A reflection of the best money spent in 2011
In, close to 12 hours, we will all embark on a new journey together and enter into 2012. A new start, a chance for resolutions and new adventures.
I’m not going to necessarily “reflect” on the past year, but I am going to tell you a bit about how I spent my money during 2011. I apparently did nothing but go to shows this year, as I have seen more than 70 bands. The best way I could spend money, really.
Here are my top ten, in no particular order.
1. Feist at Third Man.
Secret show as Leslie Feist was driving through Nashville on her way to Atlanta. Third Man announced the show via Twitter the day before. Somehow I was one of the lucky few to get tickets.
Ticket to Feist at Third Man
Read the full Feist blog here.
2. Ryan Adams at Cadillac Palace in Chicago.
I went with the biggest Ryan Adams fan that exists. Flew up to Chicago for a weekend and went to the most gorgeous theater I’ve seen to date. Flying to Chicago for a show, that takes commitment.
And I can’t forget to mention that Ryan Adams tweeted me.
Photo montage courtesy of Eddie Jenkins.
Read the full Ryan Adams blog here.
3. Fitz and the Tantrums at Cannery Ballroom.
I don’t even know how to describe the experience with Fitz. It was the most high energy show of the year, by far. Not to mention they covered some Eurythmics and The Raconteurs….
And, lesson learned, if Michael Fitzpatrick tells you to get on the floor, you do it.
After the show, pictures with Fitz and Noelle, and my good friend Steve
4. Jeff the Brotherhood at Neuhoff Factory Party during Soundland.
I saw Jeff a couple times this year, and found myself completely obsessed after falling off a bar stool into Jamin’s lap. They are probably my favorite band of the year — but I could be lying. The show at Bonnaroo made me feel like I was 17 again, unexpectedly finding myself in a mosh pit. I was more prepared at Soundland, ran to the very front of the crowd and stood on the railing. I only got kicked a couple times in the head, although Jake did fall backward off the stage onto me …
Photo courtesy of NBN Soundland - That's my sleeve in the corner.
For more on Soundland, visit this blog.
5. Grouplove at Mercy Lounge.
I originally went to see The Belle Brigade at Mercy, but was pleasantly surprise by the other two bands, Milo Greene and Grouplove. After an impromptu dance party, I knew I was in love. According to Spotify, they are my number one band.
Soon after, while watching TV, I heard a Grouplove iPod commercial. You know you’ve made it when….
Grouplove
6. MuteMath secret show and meet and greet at Sound Check.
I was lucky. Go to a listening party. Get picked. Go to a meet and greet at the practice studio.
I have a lot more info and pictures on this blog.
7. Dawes at Mercy Lounge.
Dawes got me through the hot Summer months. Dawes got me through the fall leaves and the cooler temperatures as Winter arrived. Everyone is talking about Dawes this year. You should be too …
Dawes
8. Minus the Bear at Cannery Ballroom.
I’ve waited for about a trillion years to see Minus the Bear. I almost drove down to Hang Out Fest, just to see them. Luckily, they came through just a week after my birthday and played at Cannery. I laughed, I cried, I danced on some underaged kid in front of me.
Minus the Bear
9. The Everybodyfields at Music City Roots.
It’s The Everybodyfields. They’re back! I may have cried.
10. Grace Potter with Carolina Chocolate Drops at Ryman Auditorium.
Grace Potter is amazing. Everyone knows that. She wears 4 inch heels and runs around on stage for two+ hours. I went expecting an amazing show. What I didn’t expect was how fantastic the Carolina Chocolate Drops were going to be. I’ve been to the Ryman several times, but I have never seen an opening act receive a standing ovation. Their music stylings were refreshing. If I had been in town when they played again, I would have definitely gone — instead I was in Chicago seeing Ryan Adams. (One must learn to prioritize.)
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
2011 in a nutshell. Here is a playlist I made of some of the bands I saw this year, unfortunately not all bands are on Spotify.
Shows I’m already looking forward to in 2012 include Ryan Adams (again), Soundland 2012, NeedToBreathe, Lady A and Jordan Knight (yes, that one from NKOTB).
Happy New Year’s everyone! Keep rockin’!