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.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

The late morning started with Erik & India at Eggworks for breakfast.  Another old favorite breakfast place from our days of living here.  Afterwards we just took it easy until we headed downtown in the late afternoon.

We got down to town earlier than predicted.  Enough time to catch Niis.  A few songs anyway.  I felt like I was being yelled at.  During and between songs.  We left the sunny main stage area to grab a water and head over to the side stage.

This was the reason I had to be hear early today.  The mighty Cosmic Psychos.  Saw them last October for the first time in 31 years, and here they are, back in the US.  Just for Punk Rock Bowling.  Not more an appropriate band.  They only get a 20 minute set, but they have set a standard for the day.  A Nice Day To Go To The Pub lets the crowd know they are dealing with Australian rock royalty, and leads into a crowd singing Fuckwit City.  All 7 songs are what they played back in Asheville, and just as great.  The finale sees Macca do his famous shirt-off belly roll with a guitar over the back of the head during David Lee Roth.  Fun set.  Wished they'd played longer

Cosmic Psychos setlist

Back over to the main field for Destroy Boys, where a majority of us preferred the Golden Nugget's shade to standing closer to the band.  A good set of songs that I didn't know, except for the Should I Stay Or Should I Go cover.  Destroy Boys had a good energy and did their best to pump up the crowd, which was not an easy task this early in the day, and in this heat.

Destroy Boys setlist

We took a break for an early dinner (missing Snooper) before heading back into the now majority shaded main stage area.  When that sun is gone, it feels so much better.  And when it sets, it feels perfect.  The Subhumans then gave us 40 minutes of old school English punk.   Alot of political and social commentary from another band that I had not heard before, even though I'd heard their name for years.  Too Fat, Too Thin was a favorite of the night.

Subhumans setlist

The first chords of Starcrawler were ringing out as we reached the side stage.  Singer Arrow de Wilde has a unique stage presence.  Her tall figure stalking the stage really fits the music.  I had seen de Wilde walking around earlier, not knowing who she wa.  But she is a lot taller than I am and her distinguished mane of hair makes her hard to miss.  Her stage presence makes her seem bigger.  And the crowd love them.  Maybe some LA people who know the band, but they were deservedly well received.  As usual I didn't know any of their songs, but quickly joined in to the recognisable Ramones cover Pet Semetary.

One of the reasons I came out for this show was Rocket From The Crypt.  It had been 25 years since I last saw them, opening for Mudhoney in Sydney, though I have seen other John Reis bands in the meantime Hot Snakes, The Night Marchers & Me First & The Gimme Gimmes).  Hoping to hear some of their RFTC album, we got 13 songs from other albums instead.  While a great rock band, they weren't like any other "punk band" on the line up.  A mid set On A Rope was my favorite.  Not quite as I remembered all those years ago, but still glad I got to see Rocket From The Crypt again.

Rocket From The Crypt setlist

Back over to the small stage as The Chats arrive to a thunderous applause.  No talking tonight, just ripping through as many songs as possible in 50 minutes.  Pretty much the same songs as the Neighborhood Theatre 2 weeks ago, but definitely at a faster pace.  6L GTR amped up the crowd sufficiently, and it never settled down after that.  The Smoko / Pub Feed ender was fantastic and had the crowd exhausted.  Another great performance from this band.  I'll happily see them anytime they come around.

The Chats setlist

Another reason for the trip out was for Devo.  It's been a while since we saw them at the old Joint, and it seems like they are wrapping up touring after 50 years, so I got to see them while I can.  The show starts with a Devo video introducing their career by "manager" Rod Rooter, before the red dome hats hit the stage.  It was a slow start, but once they started Girl U Want, the crowd whipped into a frenzy.  Quickly followed by their most recognizable song, Whip It, Devo showed they are still ahead of their time.  So good!  A costume change after Planet Earth - into their yellow plastic Devo suits - saw them play 5 awesome songs til the end of their set.  Uncontrollable Urge was a song I knew but didn't realize was theirs, and Smart Patrol/Mr DNA was a definite highlight.  We only got Freedom Of Choice as an encore, but what a way to end.  This show was just as good as the first time I saw Devo in 1997 at Livid.  It was worth the trip to Vegas on it's own

