SHARING THE SHOWS
It seems some people will find any reason for a holiday. People my age celebrate a holiday started by a bunch of high school potheads. But, hey, if that gives a band a reason to perform, I’m game. With that, I broke out of my usual weeknight routine of get home from work, cook dinner, watch TV, to head up to Bethesda, only three Metro stops from me. Despite that recent dropping of the federal mask mandate on public transportation, as perpetrated by that Rhodes scholar known as Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, I’d say about 95% of the riders were masked. Go DC! I walked toward Sala Thai on Cornell Avenue, which was empty. Much of the time, restaurants seat solo diners in the back, but tonight, I was seated at the right window (to attract business, maybe? “Hey, SOMEONE likes our food!”). And I did. The spring rolls were a tad dry, but the portion of Pad Thai was incredible. I hadn’t spent much time in Bethesda, but it’s a cool town with some nice shops and restaurants. I also stumbled upon the Bethesda Trolley Trail, which is right next to a bikeshare and will allow one an eight-mile stretch to bike from Bethesda to Rockville (which is now my plan for the afternoon). I met up for a brief chat with my friend Barry, who lives downtown, and we had a nice chat. I walked upstairs to Tommy Joe’s, and was met by the sight of a dude eating a nice juicy cheeseburger at the bar, and I regretted not having come here to eat, but there’s always next time. As the band tuned their instruments, I found an empty table and ordered a Diet Coke. A waiter had brought me an appetizing-looking Philly Cheese steak with waffle fries, and I was tempted to say “yes,” but ultimately, it went to the lady at the table sitting next to me, who I later found out went by the name of Lisa.
The band warmed up with “He’s Gone” (Johnny Mac’s favorite tune), and after tuning once more, started with “Bertha.” At this point, most people were sitting, and I was reminded of all those times Maggie and I would go to shows in Hampton Roads and would get the crowd started dancing. I bopped my head a bit from behind my table. It was interesting to see TVs playing while the notes of “Jack Straw” graced the room. I could hypothetically watch Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and check the score of the Mets-Giants game all while spinning around. As “Sugaree” played, the crowd started moving, and after “Tennessee Jed,” I met Larry, a musician who plays with four bands, including the Jerry Tripsters and Medicated Headsman, a Traffic + Tribute. He introduced me to some cool people, including Lisa, Amy (who sung some backup vocals), her boyfriend (also named Craig, which drew me to this Simpsons clip), a couple of guys named Tim, and a guy named Alan. I can’t remember most of their names, but those interactions helped make my night, and they go to a lot of the local shows in Montgomery County, so I’ll know people when I do solo outings in the future. A few people also liked the Ivy League hat I was wearing, and I spotted four other people wearing the same kind of hat (gotta love DC fashions). The rest of the setlist: Shakedown Street Brown Eyed Women Beat it On Down the Line Truckin’ Deal The Music Never Stopped Set 2 China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider Eyes of the World Not Fade Away New Minglewood Blues Ramble on Rose Scarlet Begonias Throwing Stones Casey Jones I started to “fade away” during “Begonias,” and was tempted to leave, but when “Throwing Stones” came on, I had to stay; it’s always a rockin’ tune. I’m especially glad I stayed for the “Casey” encore; it brought back that skingasm I had when Dead & Company played them at Citi Field on 6/25/16 (my first Dead & Co experience). After some hugs and handslaps with Larry and others on the way out, I made my way home. It would have been easier if the Metro entrance on Wisconsin Avenue southbound hadn’t been closed, but I made it. After some protein-based munchies and Simpsons, I fell out on the couch, Chester on stomach. And today’s a nice day to boot, so I’m hoping I can scrap a bikeshare on my return to Bethesda. Happy National Drug Test Day!
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May 2024
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