So I'll admit it, the snow almost scared me away. Though around 4pm I decided I'd really regret not goin, and the roads down in New Haven were just wet. So I shoveled my driveway, and made my way to my buddy Frank's house. From there we got to New Haven on a very wet I-91, and made it to one of New Haven's best places to eat, "Bar". Our friend Christopher met us down there, and after a couple pizzas and several pitchers, we were good to go for the show.
So we get there, a couple blocks away, and we're greeted by the large bus, and some of our fellow posse members out front. Its a bit cold. They finally let us in about 8:05 or so. The full posse is up front, and we're ready to rock, drinks in hand. The opening band Phonograph rocked hard, definitely check them out if you haven't already. They did a nice set, a very talented group.
So after their set, Jen brought the new Owl (John and Todd had picked him up earlier) to the stage, right in the middle between Scott and Bryan's spot (Bryan was playin with the owl throughout the show). So after Danny and the crew did their thing, it was go time. They opened with Joey, always a good time. Sparky was backstage snappin some pictures. The band was totally right on. Sweet Emotion was a nice surprise, we'd heard it new years but it was very cool to hear it again. Nothing but the Water was different, Grace did Part 1 on an electric guitar instead of with the tambourine as usual. The drum part was great as well, including a Grace/Posse Cowbell duet! Nice to hear Sugar again, this song is coming along nicely, then...Neil Young's Down by the River, fantastic stuff! My buddy was really pumped to hear it, the crowd was totally singing along too.
Encore, Piss on Your Hand. I'd only heard this once before, at the same venue actually the first time I ever saw the band. Grace had the whole audience howling, and I must say, we were doin pretty well at it too! After the end of the song, the entire band came around giving everyone in front high fives, you could totally tell they dug the energy in the house that night. Man, what a great time! I was lucky enough to grab a setlist post show from Danny as well.
After the show we hung around a bit, my friend wanted to grab Phonograph's CD. While waiting there, who walks by but Matt, who we stopped and chatted with for a couple minutes. Then he made his exit to the bus, and we headed outside to join the other posse members, and Aya who was out chatting with Dave. She's a real sweetheart, and we all got to talkin for a bit before my friends and I headed out.
Setlist:
Toad's Place
2.22.08
Joey
Meantime
Ah Mary
Ain't no Time
Treat Me right
Stop the Bus
Sweet Emotion
Big White Gate
Mastermind
Sinking Man
Watching You
Nothing But the Water (with Grace on Electric intro)
Sweet Hands
Sugar
Down by the River
Encore:
Piss on your hand
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Snowbirds experience at Ridgefield Playhouse 2-20-08
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Ridgefield Playhouse - February 20, 2008
My long awaited winter concert date finally arrived, and now it’s a fantastic memory of a rocking evening spent with dear old friends and meeting some most excellent new ones. Some of you out there have suffered through my griping about my winter job and the impossibility of getting to all the concerts that I’d like to. I just should have shut my yap and waited patiently for this evening because it was worth the wait, especially as my friend Carol was able to join me and yes, ring the cowbell, if only briefly. There were a few dark moments in December when it seemed this would not happen – but with a little positive help from my friends, and her strong spirit it did.
So, moving on. We arrive at the Playhouse and find a parking space way out back, and see the great big tour bus parked out that way too. Alright, it’s really happening! As we enter the theater, I see a familiar yellow t-shirt and a friendly smiling Corporal Cowboy arms full of yellow roses which he kindly welcomes my friends and I. Nice start to the evening – thanks for your thoughtfulness John! I pass on some stickers and business cards to him and he entrusts me with the Posse cowbell for the NBTW chorus. Okay, next come the ushers with the armbands for our “gold circle” meet and greet session and we find our way down to the second row center and take a seat . I see Chris and his girlfriend Nicole in the first row and introduce myself. Very soon the house lights dim and Lowell Thomas begins his very cool acoustic set. Oh – just before this the playhouse announcer is trying to do her thing up there, yadda, yadda, and who comes out to upstage her completely?? KICK!! Too funny.
Next up Grace and the boys take the stage and prepare to mainline us with a high energy evening of some old, some newer, a few covers, and a even couple brandy new tunes all perfectly segueing into the next with barely a breath in between.
Now, the stage is looking a bit different than I’ve ever seen it tonight. Grace is in her usual spot stage left with her B-3 and piano and directly opposite here stage right is Matt – he’s come out from backstage and it’s nice to see him highlighted there. The stage is plenty roomy enough to let Scott and Brian have stage center, with Grace joining them with the flying V when she’s ready to rock on. I liked the set up, but did feel that Brian could have used another mic on him to pick up the great back beat he always provides.
Some highlights were hearing Grace sound so happy to be the closest to home that she’s been in a while, just 4 hours away. Hearing the song Can’t See Though for the first time was another highlight. Grace introduced it a a new song they’ve only played 3 times or so, we were to be her guinea pigs, so she said, she also went on to say it’s a song about Saying Goodbye. It is one gorgeous song, in my humble opinion. Finally got to hear the other new song Sugar that they have been playing live since the recorded it down at Sun Studios just about a month or two ago. Smoking bluesy rock n roll, just the way I like it! Bringing out my older favorites Treat Me Right and Ragged company also made this girl happy, along with a super long jam on Over Again where Scott just RULED. That guitar did not gently weep – it soared and roared and just plain wailed under his expertise. Tasty covers of Jet Airliner and Getting in Tune rounded out my listening pleasure.
As the chillingly haunting, yet utterly lovely notes of Grace starting NBTW resound in the auditorium, we scramble to get the Posse Cowbell (by this time all decorum has gone out the door, we’ve all rushed the stage, and are dancing up front – this started somewhere around Sugar and Sweet Hands) and while I know John was wanting me to be ringing the bell during the a capella with Grace’s tambourine, I just had to hold out till the raucous part II before I let that happen. Grace acapella just give me chills, and I couldn’t diminish it with the cowbell. Sorry John, hope you understand. Now, Grace goes over to the B-3 and let me tell you that cow bell rang and rang and rang– and I was able to get Carol up front briefly to join me in ringing it, before I passed it of to Chris and John to carry on.