Devo setlist

The Crap Facts:
This is my 506th concert.
This is my 6th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 152nd concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 152nd concert in Nevada.
This is my 307th concert in the USA.
Niis are the 586th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Cosmic Psychos show.
Destroy Boys are the 587th band I've seen.
Subhumans are the 588th band I've seen.
Starcrawler are the 589th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Rocket From The Crypt show.
This is my 3rd The Chats show.
This is my 3rd Devo show.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

This morning we got up earlyish and drove down to the Punk Rock Museum.  We only decided on this last night, and opted for an early start, given the weekend.  Dave met Erik & I there and we had the place to ourselves for the first half an hour or so.  Dave is an annual memmer, so we had our own personal tour guide for the first hour, til he had to leave and meet Dee. The museum is great, plenty of memorabilia from the last 50 years of punk (mostly American).  Dave says they rotate stuff through their regularly, he sees new stuff every visit.  I liked the Pennywise garage.  If we'd known we'd have stayed longer, as Guitar Wolf played and hour after we left.

We hid from the heat back at Erik's house before we headed downtown to the show at around 3pm.  Erik dropped me off, as he was going to his godson's graduation first.  Within moments of getting through the gate, I hooked up with Dave and we went into the smaller stage to see Teen Mortgage (he'd already got in early to buy merchandise and see a couple of bands).  Teen Mortgage was a great start.  This 2 piece had a fantastic energy and sound, and the lucky few that were there early enough really dug it.

Into the main stage area to catch The Skatalites.  In the early afternoon heat, the Jamaican band bought a very mellow vibe.  Like the Specials 5 years ago, The Skatalites left everyone relaxed - not in a frenetic condition like the rest of the days punk bands.  After running into Ricardo from Trader Joes, we disappeared, before the end of the set.  Though we could hear a ska version of Viva Las Vegas in the middle of the Guns of Navarone.

The Skatalites setlist

999 were on the small stage next.  Old school English punk from the late 70s.  Dave knew of this band, but I'd never heard of them.  It was basically a half hour of hard driven rock.  Good show that would've been better if I was more familiar with the content.

Back into the main stage for Lagwagon and the first relatively big crowd.  I never got into this band.  They have the Fat Wreck Chords sound that is only best used by NoFX.  Most of these unknown to me songs, sounded the same, and yeah I can tick them off a list of bands I've seen, but probably not again.

Lagwagon setlist

Back at the smaller stage, Madball united a crowd not only out from, but on stage as well.  I don't knw who was watching from onstage, but it seemed like family and New York Hardcore royalty hanging out with friends.  I don't know any Madball songs, but like Gorilla Biscuits and H2O at Riot Fest, this band put on a show.  And the people loved it!  Lead singer, Freddy Madball, was having a great time.  As was his 8 year old daughter.  Watching on stage, she knew the beat of every song , and joined dad for a song, and played it like she'd been on stage forever.  She had all of dad's moves down and was not afraid to come to the front of the the stage for the crowd.  Freddie's son also joined dad for a song, though he seemed a little more reserved - hanging back as dad covered the whole stage.  This may have been the most fun set of the day.

Madball setlist

Billy Bragg was definitely a big drawcard for me.  I was supposed to see him 18 months ago in Raleigh. But I got Covid and had to miss out.  He labeled himself pretty well.  As much a punk, as a folk hero, or great story teller.  I thought it brave for him to be up there on his own, mixing great stories both with and without music, which really suited the audiences beliefs.  Erik finally joined us just after the start of the set.  Sexuality was great to hear.  Woodie Guthrie's All You Fascists Are Bound To Lose got the biggest cheer of the day.  Waiting For The Great Leap Forward was the song I wanted (and got).  It was perfect.  And the closing A New England was a song I forgot I knew, and a great end to his too short set.

