I Do Stuff…

My annual birthday show. This time around Medeski, Martin and Wood came early so I needed to find another show to attend.  Fortunately moe. stepped in and provided a wonderful night of music two days before my birthday for a Saturday performance.

copyright: Capitol City Brewing

Nancy and I started the evening off at Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington for a few drinks and dinner. If I can help it I always eat dinner before seeing a show in DC. It is not often I get up there so I like to eat at a local place when possible.  We picked this place because I love beer and they brew there own onsite.  We arrived about 5:30 for a quick drink before rest the family arrived to help celebrate.  I wanted to try their Oktoberfest but it was out, very disappointing.

The Amber Waves was the best, my only repeat of the night. Their Kolsch was pretty good, light in color but some decent favors going on.  Their Pale Rider was a knock off of, fill in any domestic beer.  No flavor, clear as water, not worth your time.  Nancy got the other seasonal offering, Pumpkinator.  Surprisingly there is no pumpkin in this one, all you can taste is the variety of spices they use to make this one, not a fan of this one either.  If only they had Oktoberfest I would have been a happy man.

We stayed at the restaurant till almost 9 before leaving for the show.  Fortunately it is not far from Shirlington to the 9:30 Club, even with crazy city traffic.  At dinner Nancy convinced Matt to come along which was cool.  His first moe. show and first time at the 9:30 Club.  I knew parking was going to be difficult at best, but we lucked out and got a spot close to the club.

Right when we walked in the lights went out and the band stepped on stage.  It was after the official start time of 9, but within the requisite delayed start time many jam bands adhere to.  We headed to the upstairs bar while they played Blue Jeans Pizza. The show was not sold out, in fact neither night was, but the place was packed regardless.  I quickly got a beer and joined Nancy and Matt at the far end of the bar, from here we had a good view of the stage.

All night they played some good tunes.  I don’t know what the energy level was on Friday but tonight it was high. They jammed out. Like I predicted, the first set was an hour long, ending by 10:30. Nancy by this point was getting a little bored and her feet were killing here.  She was a trooper and stuck it out for most of the second set.  When I spoke to Matt he was enjoying himself, having never heard the band and spending $25 to get in, he liked what he heard.  I spoke to him again on Sunday about his impression, it was not the “fucking kick ass experience” I had, but he had fun.  One thing he didn’t like was the jams.

The second set started just after 11pm, just like I thought. I tell you I could have written the play bill that night. I later nailed the house lights at 1am. I didn’t predict the amazing 20 minute Recreational Chemistry encore, stuff like that is out of my league.  The house lights came up and we joined Nancy who was already in the car. She bugged out late during the second set. I don’t like leaving her alone in the city, she is a stubborn woman, at least the club is next to Howard University so the cops are always patrolling, keeping the peace.

We headed home, dropped Matt off and continued south, stopping to get some burgers before heading home.  There is something about eating greasy burgers after drinking and a late night show that I love.  We finally made it to bed

around three in the morning.

Asbury Park, NJ copyright: Chris Paul

Set 1 (9:20pm start)
01. Blue Jeans Pizza
02. Skrunk >
03. The Bones Of Lazarus
04. Happy Hour Hero
05. Kyle’s Song >
06. Kids
set ends at 10:26pm

Set 2 (11:03 start)
01. Dr. Graffenberg
02. Wind It Up >
03. Understand
04. Chromatic Nightmare
05. Blue Eyed Son (1)
06. Gone (2) >
07. Faker >
08. Moth
set ends at 12:22am

encore: (12:26am start)
09. Recreational Chemistry
show over at 12:51am

Notes:
(1) with al on mandolin
(2) with al on ’74 Gibson Double-neck guitar

yum! slow smoked ribs

After some great beer, food and seeing moe. perform the night before, Sunday was time for more food and relaxation.  During my bachelor party we setup a date to get together and have a rib competition.  Last year it was meat loaf and that was great, this year we changed it up and did ribs.  Several people bailed at the last minute or just didn’t show up but we still managed to have a good crowd to watch the Skins play and eat some ribs.