After the finale with Angel Band and Big White Gate, always wonderful, we milled about waiting for that meet and greet, and while I was doing so, was so very pleasantly surprised to be introduced to Peggy and Sparky Potter – what awesome parents, so pleasant and friendly, Sparky saw my Posse sticker, he asked about it, I explained and showed him the business card and his eyes just shone. He said, you guys are doing this for them, that is so awesome, he took a picture of me and my sticker and asked to keep the business card, of course I said yes! He was just so touched, it touched me too! Then it comes up that they need directions to where they are staying for the night in Fairfield, so I grab the little sis and we decide it’d be best to have them follow us to the merritt pkwy and give them written directions from there. Sure hope they made it! While working through this Sparky gets Carolyn and I behind the band members and snaps our photos! Yes! He’s promised to email them to us, sure hope my sister’s directions were correct!! Also met Justin (indie911) who notice the posse sticker, asked and I handed him a business card. He also was stoked and said hey this is great, can I keep this – well – YEAH, again I wasn’t gonna say no. He was glad we had mojo’s site on there too – in his words – It’s better than the band’s! Okay, I’m almost done here, but now the final highlight of the evening comes when Peggy is saying goodbye to Matt and he noticed my sticker and asks me about, I hand him the card and explain, and he is also stoked, and asks if he can keep it for the archives. I DID NOT SAY NO. What warm and genuine people I meet this evening. It’s no wonder I love this band, their music, their real life personalities it’s all so good. I better sign off now, hope I haven’t bored you all, and VTs – was it worth the wait????
My long awaited winter concert date finally arrived, and now it’s a fantastic memory of a rocking evening spent with dear old friends and meeting some most excellent new ones. Some of you out there have suffered through my griping about my winter job and the impossibility of getting to all the concerts that I’d like to. I just should have shut my yap and waited patiently for this evening because it was worth the wait, especially as my friend Carol was able to join me and yes, ring the cowbell, if only briefly. There were a few dark moments in December when it seemed this would not happen – but with a little positive help from my friends, and her strong spirit it did.
So, moving on. We arrive at the Playhouse and find a parking space way out back, and see the great big tour bus parked out that way too. Alright, it’s really happening! As we enter the theater, I see a familiar yellow t-shirt and a friendly smiling Corporal Cowboy arms full of yellow roses which he kindly welcomes my friends and I. Nice start to the evening – thanks for your thoughtfulness John! I pass on some stickers and business cards to him and he entrusts me with the Posse cowbell for the NBTW chorus. Okay, next come the ushers with the armbands for our “gold circle” meet and greet session and we find our way down to the second row center and take a seat . I see Chris and his girlfriend Nicole in the first row and introduce myself. Very soon the house lights dim and Lowell Thomas begins his very cool acoustic set. Oh – just before this the playhouse announcer is trying to do her thing up there, yadda, yadda, and who comes out to upstage her completely?? KICK!! Too funny.
Next up Grace and the boys take the stage and prepare to mainline us with a high energy evening of some old, some newer, a few covers, and a even couple brandy new tunes all perfectly segueing into the next with barely a breath in between.
Now, the stage is looking a bit different than I’ve ever seen it tonight. Grace is in her usual spot stage left with her B-3 and piano and directly opposite here stage right is Matt – he’s come out from backstage and it’s nice to see him highlighted there. The stage is plenty roomy enough to let Scott and Brian have stage center, with Grace joining them with the flying V when she’s ready to rock on. I liked the set up, but did feel that Brian could have used another mic on him to pick up the great back beat he always provides.
Some highlights were hearing Grace sound so happy to be the closest to home that she’s been in a while, just 4 hours away. Hearing the song Can’t See Though for the first time was another highlight. Grace introduced it a a new song they’ve only played 3 times or so, we were to be her guinea pigs, so she said, she also went on to say it’s a song about Saying Goodbye. It is one gorgeous song, in my humble opinion. Finally got to hear the other new song Sugar that they have been playing live since the recorded it down at Sun Studios just about a month or two ago. Smoking bluesy rock n roll, just the way I like it! Bringing out my older favorites Treat Me Right and Ragged company also made this girl happy, along with a super long jam on Over Again where Scott just RULED. That guitar did not gently weep – it soared and roared and just plain wailed under his expertise. Tasty covers of Jet Airliner and Getting in Tune rounded out my listening pleasure.
As the chillingly haunting, yet utterly lovely notes of Grace starting NBTW resound in the auditorium, we scramble to get the Posse Cowbell (by this time all decorum has gone out the door, we’ve all rushed the stage, and are dancing up front – this started somewhere around Sugar and Sweet Hands) and while I know John was wanting me to be ringing the bell during the a capella with Grace’s tambourine, I just had to hold out till the raucous part II before I let that happen. Grace acapella just give me chills, and I couldn’t diminish it with the cowbell. Sorry John, hope you understand. Now, Grace goes over to the B-3 and let me tell you that cow bell rang and rang and rang– and I was able to get Carol up front briefly to join me in ringing it, before I passed it of to Chris and John to carry on.
After the finale with Angel Band and Big White Gate, always wonderful, we milled about waiting for that meet and greet, and while I was doing so, was so very pleasantly surprised to be introduced to Peggy and Sparky Potter – what awesome parents, so pleasant and friendly, Sparky saw my Posse sticker, he asked about it, I explained and showed him the business card and his eyes just shone. He said, you guys are doing this for them, that is so awesome, he took a picture of me and my sticker and asked to keep the business card, of course I said yes! He was just so touched, it touched me too! Then it comes up that they need directions to where they are staying for the night in Fairfield, so I grab the little sis and we decide it’d be best to have them follow us to the merritt pkwy and give them written directions from there. Sure hope they made it! While working through this Sparky gets Carolyn and I behind the band members and snaps our photos! Yes! He’s promised to email them to us, sure hope my sister’s directions were correct!! Also met Justin (indie911) who notice the posse sticker, asked and I handed him a business card. He also was stoked and said hey this is great, can I keep this – well – YEAH, again I wasn’t gonna say no. He was glad we had mojo’s site on there too – in his words – It’s better than the band’s! Okay, I’m almost done here, but now the final highlight of the evening comes when Peggy is saying goodbye to Matt and he noticed my sticker and asks me about, I hand him the card and explain, and he is also stoked, and asks if he can keep it for the archives. I DID NOT SAY NO. What warm and genuine people I meet this evening. It’s no wonder I love this band, their music, their real life personalities it’s all so good. I better sign off now, hope I haven’t bored you all, and VTs – was it worth the wait????
