No, instead over the holiday weekend I went to Portland to see The Newno2 and the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club perform at The Wonder Ballroom. I was unfamiliar with both bands, but a good friend invited me and I had some free time, or rather made from free time during the busy final two weeks of the quarter, to take a much needed road trip and see some live music.
The reviews of the Wonder Ballroom do not lie, parking is hard to come by. If you can, go early and secure a spot and visit one of the near by watering holes or restaurants. It took me about 15 minutes to find a spot, just a few blocks away, and then make my way to the venue.
Once I entered, I got a beer. What a shock, right? But then I over heard some people talking about The newno2 and how the lead guitarist singer is the son of one of the Beatles. George Harrison as a matter of fact. His son, Dahni Harrison, was in this newno2 band.
Now things were getting interesting. How odd it was to find myself at a concert, seeing the son of a Beatle play. My parents, aunts and uncles were around for the Beatles craze. To find myself at the concert of the offspring of one of these Beatles was somewhat surreal. I did my best not to set the bar to high for my expectations. I really did. It's not that thenewno2 is bad, they are good, in their own way. I overheard one person say their music sounded like heroin rock, whatever that is. I imagine it is music that resembles the heroin experience, or something one would listen to whilst on heroin. But I really have no idea.
Their drummer, Frank Zummo, reminded me of a Travis Barker of sorts. Lean, lanky, some what tatted up. But the music was not conducive to a full fledged drum rock out, but he was doing his best. It might have been overkill on some songs, but what do I know. Looks like he also drummed with Motley Crue and does some street drumming in L.A. So, there is that.
The newno2 rocking the Wonder Ballroom. Source: a digital camera
The BRMC
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club does their thing. Source: The same digital camera
I have to admit, I was not familiar with the BRMC before seeing them. I have heard them mentioned lots on Kexp 90.3 FM and once I had determined that I would go see them play live, I did listen to their newest album through its entirety, once. While I wasn't blown away by the listening, I was also not turned off. At the very least I was going to get a nice road trip in and some social time with my lady.
But when I saw them play live? Oh how my story gets transformed. They are spectacular live, a rock and roll trio that really is just plain old good. You like it loud? Check. You like it rocky? Check. You like it somewhat grunge? Check.
In fact they started their song Berlin and I was reminded of the song by Nirvana Stain. Of course, once I was able to listen to them side by side, I realize that my faulty memory might have been at play when I first thought they sounded similar, particularly the beginnings of each song. Not exact, but textually perhaps?
Food has been not high on my list these days, as being a poor college student allows me to eat only what I need, which is a good thing for my waist line. Can't say I have been too creative in the kitchen, just cooking rice, quinoa, with bullion, peas and carrots. Just getting my veggies on.
But I am going to undertake a new diet regime for a short bit. I have some trips coming up and want to look my best. Where am I going? So glad you asked. My mothers mother is turning 80 and a birthday party is being had in that honor. This is scheduled for late September...I think. The actual date has yet to be determined.
I am also going to D.C. to see the Smithsonian. This is being arranged by my uncle and should be a blast.
Also the Fantasy Football draft is fast approaching, and being the reigning champ I need to represent be being in tip top shape, or at least loose a few pounds. Shamefully, I have stopped riding my bike so much as I have access to a motor vehicle. I have become all that I despise, lazy. So, getting back on that bike will happen starting this Saturday.
I am also going to be doing the Natural Hormonal Enhancement diet, but all vegan and raw if possible. I know, I think this might be the best idea to get ripped like shredded wheat I have ever had.
What else. Oh yea, beer. Beer in Bellingham is a big deal. Kulshan brewing is my personal favorite for being super local, but I still drink Two Beers where I can. Some lucky friends are going to be getting some Kulshan KDA growlers soon, btw.
I received a home brewing kit from my lady for the holidays and have been brewing some beers, some of you might have had the honor to try it. I am working with some co-workers on brewing big batches of beer, and my next batch will be a gluten free goji maca ale. I hope it turns out as great as last time. And I hope I still get to use this label.
A label for the first batch. Source: J. Caldwell, master designer.
Until next time dear blog readers, be safe and party on.
