March is magic because while we are nearly at the end of the month it means the end of monthly posts, it will move onto single event posts... aren't you pysched? Surely you must be... ok big whup... but it will be more eloquent than ... the show was great, the people were pretty and I had a PBR.
So here we go....
Dinner at Restaurant Kevin Taylor
Denver Restraunt Week (week two)
March 2, 2009
This was my best meal of the few we went out for during Restaurant Week (times two) this year. This was a delicate meal and honestly the BEST DAMN SHORT RIBS I have ever had. I can't explain how delightful every morsel was that I put in my mouth. Another to die for meal at Denver's finest restaurant. The previous week we ate at O's which was amazing too. And Westminster's most amazing dining establishment I think. I seriously seriously need to get back there one night for the molecular gastronomy service... seriously.
Shat
3 Kings Tavern
March 7, 2008
What can I say about
Shat? Um loud. Um obscene and fun for a little bit. I really had fun but it was too much for me after about 30 minutes. I did enjoy a couple weeks before having "I'm a Vagatarian" come up on a SXSW sampler I had in my speakers at work... that was a really quick little manuever to turn the volume down.. and quick. This is about the safest picture I have....
Those are what you think they are. There were so many of them that honestly you almost become immune to the fact that this naked guy screaming with the headlamp is covered in dildos. Not quite the novelty act that they could be considered. The fans were totally into it. Seriously.
I am glad I was able to see the spectacle.
The Bad Plus
Solied Dove
March 9, 2009
I woke up feeling like absolutely dog meat that morning... no wait that is an insult to dog meat, it was awful. I called in work at like 6 in the morning by leaving crazy messages on my bosses voicemail (he saved it and I heard it... I sounded drugged) and a co-worker's voicemail. I slept all day and woke up about 15 minutes before I needed to be at the show. I thought I would regret even raising my head off the pillow but honestly it was so terrific.
The Bad Plus started out as a trio and played some originals and then this little sprite came out in her converse allstars, hipster cap and just belted it out. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to be able to be there... cold or no cold. This was a really special show. Their rendition of Blue Velvet knocked my socks off and they might not have played Tom Sawyer like I wished for (and this from a huge NOT Rush fan) but I was totally satisfied. And the thai chicken fingers at the Tavern rule.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
with DJ Country Fresh (OK OK DJ Hot to Death)
Bluebird Theater
March 13, 2008
This was a terrific evening. Got to the show in time to see DJ Hot to Death spinning which is always great. He is a great host (we have established my appreciation for the Monday Night Magic at the Larimer Lounge) but really a great DJ. He can spin it all, as I saw a little later. He caught me taking pictures and dodged me... curses... but I snapped one shot at least....
After a short break...
We were actually treated to DJ Country Fresh and Pirate Signal. Seriously this guy has the chops man. I was trying to take pictures and he was just moving and bringing on the hip hop. It was awesome. Thank you for the surprising music interlude, it wasn't expected and seriously the crowd was into it. I am only sorry that there wasn't a bigger crowd to get turned on to Pirate Signal. Word. I don't think I have enough cred to actually say "word" but Word. That good.
Nick Sullivan came out for a solo set. I went down to take some pictures and straight up was insulted by another shooter at the show. Yeah I know who you are... and yeah I am short, shoot around me meanie. Now I get that you are shooting for another blog (it will remain nameless) but I was going to take one or maybe two songs worth of shots and go back up to the balcony. If anyone knows me and sees me places I really don't shoot entire sets because I truly am there to enjoy the show and see the music so to get all twitterpated with me about being where you want to shoot is annoying to me. I stuck around for almost half the set and wasn't able to enjoy as much as I would have. Thanks dude. But thank you Nick for a great soulful set that rocked.
Reno Divorce came out and played next. I strategically place myself right on top of (standing on the little riser to the stage right) and then in front of the other shooter, just to be a pain in the ass. It was great. I got my shot and went up stairs to the balcony so I could enjoy the show.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band entered from the back of the room. I am sad that I missed from the floor (since I was upstairs) what can only be described as a bass drum thumping call to arms to get ready for our socks being knocked off.
Another GREAT show by the clan. Seriously. I think everytime I see them play I am more and more amazed by the fact the crowds get larger and more appreciative. In fact one girl turned around and said to her companion... "I am so glad I got to see them". Yeah girl... I know exactly what you are saying... she you two at the next show!
The Oddity Faire
With Secret Chiefs, Saul Williams, Yard Dogs Road Show and Les Claypool
Fillmore Auditorium
March 14, 2009
I missed the Secret Chiefs this time. Got there right after they played. But when I walked up I got to see the weirdest duo of fights, one set of arguing people was these homeless guys. One wouldn't let the other put his sign in his cart. It was really awkward to see right in front of the Fillmore, then 20 feet away what I can only imagine were sisters looked like they were about to pull each others hair out. One said "you ARE going to be that way" and the other was "no, no" then "yes yes". It was classic. Drunk people fighting on each end of the spectrum. It was something.