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dec 31 - Jan 1 2008 NYE Higher Ground Party at Moontower
NYE Review
Steph says "Friday nights show was unforgettable", Saturday night was stupendous". Well NYE the band saved the best for last. If the video ever comes out anyone not there will wish they had done what they needed to do to be there. Quit their job, (Snowbird I'm really not picking on you Ha HA) get a divorce, blow off every other party they were invited to because there was only one and it was the "Party at Moontower" I don't have the words to really describe what it was like to be there but will only try to tell you a few of the highlights from my perspective.In the afternoon I met up with Tipi and Carrjo to enjoy some of the festivities downtown. You guys really should have hung around to hear Anais Mitchell. Then we met up with Laney, what a wonderful little spark of life she is and a true GPTN fan. Drove over from Maine alone in a snowstorm to play with us. I hope your trip back to Maine was a little easier. You do look taller in your picture.Higher Ground was nice enough to take our tickets early and have their small room open so we didn't have to wait in the cold. As the man said it was setup for all our waiting needs.Doors open Tedheadone is holding the rally area for us in front of the B-3. Now it's time for the list of team members who I met there. I know there were others that I didn't get to meet or didn't realize they are on the team. Tipi, Carrjo, Laney, Kat.loves.GPN, CSDaSmack and all our leaders. Nate, DJFu and Hannarenae. There should be lots of pictures from the team.Lowell Thompson was first out with his Rock with a little country sound to it. This is a very nice band and I recommend going to see a show if they are in your area. Then it was time for "OUR BAND". Early on I could feel The Nocturnals were saying to us "You guys paid $45 a piece for ticket and we are going to give you a million dollar show" and they delivered. There were many memorable moments last night one of the first was having 3/5's of the Potter family, Mom, Dad and brother Lee down front rocking with us. Of course I'm sure they had no clue who we were but it was still a highlight. As previously mentioned by Ted in the other forum they did 5 covers and each was a master piece. None topped "Pain in my Heart" originally done by Otis Reading. This is a soulful melody that as expected Grace nailed with her voice and the same can be said for the whole band. Looking over at Mom I could see tears in her eyes and why not when looking up at her daughter who has become, well as I said the other day I don't need to preach to the choir. A couple of additional notable moments was the debut of the !#$^&*! hairy scary fog fairy and the Cow Bell chorus featuring Charlotte Potter (sister) and our very own Hannarenae. We are lucky to have such talent on our team. Ok this thing can go on and on and on since the first set was over 1 1/2 hours long so I will stop with it because the best was yet to come.Set 2 out walks Matt with a soliloquy about the Party at the Moontower. The boys came out dressed in what I would describe as their best Motown style duds. Now I had notice that Bryan was looking a little scruffy in the first set but he came back for the second all clean shaven except his well trimmed mustache. Then enters Grace prancing around the stage. Now many of you know that I don't like to focus on the sex thing but last night Grace set a new standard for "HOT Rock Star Mamas" with her tight bell bottoms and top and her big Red curly Afro wig and playing the part to a T. It was now near or past midnight but who needs a clock when you have Grace counting down. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Happy New Year and everyone sings Auld lang syne. Balloons fall from the ceiling which we played with the rest of the night. Grace was using a drum stick to hit the ballons out of the park and Bryan was kicking them out into the group while still playing like the champ he is. If he ever wants a new career i think he could be an NFL field goal kicker. He was able to kick them 6 or 7 rolls deep into the crowd straight and true. Ok now I'm standing next to Ted and Grace leans over and gives him her first New Year kiss. If I were taller I would have stepped in front of him and stole that baby During this set they just nailed us with song after song with help on a couple from Blues and Lasers members Benny Yurco (guitar) Steve Sharon (drums) and a sax player whose name I didn't catch and a brief return by the cowbell chorus. Finishing with a long 2 song encore..This description can not even come close to doing justice to the night. Thank you GPTN for making last night a night I won't soon forget.
