It's the day after Snowpocalypse and I'm housebound. Though it's not technically the end of the year and there are a few more days until 2011, leaving opportunity for a last minute gig to pop up in my schedule, I thought I'd make up my own Best Of 2010 list. If for no other reason than to feel I'm doing something productive on an otherwise unproductive day. Unless you count watching back to back episodes of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" for hours productive (sans the one hour I devoted to General Hospital).
CONCERTS:
1. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM AT THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK, NJ
It was a beautiful August summer's night on the Jersey Shore- the REAL shore, not the one tarted up for MTV. The boardwalk, the beach, the sunset, the weather and the fantastic music all added up to maybe the most perfect night of my year: I got there early to see what the fuss about Frank Turner was and decided it was well deserved; it was a hometown show for TGA and they were in top form; for the first time I got to see "Boomboxes and Dictionaries" performed live; I got to watch the show from the barricade, which as always was icing on the cake. As I strolled the boardwalk after the show to take in the sights and savor the moment as long as possible, I knew that though the year was only about 3/4 done at that point, this night was going to be my favorite evening and show of 2010.
VIDEO: "Boomboxes & Dictionaries" by The Gaslight Anthem, and "I Still Believe" by Frank Turner, Stone Pony
2. PAPA ROACH AT ROXY'S/RISE AGAINST AT SUNFEST, WEST PALM BEACH, FL
When I found out that two of my three favorite bands (for #3 see #1) were playing back to back in a tropical location on my birthday weekend, was there any doubt in my mind that I should go to there? Nope. It was one of those trips that started out as hellish but ended magnificent. The day I left, I got overheated at the office to the point I got sick and almost canceled my flight. But since I was motivated by the promise of fun in the sun concerts, with the help of over-the-counter medicine I made it down South as planned. Saying I was glad I fought through it would be an understatement. I didn't want to leave! Seeing Roach rock out into the Palm Beach night and watching Rise Against sing "Settle where palm trees grow" in the midst of actual palm trees was paradise.
VIDEO: "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against at Sunfest
3. IGGY POP & THE STOOGES, ATP NY, MONTICELLO, NY
I almost didn't go to this show because it was so expensive. I am just a casual Iggy fan and couldn't justify paying the $100something just to see him. After friends announced they were attending, and looking for something to do Labor Day Weekend, I headed to Ebay to try my luck and see if anyone was selling a ticket at a price I could live with. Thankfully I got lucky enough to snag a super cheap ticket. What an amazing experience that night turned out to be! It was Day 1 of the All Tomorrow's Parties NY Festival and was held at Kutsher's Resort, which was said to be the inspiration for the classic 80's film "Dirty Dancing." Yes it is a bit worn and looks as if it hasn't been touched since its heyday in the 50's/60's, but that's why it's so great. Unlike chain hotels, it has personality. Plus, the whole place was booked up with concert attendees and bands who were playing over the weekend. It was like a sleepaway camp for rock kids of all ages. The lack of VIP meant performers mingled with guests in the various lounges and hallways of the hotel and the lack of division created a setting unlike any other show I've ever been to. On top of it all, Iggy's show was fantastic. Raw Power in its entirety? Yes please.
VIDEO: "Raw Power" by Iggy & The Stooges, from ATP