 

Billy Bragg setlist

Back to the smaller stage for the ever ready Gorilla Biscuits.  Again their positive message and hardcore beats were a great mix for a good show.  From the opening trumpet of New Direction, Civ came to dance.  He had a blast, and was in the crowd as often as he was skankin' around the stage for the entire set.  And the band's energy was matched by an enthusiastic crowd up front, and an out of control pit.  While this set didn't reach the heights of Riot Fest las September, it was still a damn good show.

Gorilla Biscuits setlist

Too many people at Gorilla Biscuits means we didn't get back for the start of the Descendents closing set.  Of course we got our spor and I went to get a drink of water and they played the 1 song I knew, I Like Food.  All 17 seconds of it.  This is my 4th time seeing them, I should probably get better at knowing their songs.  They are short and sharp.  The loyal Southern Californians were soaking it up, but just after halfway through, Erik & I had had enough (Dave had gone after the Gorilla Biscuits) and made our way back to the car, listening to the rest of the gig walking through the streets.

Descendants setlist

On the way out I picked up the obligatory festival shirt to add to my collection of too many black shirts.  I good first day.  Hot, but not Las Vegas extreme, and I enjoyed all I heard.  Looking forward to continuing tomorrow.  I was in bed within 10 minutes of getting back to Erik's, and asleep within 2 minutes of that - still on East Coast time.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 505th concert.
This is my 5th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 151st concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 151st concert in Nevada.
This is my 306th concert in the USA.
Teen Mortgage are the 581st band I've seen.

Teen Mortgage are the 250th time I've seen a band in Las Vegas & Nevada.

The Skatalites are the 582nd band I've seen.

999 are the 583rd band I've seen.

Lagwagon are the 584th band I've seen.

Madball are the 585th band I've seen.

This is my 2nd Billy Bragg show.

This is my 2nd Gorilla Biscuits show.

This is my 4th Descendants show.

Las Vegas

After 5 years it's back to Vegas again. Again, Punk Rock Bowling has sent me back to my former home. The appeal of Devo, Madness, Billy Bragg & Rocket From The Crypt have once again bought me out of festival retirement and into the realm of 3 days of rock.

I fly out early Thursday and Erik picks me up for the airport. Lunch is at Sickie's Garage at Town Square with Hogie, one of my oldest friends in Vegas. Great to see him, and all is well with him. He's out of the hotel industry and all seems well with him and family.

I have Erik's car and decide to just drive around to all the places that bring back memories. Out Desert Inn Road to the old apartment, and the house in Summerlin where we bought the boys home. Went to the Golden Knight's practice facility, where there was nothing when we lived there, to pick up a couple of souvenirs for the boys. After lunch I just drove straight up The Strip. The first thing I came across was the Pinball Museum. I loved this place when we lived here. It has moved, and is 3 times the size it used to be. I did pretty well to limit myself to just an hour here. Driving up the Strip is surreal. I find it hard to grasp I used to live in this town, and worked on The Strip for a long time. I drove all the way to downtown and just marvelled at how I thought he town was physically bigger that what it was when I lived here.

For dinner Erik & I went to Frank & Fina's, an old favorite of A & I's (actually the first restaurant the boys ever went to). Great meal still. I'm glad they survived the pandemic and can still dish out a great meat and great service.

On Friday, Erik had to work.  India drove him so I had his car again.  I started the morning at Jamms, another Vegas favorite from way back.  A great breakfast with the same server who was there when we left 11 years ago.  Did some more just driving around, mostly on the east side near UNLV and ended up driving west out to Red Rock Resort, and got out to have a look.  It looked the same, though I don't think any of the restaurants were the same.  All casinos look alike to me, so there was no need to be there, besides nostalgia.  I drove out to Red Rock Canyon, waiting for Erik to call to pick him up from work.  I thought I'd drive through the park and enjoy Vegas' surrounding mountains.  But now you have to have a reservation.  Wasn't ready for that, so I just drove back to Erik's.  Of course as I'm pulling in to his place he calls to come and get him, so I turn around and do so.