I stole this set list from Tedheadone:
Set 1
Ah Mary
Mastermind
Treat me right
Stop the Bus
Meantime
Joey
Pain in my Heart...My official song of the night
Ain't No Time
Big White Gate
Take It All Away
Sinking Man
Every Mile
Paris
Watching You
Set 2
Auld Lang Syne
Sweet Emotion
Right Place Wrong Time
Low Rider
Slow Ride
Mystery Train
Getting in Tune
Farmer John
Jet Airliner
Encore
NBTW
Tuesdays Gone
Steph says "Friday nights show was unforgettable", Saturday night was stupendous". Well NYE the band saved the best for last. If the video ever comes out anyone not there will wish they had done what they needed to do to be there. Quit their job, (Snowbird I'm really not picking on you Ha HA) get a divorce, blow off every other party they were invited to because there was only one and it was the "Party at Moontower" I don't have the words to really describe what it was like to be there but will only try to tell you a few of the highlights from my perspective.In the afternoon I met up with Tipi and Carrjo to enjoy some of the festivities downtown. You guys really should have hung around to hear Anais Mitchell. Then we met up with Laney, what a wonderful little spark of life she is and a true GPTN fan. Drove over from Maine alone in a snowstorm to play with us. I hope your trip back to Maine was a little easier. You do look taller in your picture.Higher Ground was nice enough to take our tickets early and have their small room open so we didn't have to wait in the cold. As the man said it was setup for all our waiting needs.Doors open Tedheadone is holding the rally area for us in front of the B-3. Now it's time for the list of team members who I met there. I know there were others that I didn't get to meet or didn't realize they are on the team. Tipi, Carrjo, Laney, Kat.loves.GPN, CSDaSmack and all our leaders. Nate, DJFu and Hannarenae. There should be lots of pictures from the team.Lowell Thompson was first out with his Rock with a little country sound to it. This is a very nice band and I recommend going to see a show if they are in your area. Then it was time for "OUR BAND". Early on I could feel The Nocturnals were saying to us "You guys paid $45 a piece for ticket and we are going to give you a million dollar show" and they delivered. There were many memorable moments last night one of the first was having 3/5's of the Potter family, Mom, Dad and brother Lee down front rocking with us. Of course I'm sure they had no clue who we were but it was still a highlight. As previously mentioned by Ted in the other forum they did 5 covers and each was a master piece. None topped "Pain in my Heart" originally done by Otis Reading. This is a soulful melody that as expected Grace nailed with her voice and the same can be said for the whole band. Looking over at Mom I could see tears in her eyes and why not when looking up at her daughter who has become, well as I said the other day I don't need to preach to the choir. A couple of additional notable moments was the debut of the !#$^&*! hairy scary fog fairy and the Cow Bell chorus featuring Charlotte Potter (sister) and our very own Hannarenae. We are lucky to have such talent on our team. Ok this thing can go on and on and on since the first set was over 1 1/2 hours long so I will stop with it because the best was yet to come.Set 2 out walks Matt with a soliloquy about the Party at the Moontower. The boys came out dressed in what I would describe as their best Motown style duds. Now I had notice that Bryan was looking a little scruffy in the first set but he came back for the second all clean shaven except his well trimmed mustache. Then enters Grace prancing around the stage. Now many of you know that I don't like to focus on the sex thing but last night Grace set a new standard for "HOT Rock Star Mamas" with her tight bell bottoms and top and her big Red curly Afro wig and playing the part to a T. It was now near or past midnight but who needs a clock when you have Grace counting down. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Happy New Year and everyone sings Auld lang syne. Balloons fall from the ceiling which we played with the rest of the night. Grace was using a drum stick to hit the ballons out of the park and Bryan was kicking them out into the group while still playing like the champ he is. If he ever wants a new career i think he could be an NFL field goal kicker. He was able to kick them 6 or 7 rolls deep into the crowd straight and true. Ok now I'm standing next to Ted and Grace leans over and gives him her first New Year kiss. If I were taller I would have stepped in front of him and stole that baby During this set they just nailed us with song after song with help on a couple from Blues and Lasers members Benny Yurco (guitar) Steve Sharon (drums) and a sax player whose name I didn't catch and a brief return by the cowbell chorus. Finishing with a long 2 song encore..This description can not even come close to doing justice to the night. Thank you GPTN for making last night a night I won't soon forget.
I stole this set list from Tedheadone:
Set 1
Ah Mary
Mastermind
Treat me right
Stop the Bus
Meantime
Joey
Pain in my Heart...My official song of the night
Ain't No Time
Big White Gate
Take It All Away
Sinking Man
Every Mile
Paris
Watching You
Set 2
Auld Lang Syne
Sweet Emotion
Right Place Wrong Time
Low Rider
Slow Ride
Mystery Train
Getting in Tune
Farmer John
Jet Airliner
Encore
NBTW
Tuesdays Gone
Dec 28,2007 Higher Ground 1st of 3 nite N.Y.Run
Rock For a Cure My night
Ok here I go. I won't have a set list because I was doing the volunteer thing for the Parkinson's Association. I arrived about 7 pm the appointed time for the volunteers. I walk in hmm no security so lets just kind of see where I can go. Ah I know that guy, it's Tedheadone from the other forum. Good the pressure is off for a set list and a great review. (Ted) "Hey Jim how are you. Jim...whose Jim...me?? (Me) It's Dave. " Oh yeah Dave. You're volunteering for the Rock for a Cure and you must be looking for FrenchSteph. She's in here" We walk into the main room there is Steph she is in front of the Channel 3 news camera with a nervous grin doing an interview. Better you then me.(Ted) "Oh Justin this Jim..." (Me) "Dave." (Ted)"Oh yeah Dave this Justin the bands manager" (Small talk) Steph finishes with the news and comes over. (Ted) "Steph this is Jim he's volunteering with you tonight" (Steph with puzzled look) "Jim???" (Me) Dave (Steph looking a little relieved) " Oh, I knew we didn't have a Jim tonight." We raffled off (sold 350 tickets) the snowboard and a 50/50 also. Grace had signed 30 large stickers for us to sell which we receive 50% of the profits. We also sold some awesome T-shirts that had been designed just for the show featuring the Owl. I don't know who designed them and I forgot to ask. The remainder of the shirts are being sold on-line I'm thinking you will be able to find them here www.parkinsonsvt.org/donations.php but maybe not until next week. I'm told they should sell pretty quickly. Opener Swale a 3 piece group from Burlington. Keyboard, guitar and drummer. They have a nice sound but not Rock and Roll. keyboardist is pregnant guitar player is the father. Child will be raised to be the bass player for the group. Honkytonk comes over to chat for a while. I asked if she brought any "Leaves" cd's. GPTN has them out front at their merchandise table. That is great of them to do. This is a nice 4 song disc that features Scott on the lap steel on one songs "Timid Line". After listening to 3 of the 4 songs for several weeks on-line it's amazing how much better the sound is when you put a cd in a decent system. I almost didn't recognize a couple of the songs. As far as critiquing it Honkytonk, I'm not a music critic and after what you added to my fantastic night I couldn't say anything bad about you or your music. (More on that later) Let me just say to my ear this is a really good first cd...except maybe you could have added "Never Again" that features that outstanding producer/mandolin player. The cost is only $5 so pick one up out front, you won't be sorry. After the raffle drawing it's time for GPTN...YES. Crowd is enthusiastic to begin with but builds to higher levels as the night goes on. I see Sienaluke has posted a set list. Thanks The last and biggest highlight of the show for me and many others was the last song of the encore "Big White Gate" which Grace dedicated to Steph's father who died on October 17th of Parkinson's 2 days after the announcement of this as the "Rock for a Cure" show. A small picture of him taken in 1973 had been sitting on the stage behind Grace all night. At the time Steph was standing beside me understandably very emotional as were others in the area, some of whom never had the privilege of meeting him. This was a wonderful tribute to the man, his daughter and her work in the Parkinson Association. Thank you Steph for letting me be a small part of this. Shows over, we had a mad rush on the last 3 stickers and sold several shirts. Then it's time to pickup, which only took a few minutes. (Steph) "Are you going to hang around for a while?" (Me) "Yes" Ok she had given me an All Access Pass you couldn't drag me out of there with a team of Morgan horses. (Steph) "Ok follow me" Back stage we go and first we run into Bryan. (small talk) then he moves on. Honkytonk comes along, takes me back to Bryan and asks me if it's ok if I go upstairs with them. Yes upstairs to where the band is hanging out. Now to some of you this might not be that big of deal but to someone who has followed and loved this band for the last 2 1/2 years and has to fight his shyness this is HUGE. Yes Honkytonk I know I just kind of burst into your life at Red Square but sometimes you can just tell when someone will be totally accepting of you. There is Jen, still running around. Does she ever stop? Into a room following Bryan and Honkytonk. There is Ted, Steph, Matt, Grace, Scott, Justin and others. Ted comes over to talk, I think so I don't feel uncomfortable being there. He is that kind of guy. (Ted) "Hey Justin have you met Jim (big laugh) oh yeah Dave". Ok you got me. After a while I feel someone touch my shoulder. (Grace) "Hi how are you, I want you to meet my uncle Gordy. This is the guy who came up with the name Potterville Posse. I met him a few weeks ago at a show." OH NO, she thinks I'm Bostonone. Hmmm......what to do.....ok time for a George Washington moment. (me) "That was not me it was Steve aka Bostonone on the street team". We had conversation about her being legally blind and she has a hard time recognizing people and few other tid bits. Carrjo - I did give her the message about the flowers. (Grace) "That is so sweet". Now if I get credit for them I don't know if I will have another George Washington moment. I also got to meet Scott and was privy to a conversation between him and Sparky (Grace's dad) about them learning how to play to the room they are in. After seeing them on NYE last year in H.G. and then how the sound was last night. I knew exactly what they were talking about. The sound was fantastic. Everyone that has tickets to one of the next 2 shows is in for a special treat. I guess I don't need to preach to the choir. As advertised, this band are truly nice people and are so outgoing and accessible. I won't bore you with my ride home except a normally 1 1/2 drive took nearly 3 hours. I'm not afraid to drive during winter storms however whiteouts are a different story. I will be there Monday and if you see anyone in a Potterville Posse T-shirt please introduce yourselves. I know their were several members there last night but I only got to meet one new member. Dave
Ok here I go. I won't have a set list because I was doing the volunteer thing for the Parkinson's Association. I arrived about 7 pm the appointed time for the volunteers. I walk in hmm no security so lets just kind of see where I can go. Ah I know that guy, it's Tedheadone from the other forum. Good the pressure is off for a set list and a great review. (Ted) "Hey Jim how are you. Jim...whose Jim...me?? (Me) It's Dave. " Oh yeah Dave. You're volunteering for the Rock for a Cure and you must be looking for FrenchSteph. She's in here" We walk into the main room there is Steph she is in front of the Channel 3 news camera with a nervous grin doing an interview. Better you then me.(Ted) "Oh Justin this Jim..." (Me) "Dave." (Ted)"Oh yeah Dave this Justin the bands manager" (Small talk) Steph finishes with the news and comes over. (Ted) "Steph this is Jim he's volunteering with you tonight" (Steph with puzzled look) "Jim???" (Me) Dave (Steph looking a little relieved) " Oh, I knew we didn't have a Jim tonight." We raffled off (sold 350 tickets) the snowboard and a 50/50 also. Grace had signed 30 large stickers for us to sell which we receive 50% of the profits. We also sold some awesome T-shirts that had been designed just for the show featuring the Owl. I don't know who designed them and I forgot to ask. The remainder of the shirts are being sold on-line I'm thinking you will be able to find them here www.parkinsonsvt.org/donations.php but maybe not until next week. I'm told they should sell pretty quickly. Opener Swale a 3 piece group from Burlington. Keyboard, guitar and drummer. They have a nice sound but not Rock and Roll. keyboardist is pregnant guitar player is the father. Child will be raised to be the bass player for the group. Honkytonk comes over to chat for a while. I asked if she brought any "Leaves" cd's. GPTN has them out front at their merchandise table. That is great of them to do. This is a nice 4 song disc that features Scott on the lap steel on one songs "Timid Line". After listening to 3 of the 4 songs for several weeks on-line it's amazing how much better the sound is when you put a cd in a decent system. I almost didn't recognize a couple of the songs. As far as critiquing it Honkytonk, I'm not a music critic and after what you added to my fantastic night I couldn't say anything bad about you or your music. (More on that later) Let me just say to my ear this is a really good first cd...except maybe you could have added "Never Again" that features that outstanding producer/mandolin player. The cost is only $5 so pick one up out front, you won't be sorry. After the raffle drawing it's time for GPTN...YES. Crowd is enthusiastic to begin with but builds to higher levels as the night goes on. I see Sienaluke has posted a set list. Thanks The last and biggest highlight of the show for me and many others was the last song of the encore "Big White Gate" which Grace dedicated to Steph's father who died on October 17th of Parkinson's 2 days after the announcement of this as the "Rock for a Cure" show. A small picture of him taken in 1973 had been sitting on the stage behind Grace all night. At the time Steph was standing beside me understandably very emotional as were others in the area, some of whom never had the privilege of meeting him. This was a wonderful tribute to the man, his daughter and her work in the Parkinson Association. Thank you Steph for letting me be a small part of this. Shows over, we had a mad rush on the last 3 stickers and sold several shirts. Then it's time to pickup, which only took a few minutes. (Steph) "Are