Shaping Up Reeal Well...

I believe this is the 5th iteration of Outsidelands. I have not missed one yet... I have no excuse, it's right in my backyard. I must say, it's shaping up to be a really great fest. I think the organizers are getting the lay of the land better. Food was good, new stages, parking was not bad. Most memorable gig? Skrillex!

Japan You Rock!

Everything they say about Fuji Rock is true. Thinking about it now, even though I said I wouldn't go again, I might still be convinced. Here's a few tips for planning your next trip.

Tip 1- Yes, the FRF Official Shop GANBAN is legit. If you don't live in Japan, you will purchase your ticket from here.

Tip 2- Try as best as possible to stay on the mountain. Shuttles take about 45 minutes to get from the train station to the festival site BUT waiting in line to get on the bust took us 1.5 hrs in the heat. We stayed at NASPA Otani. Old- but had a great buffet breakfast.

Tip 3- When you first get to the site and see a long line to get in, don't get in line yet. Look around for the GAN BAN tent and pick up your actual ticket that you need to trade in for wrist bands. We made a mistake of this and made no eye contact as we cut back into the hour long queue to get in.

Tip 4- DO go up on Dragondola (and there are proper rest rooms there too). Look for a small booth with Dragondola banners and start the trek up towards the gondolas. It was at least an 1 hr ride up and back. Rest your feet about and enjoy the scenic views.

Tip 4- Look for the Naeba Independence Walk trail. It's really lovely. Plenty of "plank" art and roaming bunnies to enjoy and brings you to the further out stages. Every piece resounded well. You know you're amongst good people.

Here's the reason why we made the trek to Japan. Great crowd in Japan. Everyone was just out to enjoy the music and shows. A big thanks to Sophie for being a trooper in the heat to experience this with me.  <3 p="p">

2011 in Review - Count 32

*image by kris atomic

What a wonderful year of music it has been. I met members from White Lies, Friendly Fires and The Wombats, up close and personal! Definitely felt like a giddy teenager. Must not forget to thank my partner in crime Sophie for being the "pusher" in ALL scenarios. 

2011 Gig List 

January
31, Interpol, The Warfield, SF

March
13, Tahiti 80, Rickshaw Stop, SF
23, Foster the People, The Independent, SF

April
14, Two Door Cinema Club, The Fillmore, SF
17, Cut Copy, The Regency Ballroom, SF
28, Brother, Rickshaw Stop, SF

June
1, The Wombats, Troubadour, LA
3, The Wombats, Rickshaw Stop, SF
4, The Vaccines, BFD Pre-Party, Mezzanine, SF
8, Friendly Fires, The Independent, SF
22, The Kooks, Slim's, SF

July

3, The Dodos, Neko Case, Stern Grove, SF

August
5-7, Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Chicago, The Vaccines, Schubas, Chicago

6, White Lies, Double Door, Chicago

12-14, Outsidelands Festival, Golden Gate Park, SF
12, Artic Monkeys, The Vaccines, The Independent, SF

27, Sade, Oakland Arena, OaklandSeptember

6, Brother, The Independent, SF
10, The Horrors, Bimbos, SF

21, James Blake & Teengirl Fantasy, Fillmore, SF

23, Two Door Cinema Club, The Warfield, SF

October

13, Foster The People, Fillmore, SF
14, Metronomy, Rickshaw Stop, SF
22, The Wombats, Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia

23, The Naked and Famous, Theater of Living Arts, Philadelphia

25, Friendly Fires, Union Transfer, Philadelphia

November

6, The Wombats, Wonder Ballroom, Portland

11, The Wombats, Crocodile Cafe, Seattle

21, Noah and the Whale, GAMH, SF

December

3, The National, Bill Graham Civic Center, SF

13, The Kooks, Fillmore, SF

The Other Too Cool for School City

Fans are funny, why go to the front of the crowd if you're only going to stand there and stare. San Francisco does that a lot. I discovered Seattle does this too. What odd ducks we are. This is probably my 5th Wombat show of the year. I still want to jump my ass off during Tokyo. They ended their last show for their US tour with a big finale of Static Jacks and The Postelles on stage jamin'. I'd like to thank the gracious hostess for volunteering her place for the after party. Hope there wasn't too much of a mess to clean up the next morn. xxx

Union Transfer

I read Union Transfer just opened this year. If you haven't had a chance to watch a gig there, I highly recommend it. I'm not sure what this place used to be, the name makes it sound like it may have been an old train station depot. It looks somewhat like a church hall inside. But it's quite magical nonetheless. The place is not heated, so beware if you're watching a gig in the cooler months. But we were here for Friendly Fires, so soon got warm with Ed Mac's hypnotic hip gyrations. He was even right in front of me at one point, as I awkwardly moved out of the way not know what to do. <3