That evening we meet Dave at Firefly, near our first apartment, for dinner.  The food is as good as I remember, even though they are in a different location.  Great to see Dave, who I haven't seen since last Punk Rock Bowling.  It's great to see him doing well, and that his spa business is back on the up.  We'll spend the next few days with him at PRB.  He recommends going to the Punk Rock Museum, so I think we'll check it out before tomorrow's show.

The Chats @ Neighborhood Theater

I know it has only been 7 months since I drove up to Asheville, and I'll see them again in 2 weeks at Punk Rock Bowling, but The Chats were impressive enough to see again.  And I felt compelled to support some Aussies in my adopted town.

I arrived at the Neighborhood Theater late, as we had been at the boys' school sports night, celebrating their soccer season with the school.  A change from a suit into jeans and a tshirt and I was ready to go.  The place is packed (again)!  How do people from Charlotte know about the Chats?  Not only know about them, but are into them.  Kick off happened not long after I found my spot at 9pm.

From the opening song, Namboured, the crowd was into it.  A flood of stage divers did not stop for the entire 50 minutes.  6L GTR was when it really started for me.  This is a great, fast song, and with a real Australian feel to it.  "Don't need a fancy car, just need a...six litre GTR".  I'm not sure if people knew what they were singing along to meant, but they were at full belt.  Ross River, Stinker, The Kids Need Guns (Really? Are we getting the irony of singing that song in the US?) and Ticket Inspector are so Australian.  It's great for me to have a laugh along with and at.  Eamon had his little rant before the blistering Price of Smokes.  Smoko is another great song coming at the end of the set.  But the finale, Pub Feed, sent the crowd into further overdrive.  Such a simple subject full of great Aussie pub references.  Makes me homesick.

I was a bit bummed that they only played 50 minutes, but The Chats blazed through 24 songs, each better than the last.  For me, it's great to see a newish rock band have a rabid fan base, and that they are Australian - all the better.  I hope they can have a long career.  If this show is any indication, there are a lot of people that feel the same.  Vegas in a couple of weeks should be fun.

The Chats Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 504th concert.
This is my 11th concert at The Neighborhood Theater.
This is my 109th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 131st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 305th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Chats concert.

Allgood @ Visulite Theater

This is a little different than a usual concert I go to.  I didn't necessarily go out to see a band.  This was a 25th anniversary party for Peter & Leanne, 2 of Drew's friends.  I have met them a couple of times previously, but they know Drew and A pretty well, so I tagged along.  Natalie also came up to come along with us.

Allgood is a band they liked to listen to back in college and they were hired to play this private event tonight.  Instead of being down the front watching the band, it was more a less background music while the party socialised.  A few of the party did get down the front for a dance, and a reliving of their youth.  For the most part the band played a solid set, but, as expected for a band I'd never heard of, I did not know any of their music.

Definitely a fun night was had by a good majority of the party, as this seemed to be more of a reunion than an anniversary party.  The boys went to a Charlotte FC game, so I snuck out a little early to be home when they got back.  A & Natalie hung around for a bit extra.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 503rd concert.
This is my 15th concert at The Visulite.
This is my 108th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 130th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 304th concert in the USA.
Allgood are the 580th band I've seen.

Allgood are the 150th different band I've seen in Charlotte.

Southern Culture On The Skids @ Visulite Theatre

I have seen this name around for years - even back in Australia, but I've never gotten around to see SCOTS.  What a mistake!

Lately I've really had to push myself to go to shows.  I'm not always getting the same joy out of seeing live music as I have in the past.  Even tonight, I wanted to go to this show in November, but it was postponed due to the Visulite's roof being broken.  Tonight, I ummed and ahhed and then finally at 8.45pm I decided to go.  Luckily I only live a mile away and I could still get in.  It was a lot busier than I expected, until I realized they were a North Carolina band, then it all made sense.

