Here's to 50! (yikes).

View from our room

The Adult Pool

D, B, L & M at the beach

L, D, M & B out for dinner

D&M at Baha Bay

D, B, L & M on our way to Marcus @ Baha Mar

Abbey Road Live! at Visulite

This!  This is an awesome idea.  Abbey Road Live played here at the Visulite last night, and today are doing a 2pm family friendly show.  Why don't more bands do this.  I and 2 other dads took their sons to this concert, with a bunch of other families.  While our boys (11) were considerably older than most in the crowd, they are Beatles fans and now have a taste for going to concerts.

The band openly admit they are not a "Beatle's Act", but a band who plays Beatles songs.  Whatever works.  This cold, dreary afternoon turned into a fun afternoon.  It was an hour an half of 19 Beatles hits - and Rocky Racoon (not sure why I've never heard this song before, but the rest of the Charlotte parenting community has).

From the moment I Wanna Hold Your Hand kicked off the day, the crowd was singing and dancing.  All the wat through to Twist and Shout.  I thought this band was fun, and they certainly know their audience.  I wonder what last night's adult show was like.  It's hard to pick out favorites because it's The Beatles - all the songs are great.  Hey Jude was the one song encore as families poured out of the Visulite and down to Elizabeth Creamery, even if it was cold.

I hope that is financially viable for band and venue and in the future we could see a few more afternoon all ages shows, especially with the boys coming to an age where maybe they could do this on their own in the not too distant future.

Abbey Road Live Setlist

The Crap Facts:
This is my 484th concert.
This is my 13th show at Visulite.
This is my 98th show in Charlotte.
This is my 117th show in North Carolina.
This is my 287th concert in the US.
Abbey Road Live! are the 556th band I've seen.

Davidson v Fordham @ John Belk Arena

On a rainy Saturday afternoon we all drove up to Davidson at the request of our neighbors to see Davidson play Fordham in the basketball.  I had been too a few games with Aaron previously (when games were late and midweek and his kids couldn't go), but it had been 5 years since the last time I'd been.  Thanks Covid!  So it was now a completely different team taking the field.

The game didn't have a lot of excitement to it.  Things stayed tight in the first half, until 5 minutes to go, when turnovers and missed rebounds saw Davidson go into the break 7 points down, 33-26.  That margin stayed the same through most of the second half, when Davidson tried to stage a comeback with 8 1/2 minutes left.  While they got within 2 points of Fordham, they could never get in front and ultimately Fordham held onto their lead for 25 minutes to run out 2 point winners 73-71.  Crowd left disappointed, especially my neighbor, but the kids had a good time, and I'm sure the mm's were happy to be sitting away from us during the game.

Fordham Rams 73 (K. Moore 22, D. Quinsenberry 21, A. Charlton 9) defeated Davidson Wildcats 71 (F. Loyer 26, D. Watson 10, S. Mennenga 9)

Crowd: 4,091

Neko Case @ Knight Theater

I have 2 Neko Case albums, Blacklisted and Furnace Room Lullaby.  And while her style of music is not something I regularly listen to, her voice is exceptional, and so unique, it is easy to fall in love with.  A & I saw her open for (and outshine)  Ray LaMontaigne 5 years ago, so it was a no brainer to get tickets when she was coming back to headline.  A's brother D even came along - he was the one who turned me onto her in the first place.

We met at Mariposa for appetizers at the bar, before waling across the street to The Knight Theater.   Good food at the bar in the midst of the Charlotte after work crowd.

From the start, this show was great.  The sound was perfect and we were seated about 15 rows back (and the isle for my long legs).  To open with Deep Red Bells set the tone for the night for me.  Such a beautiful song.  At her previous show, she played nothing I knew, so to start with a favorite was impeccable.  Case, and her band, looked like they were enjoying themselves.  And that showed in the music.  Between song banter was like listening to someone tell a story in your living room, and even unfamiliar songs still sounded brilliant.  While nothing was played from Furnace Room Lullaby, 4 known songs from Blacklisted (Deep Red Bells, Lady Pilot and Outro with Bees) scattered through the set, and a mid-point cover of The Go Betweens' The Devil's Eye, was a surprise - I didn't know their influence spread so wide for so long.

One of the things I find weird about concerts I've seen in the US is peoples' need to talk during a show, or at a seated show, as was the case tonight, get up and down all night to go outside.  What the fuck are these people doing?  Use the bathroom and get your drinks before the show - and enjoy.  Simple, right?!  Tonight was a noticeable exception.  The crowd  were awed into silence between songs and no one was dumb enough to get up and leave the theater for fear of missing something amazing.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this 2 hours of music.  Song after song was beautiful.  Neko Case is another one I will wait for to come back to town and see again.  In the meantime, it's time to find more of her records.

Neko Case Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 483rd concert.
The Knight Theatre is the 133rd venue I've see a show in.
This is my 97th show in Charlotte.
This is my 116th show in North Carolina.
This is my 286th concert in the US.
This is my 2nd Neko Case show.

