puredanger.com Blog

A trip to the track June 25, 2007

I took the kids out to the racetrack yesterday to see Cleezmo race. We got there and got to see one race. Every time the bikes went by, Tru would run to the fence to catch a glimpse. They were also really excited to share some orange Gatorade and had orange mustaches half the time we were there.

Here’s some pics of Truman and Ella sitting on Jeff’s bike. Notice Ella in full thumbs-up mode!

Just before Jeff was ready to race, the skies opened up and it rained hard for a pretty long time. Seda helped me run the kids over to the trailer and the kids hung out in there for a while as it poured down rain. Truman was looking a little out of it (he had some kind of bug the day before). Eventually, it looked like it wasn’t letting up, so Seda helped me take the kids to the bathroom and the car. Many thanks to Seda for her help!!!

Here’s the view from the trailer of the guys huddled in the tent as it pours down rain:

Anyhow, after we left, we headed for home. As soon as we got on 44, the skies turned bright blue and sunny. I’m not sure we even got much rain at home – the nasty storm was apparently parked right over the race track.

So, we didn’t get to see Jeff race, but the kids were excited about it none the less. Truman told Mary quite seriously all about the race bike and how you had to lean over to reach the handles.

A Face In The Crowd February 7, 2007

Hey, check out this great article “A Face In The Crowd” written by my main man Cleezmo! Awesome stuff.

So long Mississippi Nights January 19, 2007

I was sad but not surprised to hear that Mississippi Night closed it’s doors tonight. They’ve been in gradual decline for quite a while, unable to compete against newer venues like the Pageant.

For the years in my life when I was seeing live shows on a weekly basis, MN was my favorite place to see a show. I dug the tiered floors that let you choose how you wanted to see the gig – down in the pit, sitting, standing near the bar, etc. I dug the bar. I don’t know why, but it was just a fun place to be. Tom was our favorite bartender – he’s been there for ever. I always thought it was just the perfect size venue to see the kind of shows that I love the best. You could get close but it’s big enough that the place can get really rocking and high energy.

The first show I ever saw there was Sass Jordan with the Arc Angels opening. The Arc Angels was basically the Stevie Ray Vaughn’s rhythm section after he died. And Sass Jordan was sort of a southern chick singer Nick and I were briefly enamored with. Nick and I went down to see that gig and we were young enough that we had to sit in the special minor “no drinky for you” area.

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite show I ever saw there. I remember seeing a ton of local acts there like Robynn Ragland, Vargas Swing, the Unconscious doing a reunion gig, Slapdash, Suede Chain, Savage St. Hubbins, Sarah Cloud, The Urge, 311. Also a bunch of more national acts like Barenaked Ladies, Medeski Martin and Wood, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Popping Daddies, G Love, Paula Cole, Rollins spoken word, and many more.

The Barenaked Ladies gig was an awesome xmas show put on by one of the radio stations. They did a medley of Billy Joel covers at one point that was hilarious. Undoubtedly one of the best gigs I saw there was Medeski Martin and Wood, an acid jazz group. In fact, the show was so good that I went out and bought a kick-ass keyboard the next day and started studying jazz piano. And I think that same show was the impetus for Scott buying his first drum set.

Later, Mary and I saw at least one show there: John Spencer Blues Explosion. Mary actually saw her at the time estranged childhood best friend there (whom I had never met), which was weird. Turns out Mary has been going to Mississippi Nights even longer than I have and has seen all sorts of awesome stuff. She saw the Beastie Boys there at least twice. The first time they were completely drunk and couldn’t even play their instruments. The other was on a later tour and one of her favorite shows ever. Turns out her favorite bartender was Tom, too. Guess that guy was good.

The last show I saw there was (fittingly) with Nick seeing Primus last year with Drums and Tuba opening. D&T were really incredible (oddly I’ve seen them opening several times) and I would have gladly watched them do the whole night. Primus was lackluster – guess Les was sick and having an off night.

Nick, this one’s for you. I’ve seen more gigs than I can count with you and MN has always been a constant and special place. I’m glad you were with me on all those gigs, ready to share the music. I can remember so many detailed musical discussions, grooving, drinking, and just all around enjoyment we shared all those nights.

Check out Cleezmo leaned way over October 16, 2006

Check out my buddy Cleezmo leaned way, way over on his bike (he’s the one in front). Yowza!

Mingo Fishtrap and Square One Brewery August 22, 2006

I had a great time last Saturday going out to see Mingo Fishtrap at Chris’s rabid urging. He caught them down in Austin (their home) and immediately informed us we were required to see them. Good call Freyguy!

They were definitely Tower of Power-ish and indeed covered a couple TOP songs (tease of Shake Everything You’ve Got and something else I don’t remember). They also covered a JBs song and one or maybe two Stevie Wonder songs. Reminded me a lot of seeing the classic My Brother’s Keeper, a now defunct funk band I used to see in college. Although I think Mingo Fishtrap was probably better musically. Anyhow, they did 3 sets and we made it through 2.5 which is longer than I expected to last.

Before seeing this musical entree, we checked out Square One Brewery in Lafayette Park, which was great. It replaces the prior Lafayette Pub (Bar?) which was a great neighborhood joint with tremendous bugers. It is a worthy replacement. It’s a little brew-pub serving 12 beers made on the premise and what the evidence says is some yummy food.

I had the IPA (highly recommended) and tasted the Bavarian Weizen (ok wheat beer – not my thing usually) and the Grand Cru (definitely not my thing). But I’d drink the IPA all night. Wish I’d tried the ESB. I also had the House Smoked Flank Steak Nachos which were really flavorful: yummy flank steak, fresh sliced jalapenos, chips with just enough salt, and good salsa. Now I’m hungry. Anyhow, definitely recommended. I look forward to visiting again.

All in all, a really fun night. Many thanks to Chris for getting us all out of the house!