Within 15 minutes of getting there and finding my spot on the floor at the front, SCOTS were onstage and warming the crowd up with a Link Wray cover.  From then on it was 100 minutes of great swamp-garage rock with a ting of rockabilly.  And the band and crowd were having some fun.  And not only was the music good, the musicianship was outstanding.  With a minimal 5 piece standing drumkit, bass playing with exuded coolness, some great guitar rhythm and lead work, and background percussion, you can tell this is a band who have plied their trade well for a long time.  Special mention also needs to be made of their dancer who came out during Dirt Track Date. I didn't know any SCOTS songs, but every song was great.  Funnel of Love and '69 El Camino early in the set were highlights.  House of Bamboo was also great.  I loved their surf rocking Meximelt, and was thinking of an old mate, Roman (he of the Ditch Diggers), when Ditch Diggin' came on.  8 Piece Box was a weird experience.  As people got on stage and the band started playing, the on stage audience, while dancing, threw bits of fried chicken into the crowd.  Crowd still on stage for the crowd favorite Camel Walk, and the main set was finished with a rocking version of Daddy Was A Preacher But Mama Was A Go-Go Girl.  So good.  Midnight to Six Man was the pick of the 3 song encore.

One thing I want to remember in the future that is not music related, but style content.  Bass player Mary Huff's look is dynamite.  The red updo, white rimmed sunglasses, diner shirt, checkerboard skirt (with matching purse) and white cowboy boots looked like any moment she was going to pull a pencil from behind her ear and take my breakfast order.  Instead she used her persona and tied it in to her performance.  Playing bass for her looks like just another part of her body.  Like you and I would breathe.  It looked like this is exactly where she is supposed to be.   In the past I have said Nick Cave, Tex Perkins, Les Claypool and Stefan Olsdal have this aura about them that makes you watch them (sometimes to the detriment of the rest of the band).  I would now like to add Mary Huff to list.

What I got most out of this was, if you see a band advertised and something tweaks your interest, go and see them.  I've seen the name Southern Culture On The Skids for probably more than 20 years.  Great name, there's got to be something to them right?  But never did I go and try something new.  What a waste.  Imagine years of seeing this brilliance, not just a first sow at age 51.  These guys are so good and so much fun, I'm not sure I'd ever miss a show that comes through town again.

Southern Culture On The Skids Setlist

Complete show

The Crap Facts:

This is my 502nd concert.
This is my 14th concert at The Visulite.
This is my 107th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 129th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 303rd concert in the USA.
Southern Culture On The Skids are the 579th band I've seen.

Myrtle Beach

So for Spring Break, I took the boys down to Myrtle Beach for 2 nights on Monday and Tuesday. We picked that spot as none of us had been there before and it is a tourist Mecca that everyone in the South has been to at least once.

Pretty easy drive down gets us to Bay View Resort on the Boardwalk mid afternoon. We walk along the Boardwalk and stop 8th Ave Tiki Bar for a late lunch. It was the first place we came across, had outside seating, and good food, so a good find. Afterwards we walked up to Pier 14 and braved the winds and walked out on the pier. Weather is not great and after getting checked into the hotel, we head out to Broadway On The Beach to find dinner. Good, clean, family fun area, Broadway On The Beach gave us a million choices to eat. After getting news of an hour's wait at the Hard Rock Cafe, we ended up at Melt for a filling dinner. We spent the evening looking around here and then heading back to the hotel.