The game started at one that afternoon and we talked first about eating at the start of the game, then it changed to half time, finally at 4 regardless of if the game was over or not. Like most family meals we ate later then planned at 5. I must say that it certainly was worth the delay.  Nancy and I got a late start out of the houses because we had to get the grill into the Jeep.  I could have used my dads gas grill but when you are cooking ribs, who wants to cook on gas?  Matt even offed to drive my grill up but I was certain we could get it in her Jeep, boy was I wrong.

It was close to 2 by the time we got my grill assembled at my dad’s house and ready to start firing up the charcoal.  Matt was not running late but thankfully waited till I was ready before starting his own ribs.  Even thought this was not a competition in the strictest sense, he would not tell me what recipe he was using.  I think I intimidated him by saying I was cooking three racks using two different rubs/sauces.  For weeks Nancy and I have been testing out different recipes to find the perfect one for this competition. Since I still had many of the ingredients from the last batch, I just decided to do two. I did the famous maple ribs and a newer one, dinosaur ribs.

With the ribs finally on the grill, all Matt and I could do now was sit back and relax. We drank a few beers and talked about the previous nights show.  In the background the Skins were playing the Dolphins but that was not much of a game, certainly not worth watching.  Two hours later we pulled off the ribs to the delight of the assembled family, everyone was eager to get their figures dirty.  With the cooking done I finally found out what recipe Matt used, the red eye one from the same book I have which calls for coffee and chili powder in the rub and sauce.  To top the evening off my dad and Pat got a cake to celebrate my birthday the following day.

Despite the Skins loosening it was a great day.  I got to cook some great food, drink a few beers and spend lots of time with the family, even my brother and Audrey came out.  The weather was perfect that afternoon, most of our time was spent outside so I of course smoked a cigar to pass the time.  We have already started work on the next “competition” which might be chili if we do it in winter or wings if we wait till spring.

isn't technology wonderful

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This year there was no Buffett show during the long weekend so Nancy and I took the opportunity to just relax after a long few weeks. On Sunday my Dad got the family together at his house to enjoy some of my famous smoked ribs. All summer we have talked about cooking the ribs for him and Pat and this weekend was the perfect opportunity. Upon hearing I was cooking ribs many decided to show up: Bobby, Tracy and the kids, Matt, and even my brother and Audry. The two of them never show up to any family events so it was a surprise to see them there.

Nancy and I arrived at three so I could start cooking the ribs.  I had the rub and sauce already done before arriving, just needed to prepare the ribs my dad got.  After getting them on the grill it was time to relax and enjoy a few beers while the ribs slowed cooked. One thing I really love about ribs is there is very little that needs to be done while they cook, all the works is in preparing them.  About 90 minutes into the cooking process I add some more charcoal and a few more handfuls of wood chips and that is i.  Almost three hours later I pulled them off and they looked incredible as always.  I brought them into the house and the vultures circled as they cooled off. All the sides had been prepared and the table was set, just needed the meet.

After dinner we celebrated Bobby’s birthday which was in a few days. Got a great shop of him blowing out the candles with his kids.

yum! slow smoked ribs

After a successful dinner and it not being a school night, everyone enjoyed the cool summer evening and sat on the deck for a few more hours. Pat and Tracy eventually get the kids ready for bed while the adults setup a family poker game. It is becoming a tradition that we have a couple $5 buy in games when we are all together. I couldn’t hang and decided to take a nap on one of the outside couches, the cool weather was making me sleepy. Eventually everyone called it quits and we headed home well past midnight. That evening over dinner we talked about a rib off when football season started and we are working on a date that is good for everyone. I will cook the same recipe, been very happy with the results so far, and hope to bring home a trophy.

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For Christmas I got Nancy tickets to a comedy show at the DC Improv, but the show got canceled.  Not to be disappointed she finds out 311 is playing locally and wants to see them instead.  She has wanted to see them for a while, last year we missed the show at Jiffy Lube because we were in San Francisco for the weekend.  In hind sight the trip to California was worth missing 311.  This turned out to be the perfect gift for Nancy.  Later we found out Saundra is a big fan and her birthday was on the same day as the show, so we invited her up for the weekend and bought her ticket as a gift.