you going to hang around for a while?" (Me) "Yes" Ok she had given me an All Access Pass you couldn't drag me out of there with a team of Morgan horses. (Steph) "Ok follow me" Back stage we go and first we run into Bryan. (small talk) then he moves on. Honkytonk comes along, takes me back to Bryan and asks me if it's ok if I go upstairs with them. Yes upstairs to where the band is hanging out. Now to some of you this might not be that big of deal but to someone who has followed and loved this band for the last 2 1/2 years and has to fight his shyness this is HUGE. Yes Honkytonk I know I just kind of burst into your life at Red Square but sometimes you can just tell when someone will be totally accepting of you. There is Jen, still running around. Does she ever stop? Into a room following Bryan and Honkytonk. There is Ted, Steph, Matt, Grace, Scott, Justin and others. Ted comes over to talk, I think so I don't feel uncomfortable being there. He is that kind of guy. (Ted) "Hey Justin have you met Jim (big laugh) oh yeah Dave". Ok you got me. After a while I feel someone touch my shoulder. (Grace) "Hi how are you, I want you to meet my uncle Gordy. This is the guy who came up with the name Potterville Posse. I met him a few weeks ago at a show." OH NO, she thinks I'm Bostonone. Hmmm......what to do.....ok time for a George Washington moment. (me) "That was not me it was Steve aka Bostonone on the street team". We had conversation about her being legally blind and she has a hard time recognizing people and few other tid bits. Carrjo - I did give her the message about the flowers. (Grace) "That is so sweet". Now if I get credit for them I don't know if I will have another George Washington moment. I also got to meet Scott and was privy to a conversation between him and Sparky (Grace's dad) about them learning how to play to the room they are in. After seeing them on NYE last year in H.G. and then how the sound was last night. I knew exactly what they were talking about. The sound was fantastic. Everyone that has tickets to one of the next 2 shows is in for a special treat. I guess I don't need to preach to the choir. As advertised, this band are truly nice people and are so outgoing and accessible. I won't bore you with my ride home except a normally 1 1/2 drive took nearly 3 hours. I'm not afraid to drive during winter storms however whiteouts are a different story. I will be there Monday and if you see anyone in a Potterville Posse T-shirt please introduce yourselves. I know their were several members there last night but I only got to meet one new member. Dave
Lawrence KS, Feb 10 (delayed due to weather) Bottleneck, owllovers 1st GPTN headlining show!
Subject: owllover's first GPTN headlining show and review!
Started the night off at my sisters house jamming to a DVD of Ronnie Baker Brooks. check him out if you have never heard! We take off for Lawrence KS for our delayed date with GPTN. Stopped for brews and dinner at a local brewery, and the dinner was superb, the beers going down smooth. Took longer than we expected so we decided to skip the trip to the local Dillon's for yellow roses. We ran QUICKLY from the brewery to the Bottleneck, about a block and man was it cold! There she was, the GPTN bus all huge and shiny and beautiful parked right outside. Have to say walking in the Bottleneck was a trip-I was having flashbacks to college when I was a student at KU and being a drunken fool here long, long ago. The place has not changed one bit. Man, is this place a dump. I'm not kidding, it's one of those bars that you are SO GLAD IT'S DARK because who knows what you would see if you could ACTUALLY SEE. It's so small though, so I am thrilled beyond measure knowing the band is going to be RIGHT THERE. This place even has bleacher seats along with some booths. Head into the bathroom and some girl says to me WOW YOU LOOK LIKE GRACE POTTER. I said Oh no you did not just say that! She says it's my hair, that it's like hers (it really isn't, so she must have been pretty sauced) and mentions something about how I'm dressed.(this is pretty funny, because low and behold Grace's attire for the night was almost exactly what I also was wearing. She didn't break out a skirt/ dress this time ) Anyway, I thought this has got to be a great night if it's starting out with a compliment like that, even if she was obviously out of her mind! Brandi Shearer starts to play. I dug her music, she seemed really nice and layed back. During her set my hubby and I decide to go out and share a smoke....now, mind you we quit at the start of the new year, but this was a special occasion and since we have it under control, what could it hurt? We venture outside into the SUB ZERO night and light one up beside the bus. I swear I can hear Kick yapping..."yap. yap. yap" . About mid cig the door opens and out bounds MATT. What does this genius girl say? "WOW! WOW!!" and he turns with a smile that is the size of the state of Texas. "HI!" he says. "how's it goin!" I say "WOW!" again. He says "thanks so much for coming out tonite! we are really happy to be here!" guess what I say. "WOW!" I promise, this was the last time though, as I'm now snapping out of it and think I can come up with something better than wow. He says "we really like Lawrence, we love coming here" and I say "we are SO HAPPY that you guys made it! " and he says "cool, well-we'll see ya at the show!" and runs off...no clue where, it was like he just disappeared. And by the way, I was standing there holding my camera, but did not take a picture! I just couldn't do it..the guy is just trying to walk down the street. So hubby and I are hugely stoked, and we walk back in with a great story for our friends. Pretty soon Bryan walks through, and my hubby says HEY BRYAN! Bryan turns and says hello, and we ask him about their delay. He explained they were stuck in a parking lot of a Walmart and were really glad to finally get out of there. Said they really love coming to Lawrence ever since Wakarusa. He was so nice, and I managed to just smile and say how happy we were they made it, and didn't say WOW once. Go Amy! Scott walked by and hubby yelled hello and he turned and said hi. No Grace sightings other than on stage. Ok, Brandi is done and packing her stuff, and it's about time to get my spot since I noticed suddenly the area in front of the stage is getting crowded. Really, the only spot up front and not taken was directly in front of the hammond. ok, guess this will have to do! My BFF Kim is next to me, we are quite the mutt and Jeff, her being about 4'11", me about 6'2" with my heels on, and I notice this really tall guy next to her, he's about my height. He says to Kim she should get on the other side of him so she can have the spot right up front and he won't be in her way. wow, what a sweetie! Out comes Jen with the set list and I'm so excited I can't stand it. I start taking pics of the list, and the tall guy asks me if I prefer looking at the list, or not looking and being suprised. I say well, I'd rather be suprised, but I have to write this review for the street team and I want to be sure I remember everything! That's when he says I'M TEADHEADONE! I about fell right on the floor. Yes, I know he's a legend and all, but did I think he'd be here?? IN LAWRENCE KANSAS?? So we talk a bit and I already love him. Out comes the band. Grace was wearing black jeans, some greyish black Frye boots, a black bra (I say this cuz it was part of the outfit!!) and a see through-ish vintage Bon Jovi t shirt. She's smokin hot, as usual. Not sure what the guys were wearing, other than they all look great and look happy.