Saul Williams came out and had an impressive slam of poetry and rock. I found honestly that I like his poetry much better than his performance. The crowd wasn't into it through the whole thing but warmed up throughout the set. I enjoyed it very much though because it was an opportunity to see a terrific poet working the crowd.
Yard Dogs came out next... OK first let me say this... I knew a little bit about what they do since F went to the show at the Bluebird several months before. I saw a friends pictures and was totally entranced with what they do. It's pretty damn impressive.
This cover of Nina Simone made me loose my breath for a moment
and the performance was STUNNING just stunning
Les Claypool came out with his band, a zylophone player, a percussionist and a cello player. You wouldn't think that it would work with Les' voice and timbance but you know what? It did. Well. I have a series of photos and since this entry is seriously photo heavy I will limit it to a few.
d.biddle
HiDive
March 20, 2009
Another super enjoyable show at the HiDive. Here is the magic one shot. I really did enjoy the show that much that I had a hard time getting a really good picture. I hadn't ever seen b.diddle so I was excited to see the show.
Houses opened the show and I had a friend say it was like a happier Fleetwood Mac. I tend to disagree because Fleetwood Mac to me equals miserable music made by really talented people and I can't stand Stevie Nicks at all. But I see what he was thinking.... it was a great mix of some of the very talented folks in this town. Earlier in the week the band played and performed on the 16th Street Mall. Pied Pipers for the Hip Denver Music scene indeed.
Everything Abscent or Distorted played next and were just as good (if not better) when I saw them in Boulder. The dancing guy? Well this performance he played keyboards and the other instruments were played on and off by all the people in the band. It was really amazing to see and hear.
d.biddle.... oy... d.biddle. The same friend said to me about halfway through the set... how sexy is this ... rightie oh. I was standing there and I think my jaw was slack by the lovely music... this was a rare occurance to see them play and I am glad I made it down there to witness the beauty.
Sketch
Drinks and Salumi
March 20, 2009
I had never been to sketch in Cherry Creek. I was really bummed when I missed out because it closed and reopened as Tambien (which is terrific). I heard the menu was amazing, so I always regretted not going. Now given the opportunity to go over there last Saturday night I jumped on it. It was wonderful. Not the same concept as before but completely delightful. It has reopened as a wine bar and salumi bar. The wine list was not pricey in fact many bottles were averaging about 30 dollars which is completely affordable. Beers are available. From PBR to fancier microbrews. Full cocktails available as well, but you won't see those bottles featured prominantly as they are below the up-lit wine selections. I appreciate that the wine is the art.
We were treated to a lovely selection of the treats matched to the Pinot Noir. We were presented with a selection of three cheeses, salumi and chocolate, cherries and figs. TOE CURLING. Trust me when I say this is a great appetizer for what can bring you to an amazing night.(*edited to add... all of Denver knows it now too...eek*)
They have hired Charlie Masters for the front of house / menu work and he is divine with the slicer. Oh and the sweets. It is a terrific move by the owners, who I think are some of the nicest folks around by the way.
The bartenders are terrific, they can tell you about each and every wine and poor a generous glass. They refil or not with no pressure, don't upsell in an obnoxious way and are entertainers and super friendly. This is what you want and need when you walk into someplace like this. I instantly felt welcome, which doesn't always happen when I walk into someplace and honestly I think every single person would get the same treatment.
They have double seating at the bar, so you can sit with your sweetie. Best part of the night ever seeing that (well that and the desert plate they set us up with). And they are comfortable bar stools.
Met some really nice people (see what I am saying about a welcoming atmosphere?). Ate some really good food and honestly when the Pixies "Where is My Mind" came over the speakers I have to say I was very entertained. I can't talk about it or post the pictures but maybe when you go you will be so lucky.
Congrats on a great spot... Sketch... Its a winner in my book and can't wait to come back for more of the cherries and figs... I am drooling now.
Edited to add a couple of other reviews... just so you know that I am not bullshitting here... seriously... the place is terrific and you will treated really well... promise.... review one and review two .
New Music Mondays
Larimer Lounge
March 26, 2008
When we were talking I thought this is going to be a singer songwriter, but this girl WAILED.
And we are now caught up with the last year of my life in shows and joints I have been that have been super memorable.
I swear ... keep watching for tomorrow... I will bring you a real treat...promise.
March 27th last year was a great night and I am glad...honored that I could wrap it up tonite as well. This is only the beginning of what I hope to be a continued adventure you are going to take with me... and probably end up (with your permission) in some pictures even! This will be the year of show shots, people pictures and NO FOOD SHOTS... I will leave that up to others out there. Thanks for coming this far... can't wait for more more more!
1) We sang some songs
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