L & B, Pier 14, Myrtle Beach, SC

B, Bay View Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC

Late start the next day, as the boys take advantage of sleeping in a dark room (they have skylights at home). We are close to our beloved Litchfield Beach, so we opt to drive down to Parlor Doughnuts for breakfast. 45 minutes for the world's greatest doughnuts. Of course! Driving there, I'm taken aback by the volume of touristy spots there are here. There are so many pirate-themed mini golf courses, pancake houses, and Calabash seafood buffets, it's hard to imagine how they all survive. On the drive back we cut through Murrell's Inlet and Surfside Beach to have a look. I liked Surfside. It looks like more of a residential area, without the high rise hotels, And not tired. Myrtle looks like weather beaten and old, Surfside looks like a bunch of locals that take of their beach properties. We did stop at Cancun Lagoon on the way back to support a local mini golf course. Good fun playing in and around at Chichitza styled pyramid. No lunch, so back to the hotel, quick change, and onto the beach to enjoy this 77 degree sunshine, via the oversized chess board for a game of B v L. It was nice sitting on the beach as the boys played on the water's edge. The water, however, was painfully freezing. One foot in for me, a splashing fight for the boys, and L took a tumble into the water. Another chess game before heading back into the room. I let the boys pick dinner while I showered, and they picked this awesome Italian restaurant, Vicini's, a few miles away. We were there early, but by 6.15pm, the 12 tables were full. And the food excellent. On the way back we stopped at Mt. Atlanticus, for another round of mini golf. Great fun again, and no none of us won free golf for life at the end. We walked up and down the Grand Strand with ice cream to see Myrtle at night. It reminds me of Surfer's Paradise back at home. Plenty of people just on vacation looking for fun.

B&L, Parlor Doughnuts, Pawleys Island, SC

Dad, B & L, Cancun Lagoon, Myrtle Beach, SC

B & L, Myrtle Beach, SC

Plans for an early beach move were thwarted by some heavy rain. Instead we packed up and made one last stop at Hot Cakes for breakfast. Hearty start to the near 4 hour drive back home.

Nice to break up the week with a couple of days in a new spot. Though I'm not sure I ever need to go back to Myrtle again.

Jimmy Carr @ Knight Theater

I'm glad Jimmy Carr made a stop in Charlotte.  I often watch videos of his show "8 of 10 Cats Do Countdown", and while wildly inappropriate, I find him extremely funny.  And tonight was no different.  

While specific jokes are hard to retell when reviewing, I hope I look back at this and remember his lampooning of Gastonia, the sex talk with a young audience member, and his witty, often unrelated one liners, as well as his ability to offend everyone, even having a dig at us stay at home dads.  Can't be offended by one of the jokes, has to be all or nothing.

The show's low did stop near the end, when he tried some new jokes.  Written that day on a piece of paper, Carr was looking to see if the jokes were funny, but delivery was not practiced and kind of stunted the show a bit.  I'm sure once properly worked into the set, these jokes will add to the laughter.

I don't know why we don't go to many comedy shows.  Everyone we've been to has been good, and Jimmy Carr is no exception.  Maybe Blumenthal will bring out some more good English comedians (Greg Davies, Richard Ayoade, Joe Wilkinson etc).  Here's hoping.

Charlotte FC V NYCFC @ Bank of America Stadium

A bitterly cold night for the season opener.  We had bought the boys the new Charlotte FC kit, hoping to give it to them for their birthday later this year, but opted to give it to them early for the game.  This was a celebration for trying out for, and making, their middle school team as well.

A good size crowd got the noise started early, thanks to the magnificent supporters end, and Charlotte started off really well.  The opening 15 minutes they dominated and were rewarded with a well headed goal by Malanda in the 8th minute.  This, and the frigid weather, kept the crowd on its feet for most of the first half.  NYC seemed to get into the game in about the 20th minute, and kept the game even from there.

After the half, again, both sides were evenly matched, though NYC never really threatened on Kalina's goal.  When a handball in the box in the 63rd minute was finally called, after VAR took forever, it looked like Charlotte were ready to put a seal on the game.  Unfortunately a poor penalty from Vargas made for an easy save, and the home crowd had to wait nervously as we held onto the 1 goal lead.  But unlike previous seasons, Charlotte defended and we ran out 1-0 winners.  A good way to start the season.

Charlotte 1 (A. Malanda 8) defeated NYCFC 0

Crowd: 62,291