We got an early start to the venue as Sublime with Rome was opening and Nancy wanted to see them.  We already know that tailgating was not an option after hearing Jiffy Lube killed the idea for Buffett.  Even with plenty of time before the show, getting past security was a trip.  We read online we could bring water, snakes, blankets, and chairs into the venue.  Halfway to the gate we found out no blankets or chairs allowed in, there went our comfortable seat on the lawn.  When we finally made it to the entrance there were 6-7 lines, each stretching 200 feet.  Security was methodical in patting everyone down and searching all bags making getting in extremely slow going.  Give me a break.

By the time we got through security with a beer in hand Sublime with Rome was already on stage.  We found ourselves a spot on the lawn and enjoyed the rest of their set.  Little did we know it would be hotter than last Friday’s Sweeney Todd show if that was even possible.  7:30 and it was well over 90 degrees and humidity around 60%.  The beer was cold so it made it a little bearable.  The weather would have been more bearable if Sublime with Rome was better.  I remember listening to Sublime in the ’90′s before Bradley Nowell over dosed on heroin and they rocked.  The new incarnation of the band lacks the spark that made the original lineup so great.  The playing seemed force with no creativity.  I also felt their take on the songs just sucked, much to slow and melodic.  I was hoping for more energy which the band just didn’t delivery.

Fortunately after Sublime with Rome left the stage security personnel were handing out tickets.  Upon further investigation they were giving out pavilion seats to people on the lawn.  The 300 section, especially the far wings, where undersold for the show.  To make the pavilion look full they upgraded people from the lawn.  After a quick discussion we decided to pack up our gear and head in for a closer perspective and actual seats sense we couldn’t bring out own in.  The only down side was the tin roof trapped the heat and humidity, raising the temperature by several degrees under the pavilion.  Even after the sun went down and well into the 311 set it was hot.

By show time the pavilion finally started to fill in.  The pit and the lower sections were full, however even with free upgrades the 300 sections remained rather empty.  The lawn was pretty full, but only in the center.  In all it was over half full but I am sure much fewer tickets were sold than anticipated.

Nancy and Saundra loved the show and I was impressed.  I have heard a few of their songs over the years and recognized them when played.  I am not much of a rock fan but it was still a good show.  They would change the tempo often from fast to slow and back again keeping the audience engaged.  A couple of things struck me during the show, one was the drum solo Chad had.  Everyone left the stage and he kicked the shit out of the drums.  Slowly the roadies started wheeling out covered drums that the rest of the band played with Chad, forming a giant drum circle.  Really cool.  Later P-Nut had his own solo, sitting on the stage lip whaling on his bass.  Again, I was very impressed with his performance.  I know I don’t have much detail, it was a good show and I enjoyed it.  Most of my enjoyment came from watching Nancy and Saundra who are true 311 fans.

After the show ended we headed to the car and got out of the venue rather quickly which was unusual for the place.  On the way home I got pulled over for the usual sobriety check point, stupid and un-necessary.  For Buffett they even check you on the way into the show.  This past year this venue has gone down hill and I personally don’t want to see a show there again.  All forms of tailgating are banned, security is a bitch, they hassle you all the time, and getting into and out of the venue still sucks after 16 years.  Every show I have seen at Jiffy Lube, previously Nissan Pavilion, has been great.  Over the last few years the venue has killed the experience.  Way to go Live Nation.

Start time 8:58pm
01. Hive
02. All Mixed Up
03. You Wouldn’t Believe
04. Sunset In July
05. Jackpot
06. Champagne
07. Wild Nights
08. Beautiful Disaster
09. Don’t Let Me Down*
10. Applied Science
11. Weightless
12. Do You Right
13. Freak Out
14. Amber
BASS SOLO
15. Nutsymtom
16. Come Original
17. Beyond The Gray Sky
18. Time Bomb
19. What Was I Thinking
20. Creatures (For a While)
Set ends 10:26pm

encore:
starts 10:29pm
21. Omaha Stylee
22. Down
house lights 10:38

* Last played 3/11/2008

copyright John Hagarty

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My dad turned 65 over the weekend so we helped him celebrate another year on earth by going to Foti’s in Culpeper, VA.  Pat got a room at a B&B in Remington with dinner at Foti’s to complete the celebration.  Pat coordinated with the family to get as many of us as possible to show up for dinner and it turned out wonderful.  We have done this in the past so it was not a big surprise when he saw everyone there to help him celebrate.  Matt, Tracy, Bobby, Nancy and myself all made the trip out for the evening.

We were told to meet at the only pub in town by 7pm for drinks before heading to the restaurant.  Pubs have always been a “go to” place when we get together for drinks.  Usually the beer selection is good and the atmosphere is relaxed.  This place was anything but, in fact it was a dump.  Our caravan of merry people arrived right on time to find the place not officially open, the staff was getting ready for some beach party that night.  We grabbed a drink and headed to the upstairs balcony to relax where we meet the folks.

At the appointed time we headed down the block to the restaurant for our reservations.  Walking into the place it was well appointed with just enough light to see things but dim enough for perfect ambiance.  The restaurant was full but not crowded which was nice.  Looking over the menu it was not extensive but the selection looked amazing.  Chef, Frank Maragos, worked at the Inn at Little Washington before opening Foti’s and put together an good menu of diverse dishes.  He obviously has talent if he worked at the Inn and put this menu together.

a good turn out for dinner

We sampled several of the appetizers and they all where amazing.  I got the special appetizer for the night, shaved lamb on toasted bread and what looked like bruschetta topping.  This was a cold dish with the meat tender and the flavor pairings worked nicely.  Nancy wanted to try the escargot, I know they are snails but I have never eaten them before.  On Nancy’s recommendation I tried it and was impressed, they were tender and flavorful.  The last appetizer for the table was vanilla roasted Maine lobster and it was huge.  It must have been a 1/2 pound of tail and call with a hint of vanilla flavor, tender and not rubbery.  So far things are off to a good start, I have quelled my hunger paints a little yet still wanting more.

For the main course I got the black pepper corn encrusted salmon and it was amazing like everything else.  It came with roasted local vegetables and couscous as the sides.  Everyone’s food was amazing and for about 15 minutes there was silence at the table as we all ate our meals and drank our wine.  Nancy got the chicken, Matt the rib eye, Pat and Bobby the beef tenderloin, my dad the duck (he’s a sucker for duck), Tracy scallops.  Everyone raved about their choice and some even licked their plates clean it was so good.

After such a great meal it would be a shame to not have some dessert so we ordered that to finish the night off.  I got the hazel nut ice cream with cookies and because it was my dad’s birthday they gave him a special “Happy Birthday” dessert which he at least sampled.  We even got a visit from the chef which was really cool.

Happy Birthday Dad

By now we could do little more than just sit there and enjoy the last few sips of wine and marvel at the exceptional dinner we just completed.  I can’t stress enough how good the food was that night.  It was certainly not cheap but for a nice evening out it is a real winner.  Being Culpeper we closed the restaurant down just after 10pm but the night was not complete yet.  We headed back to the pub which was in full swing as a night club, complete with trashy woman and pumping music.  We instead went to the only other open place that night the Smoking House just down the street.  It is a real country bar with country music, I saw a guy with spurs on his boots and several pin ball machines.  Here we had a few drinks before closing this bar down as well around midnight.  I was not to thrilled with this after party and was looking forward to get back home.

We said our goodbyes and piled into Bobby’s 4Runner for the hour drive back to there house.  It was past 1:30 when we arrived but the party was still going.  We sat on the deck to enjoy another round of drinks and I was enjoying the mostly full moon on a clear night.  By the time 3am rolled around it was finally time for bed.  All we can hope for it to wake up the next morning and enjoy another day.  My dad has been saying these words for years now and I am inspired by this simple outlook on life.  He doesn’t require much, just wants to get up each morning.