Neko Case is the 200th time I've seen a band at least twice.

The Schizophonics & Powder Horns @ Grey Eagle

I was looking online for shows to see.  Things get a little sparse in Charlotte in the winter.  I saw the name Schizophinics at the Grey Eagle in Asheville.  Interesting name.  Then this was the review written by the venue: “heavily influenced by artists like JAMES BROWN, IGGY POP, JIMI HENDRIX, LITTLE RICHARD, and THE SONICS.” and "Like watching some insane hybrid of WAYNE KRAMER, JAMES BROWN, and the Tasmanian Devil".  How could I say no?

It was a game day decision.  Covid, migraines and laziness have seen me miss a few out of town shows of recent (Courtney Barnett, Billy Bragg, Gwar, Local H).  But while it was a cold, rainy Sunday, I felt the need to drive up to Asheville to see this band.  Great decision!

I arrived as the Powder Horns were in the middle of their set.  I like when a local band can play a good venue.  And while I thought the Powder Horns were good, they had a tight set and are obviously good musicians, there was nothing for me that stood out.

The Schizophonics however were another story.  Walking onto stage with no fanfare, to an audience who, like me, that may not even have known who they were.  This tight 3 piece was on fire from the start.  Singer/guitarist/general maniac Pat Beers may have used more energy during the first song than any hurricane could ever produce.  A small crowd milled around the venue, looking at each other as if to say "What are we witnessing here?".  And when Beers called for the crowd to come forward after the first song, a fully hypnotized crowd (myself included) just jaw-droppingly said OK and moved to the very front of the stage.  We then preceded to get a lesson in rock and roll.  Their bass player, who just travelled back in time for the 60's/70's Carnaby Street, was into it and drummer, Letty Beers, kept a frantic driving beat, while looking like she was out for Sunday walk.  Pat Beers has IT!  Some aura or exuding presence which meant it was hard to watch the rest of the band, because he is so electric.  And frantic!  He didn't stop the whole show - and remember he sings and lays guitar.  I only caught the name of 2 songs, Pendulum and Hoof It.  Both excellent.  After an hour and a bit of rawkus rock and roll, it all came to a sweaty end.  It was exhausting, in a good way, just to be in the audience - God only knows how the band felt.

Having said that it wasn't 10 minutes later that Letty was at the merch booth selling and mixing with the crowd.  I couldn't help myself, I bought 2 albums, People in The Sky and Hoof It.  This band was so good.  They have to come back to North Carolina again.  I'd travel for it for sure.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 482nd concert.
This is my 3rd show at The Grey Eagle
This is my 11th show in Asheville.
This is my 115th show in North Carolina.
This is my 285th concert in the US.
Powder Horns are the 554th band I've seen.

The Schizophonics are the 555th band I've seen.

Charlotte Hornets v LA Lakers @ Spectrum Center

 

So for Christmas this year we went with experiences instead of gifts.  The boys were happy with this when it turned out to be tickets to the Charlotte Hornets.  We hadn't been to a game for years.

From the parking lot to the venue, you'd have thought we were in Los Angeles.  Every other person was wearing Lakers gear, specifically LeBron James shirts.  And while we're hear to cheer on our Hornets, we chose this game for the opportunity to see the greatest player of this generation.

Once inside, and B had his face painted, we made the climb to our seats.  (I hate being a "dad" when it comes to sports ticket prices - but I couldn't get anything in the lower lever for under $600 a ticket.)  We're up there!  So far up that we were above the scoreboard.  As usual the height made it about 20 minutes before I could relax, but once the game started, and James made an appearance (he didn't seem to warm-up with the team - maybe we were so high up I couldn't tell he was out there).

The Lakers took the lead early and then didn't seem to bother to get out of 3rd gear, as they cruised the whole game.  The Hornets never looked like they would get close.  And LeBron?  Wow!  What a player!  20 odd years ago I was lucky enough to see Michael Jordan play for the Wizards against the Hornets.  That night he had a pretty ordinary game, but you could tell he was head and shoulders above everyone else on the court.  The same goes for LeBron.  He has a grace and vision on the court that makes it look like basketball is in his DNA, and he can't not be great.  He tore the Hornets apart with 43 points and barely looked like he's raised a sweat.

With the game well and truly done, we left a few minutes early.  To which the Hornets went on a run to make the score look respectable, but overall just an night to soak in a most amazing player.

One thing I have to comment on is the atmosphere in the crowd.  Again, Charlotte lets us down.  There is no enthusiasm for the team (and I feel the same for the NFL) and it feels like a morgue in the stadium.  And whatever the Hornets are trying to do to hype up the crowd, is not working.  Do something else!  Anything.!  While I'm glad for the opportunity to see a sporting legend, nothing will make me race back to a Hornets game.

LA Lakers 121 (LeBron James 43, Thomas Bryant 18, Austin Reeves 15, Dennis Schroeder 15) defeated Charlotte Hornets 115 (Terry Rozier 27, LaMelo Ball 24, Mason Plumlee 18).

Crowd: 19,210