SHARING THE SHOWS
“That’s the Craig we know and love!” So said my cousin Neil, who, when he called me Saturday morning, heard I was going to two concerts this weekend after that two-month drought, exacerbated by my brush with COVID. After a run on the treadmill in my apartment complex’s gym, some time spent on a work-related project, my conversation with Neil, and regaling you with my adventures with Maggie and Dan, it was time for Round 2. I had to allow the extra time to get down to the Waterfront due to the reduced service on Metro. The pungent odor of marijuana was present for the sixteen minutes I spent delayed at the Gallery Place stop. I guess the unmasked folks were trying to get a contact buzz? I got to the Waterfront at 4:30, about a half hour before Masala Art’s opening, so I walked around in the cold for a bit before meeting up with Pete at the restaurant, where we indulged in some naan, samosa, and murg mala tikaa, which is “chicken breast marinated in yogurt and cream cheese.” Perfect break to my intermittent fast. Pete regaled me with his adventures hiking and seeing shows around the US, including pictures of Colorado’s Dillon Amphitheater, which is now on my bucket list. He also sent me some pics of some great spots on the Appalachian Trial at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, such as Maryland Heights, Loudon Heights, and C&O Canal/Weverton Cliff Hike. The walk to the venue was closed, and when we hit the Anthem, I thought of my friend Heather, who was supposed to see Erasure at that spot, that delightful 80s pop duo with hits like “Always,” “Chains of Love,” and “A Little Respect.” We were supposed to meet for dinner before her show, but they cancelled their tour due to this dam ‘demic, and I was bummed we couldn’t meet. But I’m giving her a little shout here. The line to check vaccination cards moved quickly, as did the line to get in. We were on the floor at about 6:30, a good forty-five minutes before the band started, and Pete pointed out the cool curtains hanging from the balcony, which I hadn’t noticed before. He also inspired me to investigate those Friends with Benefits points that he earns by attending DC shows. I thought I had forgotten to request one, but it turns out I’ve been earning points on my account by buying tickets to shows. Since I requested a new card, I just have to claim them in the future, and I can earn points toward free tickets. The Infamous Stringdusters started at 7:15, and while I can’t name their songs, they opened with one that turned out to be called “Peace of Mind.” They also busted out “Sharp Dressed Man” and closed with Phish’s classic “Possum.” I did not expect either of those. I also didn’t expect some drunk guy to tell me “I’m wearing my mask” while his N95 was placed on the top of his hand. My response, “I can see that” with a tone that implied the tagline, “Jackass.” He gave me a sour expression and walked away. I’d say about half the crowd wasn’t masked or they were wearing them around their chins, but that’s the risk one takes when going to a show of drunk fans. All we can do is protect ourselves and others. But, like Pete said, at least they’re vaccinated. At the “intermission” between bands, the venue had a Guns N’ Roses mix playing, an odd combo, I think, for a bluegrass/jam band crowd, but I still dug it. I was never a huge fan, but I do love “Mr. Brownstone” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” Pete and I hung toward the back of the venue for the main act to avoid all those unmasked fools, err, I mean folks in there. It took a little while for Greensky Bluegrass to grow on me; I bought tickets before I even knew anything about their music, but I had heard so much about them I just had to try them out, and these days, a show being near the Metro is a huge selling point for me. I streamed their albums on Spotify and thought they were just okay, but when Pete sent me a link to their new album, Stress Dreams, I was hooked, particularly by the album’s opening song, “Absence of Reason.” Pete also pointed out tunes called “Windshield” and “Leap Year.” They also encored with “Stress Dreams.” By that time, a large portion of the crowd had filtered out of the dance floor, so I was spinning around.
A new show routine of mine: caffeine before the show; it helped my energy, particularly on night two of a two-night show run. I faded in spots, but the second-set “Absence of Reason” got me back into the groove. Another highlight included a reggae jam that sounded like Bob Marley’s “Jammin’.” The show ended at 11:30, and it felt great to unmask when we exited the venue. As Pete pointed, these four-hour shows having to mask can be a strain. But I’m thinking it’ll prepare me for when I have to teach in-person whilst masked. Once at the Metro, Pete and I were greeted by our train arriving at the very instant we hit the platform. I love those moments when that happens. I wasn’t quite as lucky when I hit Gallery Place; a ten-minute wait for my Red Line train, but oh well. Same post-show routine as last night: munch and laugh hysterically to Married with Children while Chester claims his seat on my leg. I fell asleep with him on me, and made it to my bed at around 2. Half-asleep, I rose at about a quarter to ten; I could have stayed in bed at least an hour longer, but I forced myself to get up. A fun, crazy weekend it sure was (to adopt the anastrophe-like style of Yoda). It felt like taking humongous gulps of water at an oasis after a two-month trek through the desert. As I continue back on campus this week and increase my socializing, I’m feeling that in the next few weeks, I may need another trek at some point. But for now, I’m enjoying the moment!
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May 2024
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