Here's the set list!
MastermindTreat Me Right
Stop the Bus
Meantime
Sugar
Sweet Hands
Ah Mary
Aint No Time
Falling or Flying
Lose Some Time
Sinking Man
Over Again
NBTW
Jet Airliner
_________
Encore Grace solo of Angel Band
I'm gonna sum it up by saying the band was tight, sounded great, energy was good, but it seemed to me they were a bit on the tired side. Don't get me wrong, they gave a great show, but from videos I've seen it probably wasn't Van's favorite show. I'd love for him to give his 2 cents. All in my party noticed Grace did not have eye contact with anyone in the crowd, nor with me even though I was right smack dab in front of her. She did give a shout out to Van and dedicated one of the songs to him, not sure which but it was towards the end of the show. Grace seemed so small, TINY, a lot smaller than she looked when I saw them with the Mule. When she came out to do Angel Band by herself, Jen walked out and taped something to her Hammond, and when Grace finished she basically said thanks and that was it. Van said to take a look at what was on that piece of paper, and the roadie guy came over and read that it said "it's all you", something like that, meaning the band wasn't going to come back on for Big White Gate encore. I did play my cowbell during NBTW, a bit timid at first but then just watched what Grace did and followed her lead, and my hubby the musician said I did a good job. However, I don't even think the band noticed I was playing it. I was a bit behind a speaker, and not sure with them beating the drum that they could hear me. Kinda disappointing. Another bummer-no Paris (was looking forward to hearing the new version), and for my sister no Apologies (her fave), and for my friend Kim no Big White Gate (her fave). Then, Van and I were heading over to the magic door where they all disappeared, Jen guarding the door. I showed her my posse shirt and said how bare and clean it looked and it would look so much better with some autographs, and she basically said it wasn't gonna happen. We talked for a bit, she seemed nice, but again, I just felt like everyone was just tired, ready for the night to be over. I'm not very good at this I can tell, not agressive, not forward, I just don't want to bother anybody. Van hung on and when we finally gave up all hope of getting any sigs, I looked over my shoulder and he was still standing at the door, talking to Jen. Hope he made it through that door! So, first GPTN headlining concert was very good, but I have a feeling won't be my favorite since it certainly won't be my last for 2008! Overall I had a really great time, and hopefully by the next time I see them I can be a little less starstruck and come up with something more witty than WOW. And maybe next time I'll get a photo with the band, and some autographs! Love the band, love the music, love the posse!
Side notes...some annoying fans. girl in front trying to out-sing Grace. ok, honestly, you really think you are even CLOSE to being as good a singer as her? But, she really thought so, and kept telling my friend Kim that SHE is a singer. One time she even sang her own riff after Grace ended a song...like after Grace was done singing, this girl did her own version of the ending. I'm all for singing along, getting into it, but you know the type of person I'm talking about....she also kept taking FLASH PICTURES, and if I were Grace I would have flipped her off. It was like Britney Spears and the popparazzi. And finally, and this is a pet peeve of mine...can't stand when fans shout out what they want the band to play. Play this, Let's hear that. come on people, who is putting on the show? You or the band?!! And do they ever listen to you anyway? I wasn't out there screaming PARIS!!! I WANT TO HEAR PARIS!! come on people!
Guy behind me who kept making me uncomfortable with things he was shouting at Grace, sexually suggestive, I dunno, it just rubbed me wrong. I'm sure she's used to it, probably didn't bother her a bit, but SHOW SOME CLASS.
Missed opportunities...pretty sure if I'd asked Matt would have ok'd a photo op with him outside, and Bryan inside. I just couldn't go there! SHOULD have worn my hugely- huge yellow posse t shirt. And the yellow roses would have helped for sure. I could have busted them out right there when talking to Bryan!
I am again a quitter...smoking anyway!
ok, owllover out! No spell check here so hope it's ok!
Started the night off at my sisters house jamming to a DVD of Ronnie Baker Brooks. check him out if you have never heard! We take off for Lawrence KS for our delayed date with GPTN. Stopped for brews and dinner at a local brewery, and the dinner was superb, the beers going down smooth. Took longer than we expected so we decided to skip the trip to the local Dillon's for yellow roses. We ran QUICKLY from the brewery to the Bottleneck, about a block and man was it cold! There she was, the GPTN bus all huge and shiny and beautiful parked right outside. Have to say walking in the Bottleneck was a trip-I was having flashbacks to college when I was a student at KU and being a drunken fool here long, long ago. The place has not changed one bit. Man, is this place a dump. I'm not kidding, it's one of those bars that you are SO GLAD IT'S DARK because who knows what you would see if you could ACTUALLY SEE. It's so small though, so I am thrilled beyond measure knowing the band is going to be RIGHT THERE. This place even has bleacher seats along with some booths. Head into the bathroom and some girl says to me WOW YOU LOOK LIKE GRACE POTTER. I said Oh no you did not just say that! She says it's my hair, that it's like hers (it really isn't, so she must have been pretty sauced) and mentions something about how I'm dressed.(this is pretty funny, because low and behold Grace's attire for the night was almost exactly what I also was wearing. She didn't break out a skirt/ dress this time ) Anyway, I thought this has got to be a great night if it's starting out with a compliment like that, even if she was obviously out of her mind! Brandi Shearer starts to play. I dug her music, she seemed really nice and layed back. During her set my hubby and I decide to go out and share a smoke....now, mind you we quit at the start of the new year, but this was a special occasion and since we have it under control, what could it hurt? We venture outside into the SUB ZERO night and light one up beside the bus. I swear I can hear Kick yapping..."yap. yap. yap" . About mid cig the door opens and out bounds MATT. What does this genius girl say? "WOW! WOW!!" and he turns with a smile that is the size of the state of Texas. "HI!" he says. "how's it goin!" I say "WOW!" again. He says "thanks so much for coming out tonite! we are really happy to be here!" guess what I say. "WOW!" I promise, this was the last time though, as I'm now snapping out of it and think I can come up with something better than wow. He says "we really like Lawrence, we love coming here" and I say "we are SO HAPPY that you guys made it! " and