Friday afternoon started off with a free lunchtime performance in front of the NBC building by the Truckee Brothers. In all the years they’ve been playing around town, I finally got to check them out without just seeing them in passing at some street fair or something. A good crowd of people came by their set and it was a beautiful sunny day and a good kickoff to what would be a great weekend. (The band is usually in a shaded area, but they're redoing the planters or something, so the band had this ugly backdrop. Hopefully that is fixed soon.)
After the noontime show, I headed home, made some calls, took care of my responsibilities, then took my afternoon nap.
The last time Illinois played in San Diego, Andrea and I met Chris, the singer, and he had told me to contact him this time around so he could put me on their list for their show with the Hold Steady. Even back then, there was the possibility of doing the Great Northern show, so I just didn’t think I would or could pull it off. After talking to some friends for guidance, they convinced me that it was ok to try to do both, that's what I do as a blogger.
I text messaged Chris, he put me on the list and gave me their set time, and Andrea and I headed to Cane’s with ample time to catch Blitzen Trapper and also to see Illinois again. This was actually the perfect stage for both bands as they could spread out on the stage and do their thing. Blitzen Trapper had seven guys on stage jamming out with a good indie rock vibe that reminded me of the first time I saw the Shins on the same stage. At times they had a CSN&Y sound that I liked (Listen to "Jericho" to see what I'm talking about).
Blitzen Trapper Setlist, Cane's, 6/1/07
In the back, the guys from Illinois were hanging out so we got to chat a bit before it was their time to play and once they hit the stage at 9:50, the venue was filling out and you could see the crowd instantly converted if they didn’t arrive already fans of the band. Chris had more room to jump around and dance and were even more impressive than the last time I saw them.
Illinois, "Headphones", Cane's 6/1/07
Unfortunately I did have other obligations so I couldn't stay and see the Hold Steady. As soon as Illinois finished, I was out the door and on my way to the Beauty Bar. Andrea decided to stay behind with Natalie, so check out her blog for her review and pictures. Also, Shadowscene has posted pictures here.
No comments:
Post a Comment