The Sights
This past weekend, all I did was work and go to concerts. Thursday (4/5) was Opening Day for the Tigers at Comerica Park. The Sights and Six and the Sevens both played two sets at The Hard Rock Cafe in Detroit. We weren't able to make it out for their first sets, unfortunately, but made it to Detroit just as the game was ending and their second sets were about to start. They played outside on the sidewalk, and, with their new bassist, Kyle Schanta, I don't think they've ever sounded better.
Eddie Baranek, Me
The Sights are always incredibly passionate and intense, but I think they were more so during this performance for two reasons: the Tigers had just won their first game of the season and it was lead singer Eddie Baranek's birthday. :)
Me with Six and the Sevens
Six and the Sevens performed next, and, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The Sights are a hard act to follow, but these guys were more than capable and putting on a great show. When I went to get my picture with them afterwards, they told me that this was their first "fan picture." I'm sure there will be plenty more to come, as this newer group of very talented musicians will impress anyone that comes to see them.
Mind Fish
That night, Mind Fish had a show at PJ's Lager House. It was the first time I've seen them outside of Ohio, and the first time my dad had seen them at all. I don't think I need to even comment on how their performance went, because I've come to realize that Mind Fish's concerts guarantee a good time. Which brings me to the dilemma I faced regarding Friday night: should I drive to Toledo and see Mind Fish again at their music video release show, or journey to Pontiac to see Gardens at the Crofoot? Two great bands playing at the exact same time in completely different locations: every dedicated concert-goer's worst nightmare.
Gardens
Jeffrey from Gardens was working the door at the Lager House that night and managed to convince me to come see his show in Pontiac, since I had just seen Mind Fish perform. Plus, Gardens' lineup had recently changed and they were going to be playing all new material. Couldn't pass that up, even though I knew that, no matter where I went, I'd end up regretting not also seeing the other show. Gardens' set was a lot different from what they usually play, but I loved it. They performed one of the songs that I'd heard before from Jeff's solo work, which you can listen to here. Definitely worth checking out.
GOLD
Then came the night I'd been waiting for since I'd heard about it back in January: GOLD opening for Electric Six at Small's. GOLD's saxophone player is Dean Tartaglia from Mind Fish and The Sights, and I thought it was incredibly cool that someone I knew was opening for my favorite band EVER. After GOLD's performance, I was basically just waiting around for Electric Six to start. Andy D and Aficianado were also playing that night and both put on good shows, but I was more concerned with greeting my friends from E6 since they had just gotten home from their Canadian/US tour.
Electric Six
I think that Electric Six's performance that night was, by far, the best I've ever seen. Like usual, I was front and center, with Dick Valentine less than 6 inches from me for most of the night. I could tell that the guys were happy to be home and at the end of their tour. They put everything into their set, and didn't show the slightest sign of being run down from being on the road for the past month. Since I might be the biggest Electric Six fan in the entire world, I was singing along to all of their songs. The drummer, Mike Alonso, was impressed, mouthing "You know the words?!" at me from across the stage while he was playing. Of course I do. Psychic Visions might be my favorite CD of theirs, so I was glad that they played a few songs from it, especially "It Gets Hot," which I had never heard live since it features Andy D.
And, to top it all off, guitarist John Nash still had the little plastic wolf I had given him at their last show on top of his amp. He had taken it on tour with him too, and even sent me a picture of it next to his other wolf figurine (mine's the one on the left). I honestly don't think I could've been any happier that night.
Me, Chris Kehoe
When the show was over and I was waiting for the Electric Six guys to get done with their public meet and greet, I was approached by a guy that I recognized as the bassist from Aficionado. He was pretty upset that I hadn't paid too much attention to their performance, so I egged him on, saying that I was only standing up front while they played to hold my place for E6, which was entirely true. We talked until I had to leave, so I wanted to get a picture with him for on here, even though we hadn't filmed Aficianado's set. He initially said no and walked away, pretending to be mad. He came back though, and, as you can see, kissed me while my dad was taking our picture. Completely caught me off guard. Apparently, making fun of someone's band is a great way to get them to like you. Too bad he lives in New York.
So that was my weekend. I'm absolutely loving life right now and owe it all to the Detroit music scene. So many great people and so much great music. I'm going to more concerts this weekend (of course), so be sure to check back soon for more updates!