he says "cool, well-we'll see ya at the show!" and runs off...no clue where, it was like he just disappeared. And by the way, I was standing there holding my camera, but did not take a picture! I just couldn't do it..the guy is just trying to walk down the street. So hubby and I are hugely stoked, and we walk back in with a great story for our friends. Pretty soon Bryan walks through, and my hubby says HEY BRYAN! Bryan turns and says hello, and we ask him about their delay. He explained they were stuck in a parking lot of a Walmart and were really glad to finally get out of there. Said they really love coming to Lawrence ever since Wakarusa. He was so nice, and I managed to just smile and say how happy we were they made it, and didn't say WOW once. Go Amy! Scott walked by and hubby yelled hello and he turned and said hi. No Grace sightings other than on stage. Ok, Brandi is done and packing her stuff, and it's about time to get my spot since I noticed suddenly the area in front of the stage is getting crowded. Really, the only spot up front and not taken was directly in front of the hammond. ok, guess this will have to do! My BFF Kim is next to me, we are quite the mutt and Jeff, her being about 4'11", me about 6'2" with my heels on, and I notice this really tall guy next to her, he's about my height. He says to Kim she should get on the other side of him so she can have the spot right up front and he won't be in her way. wow, what a sweetie! Out comes Jen with the set list and I'm so excited I can't stand it. I start taking pics of the list, and the tall guy asks me if I prefer looking at the list, or not looking and being suprised. I say well, I'd rather be suprised, but I have to write this review for the street team and I want to be sure I remember everything! That's when he says I'M TEADHEADONE! I about fell right on the floor. Yes, I know he's a legend and all, but did I think he'd be here?? IN LAWRENCE KANSAS?? So we talk a bit and I already love him. Out comes the band. Grace was wearing black jeans, some greyish black Frye boots, a black bra (I say this cuz it was part of the outfit!!) and a see through-ish vintage Bon Jovi t shirt. She's smokin hot, as usual. Not sure what the guys were wearing, other than they all look great and look happy.
Here's the set list!
MastermindTreat Me Right
Stop the Bus
Meantime
Sugar
Sweet Hands
Ah Mary
Aint No Time
Falling or Flying
Lose Some Time
Sinking Man
Over Again
NBTW
Jet Airliner
_________
Encore Grace solo of Angel Band
I'm gonna sum it up by saying the band was tight, sounded great, energy was good, but it seemed to me they were a bit on the tired side. Don't get me wrong, they gave a great show, but from videos I've seen it probably wasn't Van's favorite show. I'd love for him to give his 2 cents. All in my party noticed Grace did not have eye contact with anyone in the crowd, nor with me even though I was right smack dab in front of her. She did give a shout out to Van and dedicated one of the songs to him, not sure which but it was towards the end of the show. Grace seemed so small, TINY, a lot smaller than she looked when I saw them with the Mule. When she came out to do Angel Band by herself, Jen walked out and taped something to her Hammond, and when Grace finished she basically said thanks and that was it. Van said to take a look at what was on that piece of paper, and the roadie guy came over and read that it said "it's all you", something like that, meaning the band wasn't going to come back on for Big White Gate encore. I did play my cowbell during NBTW, a bit timid at first but then just watched what Grace did and followed her lead, and my hubby the musician said I did a good job. However, I don't even think the band noticed I was playing it. I was a bit behind a speaker, and not sure with them beating the drum that they could hear me. Kinda disappointing. Another bummer-no Paris (was looking forward to hearing the new version), and for my sister no Apologies (her fave), and for my friend Kim no Big White Gate (her fave). Then, Van and I were heading over to the magic door where they all disappeared, Jen guarding the door. I showed her my posse shirt and said how bare and clean it looked and it would look so much better with some autographs, and she basically said it wasn't gonna happen. We talked for a bit, she seemed nice, but again, I just felt like everyone was just tired, ready for the night to be over. I'm not very good at this I can tell, not agressive, not forward, I just don't want to bother anybody. Van hung on and when we finally gave up all hope of getting any sigs, I looked over my shoulder and he was still standing at the door, talking to Jen. Hope he made it through that door! So, first GPTN headlining concert was very good, but I have a feeling won't be my favorite since it certainly won't be my last for 2008! Overall I had a really great time, and hopefully by the next time I see them I can be a little less starstruck and come up with something more witty than WOW. And maybe next time I'll get a photo with the band, and some autographs! Love the band, love the music, love the posse!
Side notes...some annoying fans. girl in front trying to out-sing Grace. ok, honestly, you really think you are even CLOSE to being as good a singer as her? But, she really thought so, and kept telling my friend Kim that SHE is a singer. One time she even sang her own riff after Grace ended a song...like after Grace was done singing, this girl did her own version of the ending. I'm all for singing along, getting into it, but you know the type of person I'm talking about....she also kept taking FLASH PICTURES, and if I were Grace I would have flipped her off. It was like Britney Spears and the popparazzi. And finally, and this is a pet peeve of mine...can't stand when fans shout out what they want the band to play. Play this, Let's hear that. come on people, who is putting on the show? You or the band?!! And do they ever listen to you anyway? I wasn't out there screaming PARIS!!! I WANT TO HEAR PARIS!! come on people!
Guy behind me who kept making me uncomfortable with things he was shouting at Grace, sexually suggestive, I dunno, it just rubbed me wrong. I'm sure she's used to it, probably didn't bother her a bit, but SHOW SOME CLASS.
Missed opportunities...pretty sure if I'd asked Matt would have ok'd a photo op with him outside, and Bryan inside. I just couldn't go there! SHOULD have worn my hugely- huge yellow posse t shirt. And the yellow roses would have helped for sure. I could have busted them out right there when talking to Bryan!
I am again a quitter...smoking anyway!
ok, owllover out! No spell check here so hope it's ok!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome to Every Mile - The Road Blog of the Potterville Posse! Hopefully we'll get some first hand reviews, stories and experiences of the fans of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Enjoy, jam out, and welcome!
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