SHARING THE SHOWS
Week Two of Summer School down, and I got my first paycheck for it, about which I was quite stoked. A nice way to head into the three-day Fourth of July weekend. I headed over to Maggie’s at 5:30, hopped in the back seat a la Uber, and we headed down to Virginia Beach. It only took about an hour what with the I-64 traffic (I will not miss that commute at all). We walked around the neighborhood for a bit and talked music and dating philosophies before we headed back. We were met by a couple from Pennsylvania who had come down specifically for the show. Now that’s what I call devotion! Upon entry, we were greeted by a infrafred thermometer gun to our foreheads. This was the second time in two days I was shot by one of those things; my dental office did the same thing. I got nervous both times even though I do check my own temp a few times a day. Fortunately, 98.7 was passing, so we got in. I was fortunate to meet up with Patrick backstage, who hooked me up with a couple of cool Last Fair Deal posters. I gave one to Maggie; the other will definitely find a home in my new residence. We went over to our socially distanced table; as part of the rules, we had to spend at least $10 each, which I’m all in favor of. A venue like Elevation 27 needs as much as help as it can get during this time, so people, support your local businesses! I ordered a chicken Caesar wrap, and Maggie got some loaded chili fries, which I helped her finish. My bill came out to $13, and I just handed the waitress a $20 and told her to keep the change. Tip your servers and bartenders! The show started around 8:40 with an epic “Playing in the Band,” which segued into “Bird Song” and back into “Playin’.” “Dust the cobwebs off!” a concertgoer yelled. Kyle remarked, “I heard that one!” It was a good dusting indeed. “Bertha” was next, followed by “Greatest Story Ever Told” and “Easy Wind” (the only other Dead tribute I’d ever heard play that was JRAD). I sat down and hydrated for “Loser” and got back up for “New Minglewood Blues.” I had to keep moving spots because of this cluster of people who apparently didn’t get the whole social distancing thing. Oh well… “Big Boss Man” was next, followed by “Box of Rain.” Maggie commented that “this Dead crowd is Dead.” I remarked that it’s a different vibe with all of the tables, and the alcohol hasn’t yet hit. I livened up for “New Speedway Boogie,” “Corrina” (I’m in a large minority of Deadheads who love that song), and “U.S. Blues”, typically a second-set closer, but an awesome first-set one.
Maggie and I chilled out on the porch, where we quoted South Park, Married with Children, and Family Guy. She then told me about a dream pillow she got from a friend and how it was giving her nightmares. I then suggested she lie down on it during the day so she could “DAYdream.” I then laughed at my own joke for ten minutes; true story. The second set began with “Halfstep,” which segued into “Smokestack Lightning,” one of my favs. Maggie was in the bathroom for the opening chords of “St. Stephen;” I got ready to text her, “GET OUT HERE! ST. STEPHEN!” but she beat me to it. “The Other One” was epic, as “The Wheel.” An awesome “China-Rider” combo closed the set. The band encored by wishing a fan a happy 41st birthday, sending love and vibes into the world during this chaotic time, and a reminder to tip our bartenders and servers. Amen. Sherri Linn got onto the mandolin (hey, that rhymed!), and they broke into “Ripple,” a beautiful encore. It was nice seeing some familiar faces: Patrick, Scott, Wes, Ashley, even if we had to distance. I fell into my bed at about 1:30 and promptly crashed out. For the second week in a row, pilates came the morning after dancing all night. And now, for my Friday off, I recuperate. Well worth it.
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