Scruff Thursday - Local Live Music Edition

I know that last Thursday I was MIA. Sorry. Apologies. Please forgive.

I'm here now though and I hope that too much damage wasn't done in my absence.

Like I mentioned last week one reason I haven't had time to post has been my busy live music schedule. Despite keeping me away from writing, my shows have provided me with plenty of inspiration for "Scruff Thursday".

Exactly a week ago, I went to see Pickwick (again).  Caitlin, Alycia, and myself squirmed our way to the front and I was able to get some pretty scruff-tastic pictures of the band doing what they do.

After the show we milled around near the stage for awhile until the band came out.  Then, without any liquid courage whatsoever, I told Michael Parker that he had a pretty beard and asked for a picture.  When it happened I thought, "Oh he must be so pleased.  Cute girls... admiring his beard and music!  Such fun!"  But then I saw how the picture turned out...

Mad muggin' not appreciated.

My video attempt at this show wasn't quite as bad as usual and so I have included it for your viewing pleasure!  (I know it starts out sideways... but it's correct pretty quickly!)

My Kind of Town...

So the song referenced in the title is about Chicago but for the sake of this here blog post it's going to be about "Seattle". 

The past few days/weeks I've been so happy to live in a place like Seattle with such a vibrant and diverse music scene on top of everything else that it already has going for it (i.e. water everywhere you look, hills, hills, hills, and mountains for days).

Last night really sealed the deal when it comes to my love for Seattle, though.

A friend and I went to see the Alabama Shakes play a highly anticipated show at the Crocodile.  The entire time Brittany Howard, lead vocals, was performing I thought to myself "I am SO lucky to be here." 

It was a sold out crowd and an incredible performance.

I'm a little wiped today so words will be in short supply but here are a few pictures from the evening...

And finally a video that I took (from the front row... no big deal!!). I only recorded the first part of the song. Why?? Because I had to put my silly phone down and dance, duh!

Dance It Out

Last night I went to see the local band Pickwick for my second time. My first time was over the summer (for FREE!) at the Seattle Center as part of KEXP's Concerts at the Mural Series. I was immediately delighted by the soulful fun that is at the center of their music (not to mention the ridiculously talented lead singer's hair). And what's more... tambourines were HEAVILY featured in the show both on stage AND in the crowd. Clearly I was sold...



Obviously when the opportunity to see them at the Neptune came up I issued a resounding "Yes please" and purchased my ticket. I had not anticipated yesterday being as draining as it was and for a few hours, much to my roommate/fellow concert goer's dismay, it was a little iffy as to whether I would pull it together and make it to the show or not. Fortunately I got myself out of bed, took a shower, put on my favorite sequined skirt (hipsters be damned!), drank a beer, and was ready to "boogie down" (as the old folks say). And thank goodness I did! The concert was all kinds of fun, my friends delightful, the music sensational, the venue charming, and there were OODLES of bearded hipster dudes to feast my eyes upon.


I tried to take a video but unfortunately the sound recording quality on the ole' iPhone 3GS just isn't what it use to be and so it's a little scary to listen to. Luckily YouTube pulled through yet again and I can post a few videos to show my readers how great this Seattle band is!

Oh... Pickwick does a cappella? Of course they does...


If you are work while reading this I advise you not to watch if you are employed by an organization that frowns on workplace dancing (note: video quality improves after first few seconds)...



Happy Friday, December 9, 2011. Make it awesome and dance a little!

Monday Funday

Mondays are pretty "a-okay" by me. It's not because I am a freak who prefers working to weekending. It's because on Monday I do not have to go into the office. Instead I wake up, laze about for a bit, and then head over to the West Seattle Senior Center. I hang out. Help seniors find resources. Drink coffee. Eat cookies. Catch up on some work and then head home. Of course come Tuesday when I do have to go into the office I am singing a completely different tune.

But for now it's still Monday and here is a list (a bulleted list!) of things that are making this Monday particularly "a-okay":

• I visited a friend's blog and have become inspired to make reading a much higher priority. Luckily last Thursday I popped into Queen Anne Books and had them order this gem that is set for me to pick up today! Next in my queue (and on the other end of the literary mood spectrum) is this!


• I was so inspired by aforementioned friend's blog that I sent him a text message requesting his company at a watering hole of his choice this evening. He accepted.
  


• Today's the day I finally finish organizing my closet. At least that's the plan and since it's only Monday I can always remind myself "If you don't get to it today you still have the entire week to do it!".


• Pho will be consumed in approximately 36 minutes.
  


• I'm going to see Deer Tick at the Tractor Tavern tonight. In case you're wondering, Deer Tick is a band. And don't be thrown by the name; Gentleman Friend turned me onto them and they're awesome. Super awesome!
  


• Because of Seattle's Seattle-y weather I can wear my new Hunters and go hunting for puddles!

Yeah, I know. Pretty spectacular as far as cold, rainy, early November Mondays go.

Here are a few Deer Tick tunes to properly introduce you to said awesomeness and sign off on this post with: