Night Out With Mr. Bumblefoot (aka Ron Thal)

While working a concert at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on a beautiful March night, I ran into one of my favorite people on Twitter, @Bumblefoot. Ron Thal is presently playing with Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses. Here's to the hopes that they bring the show to the States :-)

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Bob Dylan at Terminal 5 in NYC

One of the greatest perks of working in the entertainment industry (especially in the area of touring and venues) is that every once in a while, you get a hook up and don't have to pay the outrageous prices that tickets have become.

Ari and I in the 2nd Mezz at Terminal 5 for Bob Dylan - Nov. 23, 2011

Well during an insane stretch of shows, I had some karma shine down on me! While working at an Allman Brothers show, I met an old-school security guy, Heed, who mentioned that he was going to be working the Bob Dylan concert run at Terminal 5 at the end of November. Not missing a beat, I asked him if he would be able to get me and one of my friend's in during our one night off. He said no problem, and so began one of the greatest 24 hours of my life!

Right before showtime at T5 for Bob Dylan - Nov. 23, 2011

Ari and I were slightly nervous as we approached the venue because T5 is known to be completely hardass as far as comps are concerned. Plus, Dylan's security is known to be notoriously NOT nice when it comes to any sort of issue and or drama. When we saw Heed at the door, we knew we were golden! We walked right up to him and gave him a big group hug as the velvet rope lifted and we were let it, no questions asked. Just like that, she and I managed to sneak in to see the legend that is Bob Dylan. It was exhilarating, to say the least.

Quick pic from the VIP Side Area at T5 of Bob on the keys - Nov. 23, 2011

This was the second night of his NYC run and unlike last year, when I attended all 3 of his local shows, due to work obligations this was the only night I could make it. Though there were certain songs I was dying to hear (some of which I had never heard live) I was just happy to be inside.

Set List:
1. Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking (Bob on keyboard)
2. This Wheel's On Fire (Bob center stage on harp)
3. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again (Bob on guitar)

Bob on his ax - Nov. 23, 2011

4. Just Like A Woman (Bob on keyboard)
5. Rollin' And Tumblin' (Bob on keyboard, Donnie on electric mandolin)
6. Simple Twist Of Fate (Bob on guitar)

Bob on his guitar again!! Nov. 23, 2011

7. Things Have Changed (Bob on guitar)
8. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (Bob on keyboard, Donnie on electric mandolin)
9. High Water (For Charley Patton)(Bob center stage on harp, Donnie on banjo)

Bob center stage - Nov. 23, 2011

10. Masters Of War (Bob on keyboard)
11. Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on keyboard, Donnie on violin)
12. Workingman's Blues #2 (Bob on keyboard then center stage on harp)
13. Thunder On The Mountain (Bob on keyboard)
14. Ballad Of A Thin Man (Bob center stage on harp)

(encore)
15. Jolene (Bob on keyboard)
16. Like A Rolling Stone (Bob on keyboard)

Bob Dylan and His Band - Nov. 23, 2011

The Giraffes... one LAST time! (though I hope not...)

I am officially the saddest girl in Brooklyn. The Giraffes, my absolute FAVORITE Brooklyn band, "supposedly" played their "last" show (**fingers crossed** that it's NOT true...) at Mercury Lounge in late August. I wont lie, I think the bands' Jim Morrison-esque lead singer Aaron Lazar is the hottest thing in Rock N' Roll. The Giraffes played a fast, wet and memorable set for an excited audience that went crazy at the sound of the first note.


Dry Aaron... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

Their set list (which of course I snagged at the end of the show, as usual...) was loaded with crowd favorites including "Done", "Prime Motivator" and the never-boring and always ironically relevant in NYC, "Medicaid Benefit Applique."


The Giraffes performing "Medicaid Benefit Applique" at Mercury Lounge on Aug. 22, 2010 **WARNING: I am NOT a film maker OR sound engineer (phone camera), but I had to get this song live. Apologies for the poor quality in advance!

My friends and I have been seeing Aaron, Paris, Jens and Andrew for years now and have come to adore them. One of the many reasons is of course their us-against-the-world energy, but primarily because they encourage their audience to pelt them with beers. Axl Rose they are not: you are guaranteed to be just as drenched as the band once the booze starts flying. They WILL throw drinks right back at you. They WILL flip you off (see Aaron in the video) and maybe, if you piss them off enough, they will even SPIT at you.


Wet Aaron, mid-show... Mercury Lounge on Aug. 22, 2010


Andrew drummin' away as the beer cups accumulate... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

It is horrible to think that on the verge of exploding, this awesome band may no longer play as the group we know today. Let's hope that these rumors are just rumors. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy these images (and video, though horrific in sound) of what many consider to be the Best Band in Brooklyn for the last decade.


Post-show debauchery... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

Two Ends of a Concert-going Spectrum: Summer Post II

During the month of July, the average temperature in NYC was about 99*... yes you read that correctly! As you can imagine, time spent outside was NOT advisable. Therefore, I spent most of my time parked inside the air-conditioned Irving Plaza Box Office, or at home! I did however, venture out to the Williamsburg Waterfront in Brooklyn for Faith No More during the 4th of July weekend. Great time with awesome friends =)


Faith No More in Brooklyn NY July 5, 2010

At the end of the month, I had the privilege of seeing the legendary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Madison Square Garden, the Worlds' Most Famous Arena, and the complete opposite of the outdoors show I attended several weeks earlier. While my seats were ok, side of the stage in Row A of the Blue Seats (bleachers baby... LET'S GO RANGERS --- sorry I just HAD to throw that one in!), Joey decided to upgrade us to the North Press Box where we had a table to rest our beers (see picture). As much as I hate dropping money inside MSG, there is no better place to see a show! Plus, I know where the secret bathrooms are so if you are with me, you are not waiting.


Me in my upgraded seat, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at MSG July 28, 2010

The show was spectacular, as can be seen by the set list. Every Petty classic that one would want to hear was straight up ROCKIN'.

1. Listen to Her Heart
2. You Don't Know How It Feels
3. I Won't Back Down
4. Free Fallin'
5. Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)
6. Mary Jane's Last Dance
7. Honey Bee
8. Breakdown
9. Jefferson Jericho Blues
10. Good Enough
11. Running Man's Bible
12. First Flash of Freedom
13. I Should Have Known It
14. Learning to Fly
15. Don't Come Around Here No More
16. Refugee

Encore
17. Runnin' Down a Dream
18. American Girl


Tome Petty and the Heartbreakers, taking a bow at their end of the set. MSG, July 28, 2010

Rockin' in Coney Island: Summer Post I

Well summer is half-way GONE and I am afraid I owe you all a massive apology: I am way overdue for recaps from the past few months and I hope that you all enjoy this post, and the next one!

First and foremost, I marched in this year's Mermaid Parade on June 19, which was one of the top things on my very own Bucket List.


Marching towards the Cyclone (and my house) on Surf Avenue during the 2010 the Mermaid Parade!

This year, King Neptune was Brooklyn's own Lou Reed and his Queen, wife Laurie Anderson. How fitting, especially since I am a Coney Island Baby =)


King Neptune Lou Reed and his Queen, Laurie Anderson, Mermaid Parade June 19, 2010
(photo from Tugster)

The following weekend, in the middle of a brutal heat wave, Deadheads and everything hippie took over Coney Island. Furthur played two shows at MCU park. The legendary Grateful Dead rockers Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, along with Jeff Chimenti, singer/guitarist John Kadlecik (Dark Star Orchestra) and Joe Russo put on two memorable performances to those lucky enough to be there.


Anya at MCU Park, Coney Island for Furthur on June 26, 2010


My brother Slava and I at Peggy O's before the Furthur show on June 26, 2010

Deadheads old and young mingled in what many described as the closest we will ever see to the old days and the "parking lot scene".


Anya & Tanya (my future sister-in-law!) at her first Dead show! June 27, 2010


My friend Dave & I on the opposite sites of "classy" at Furthur in Coney, June 27, 2010 (me with a mini wine bottle and him with a Budweiser)

While I enjoyed certain aspects of these outdoors shows, next time, I am getting a seated ticket =)


Furthur Weekend in the daytime, MCU Park June 26/27, 2010


Furthur Weekend in the nighttime, MCU Park June 26/27, 2010


Furthur in B & W, MCU Park June 26/27, 2010

Rockin' Good Donnas

The greatest thing about NYC is that there is something to do every night of the week... this is especially true in terms of seeing awesome live music.

On June 10, the Donnas played a last minute gig at the Gramercy Theater for an Autism Speaks benefit. Although there were only 100 or so people in the room, the band played an intensely high energy show for a great cause. The only regret is that more of you were not present for this great, only in NYC moment =)


The Donnas, Gramercy Theater (June 10, 2010)

Another Debaucherous Night with the Giraffes

On Thursday June 3, my friends and night saw the Giraffes on a boat. On a friggin' BOAT. As one of the rowdiest bands in NYC, I must admit that I was slightly frightened of my adventure out on the Hudson River. It is barely safe to find yourself in the pit of a standard show but this was just outrageous.


Me passing the Brooklyn Bridge.

The moment we boarded, the drinking began. In fact, I'm pretty sure that the band was as hammered as their fans before the show even started!


ME with "Captain" Aaron Lazar.

Seeing the NYC skyline from the water is truly spectacular. However once the sun sets, it becomes even more beautiful.


Statue of Liberty at night... from the boat!

The band came on shortly after 9 (I think) and proceeded to play for almost 2 hours. Pretty much until we got asked to leave the boat by the crew. It was not very long until the booze was flying towards the stage, soaking everyone and everything in its path.


Pic of the entire band (for once)... you can see Paris on the end there... really..

The most awesome (but incredibly annoying) scene was all of the new sluts and groupies who found their way to the show! While I am all for the Giraffes exploding, I do not appreciate drunken females fawning all over the band and actually distracting them from the task at hand... however falling down and making asses out of themselves was VERY amusing!


The crowd holding Aaron up as he hung from the ceiling.

As usual, the show was loud, fun and very much the hell-raising experience we've all come to expect from the Best Band in Brooklyn that No-One Knows About.


Aaron drinking away as the show went on...

If you missed it, it is your loss =)

Set list from the 6/3 Giraffes show (the only copy that survived... I snagged it from the drum kit!).

Stone Temple Pilots at the Gramercy Theater!

It just so happened that I had to work at Irving Plaza the one night where a band I was interested in was playing somewhere else. Have no fear... let me introduce to you Rockin' Good Time's first and only Guest-Blogger, Mr. Joe Cheskin. Here is his post.



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Stone Temple Pilots – Gramercy Theater, NYC 5.18.10



“You go on a two month tour and you get in to marathon shape, but then you take a break, and your first show back, especially in a sweaty little club…and…we’re not 25 anymore. But we’re throwing it out for you anyway!” – Scott Weiland introducing “Big Empty” – Gramercy Theater 5-18-10



When a big band plays a small room, it’s always nearly impossible to get a ticket. When that same occurrence happens in New York or L.A., those who actually get in are faced with a more annoying situation. Of course, I’m speaking of the hordes of record company / music biz folks who seem to think that being able to say that they were there is more important than shutting up and watching the show. These obnoxious a-holes forget that they aren’t the only ones in the room, and schmooze at the top of their lungs, shouting over the music about who got fired, and what some unrelated act’s Soundscan numbers were this week. Bitter? Yup. I’ve had to remind these people that they’re ruining the show for the real fans, fans who, in essence, keep them employed, on numerous occasions. The STP show at Gramercy Theater was not one of those times.



Though the crowd was heavily skewed towards the music industry (it looked like almost all of Atlantic records was in the house), the room was completely focused on Scott Weiland & Co. from the blistering opening riff of “Vasoline” to the final notes of “Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart”. Along the way, the band reminded me of just how many chart topping hits they have written, “Sour Girl”, “Creep”, and “Interstate Love Song”, introduced some quality new material, “Hickory Dichotomy” and the new single “Between The Lines”, and threw in some more hits for good measure, “Crackerman”, “Wicked Garden”, “Sex Type Thing”, and “Dead And Bloated”.



The 17 song set was filmed with multiple professional cameras, and a number of pushy interns shoving their way through the crowd with HD video cameras. The former being recorded for broadcast on Jimmy Kimmel Live (5/26/10), the latter possibly being shot as part of a stream of the entire show at http://uverseonline.att.net/stonetemplepilots or, perhaps, just as a reminder that, regardless of if they talk in your ear all show or not, record company people don’t really care about real fans after all.

Sorry for the late post for April but...

Since it was a 4/20 concert with Snoop Dogg, I just NOW remembered that I needed to show you guys a few cool pics =)


Snoop on stage at the Fillmore, 4/20/10

There really isn't much to say except that Snoop played the Fillmore NY on the haziest day of the year... I was working the Guest List (congratulate me on my promotion!) and my fabulous partner in crime Joey C. managed to score a seat at a reserved table up in the VIP balcony for an awesome view and fabulous pictures!


Snoop, um, sharing something yummy with the audience, 4/20/10

I promise now that spring and summer are here (although you wouldn't know it by the weather we are having in NYC) I will be MUCH better with updating this thing!

PEACE for now.

Rockin' Fillmore Thief

I decided to tell you all the tale of an interesting night I recently had at the Fillmore. On a wonderfully warm Tuesday in March (the 9th to be exact) Gogol Bordello played a sold out show at Irving Plaza. I was excited when a coworker asked me to cover her shift as I was going to attend the show anyways...

As many of you know, I have been Coat Checking at the venue for about a year and always have a tale of robbery or douchery to tell. Well the other night, I was once again robbed.

After checking in the 10th or so coat, I decided to empty my Karma Jar as we often have patrons who nip off the top (and then use those singles to pay for their coats... nice right??). Lo and behold, my tips were all gone!! ALL GONE. Every. Last. Dollar. My girl Ariele immediately said it was the two girls who handed me their coat, giggling (and I agreed as their behavior was amateurish and suspicious).

I was upset beyond belief =( These two cleaned me out.... that's balls!

The Mayor of Irving Plaza (you'll have to figure out that one on your own) happened to be passing by our window and I quickly filled him in on what just went down. He insisted that I go with him to find our little Fillmore Thief so we could toss them out. When I got upstairs, into the main room, there was barely anyone there. I found the Fillmore Thief quickly and asked to see her coat check ticket. When the numbers matched the coat we pulled, the Fillmore Thief was perp-walked out by the Mayor and another big security guard.

The manager was called immediately and after I informed him that the Fillmore Thief emptied my tip jar, he asked her to leave. She started crying, admitted that she took the money and offered to give it all (plus double) back... he said NO WAY and she was gone.

A note to all amateur concert goers: DON'T ROB THE VENUE.

On a bright side, here is a pic of Ariele and I on a break later on that night, looking good =)


Anya and Ariele at the Fillmore NY

By the way, the show was GREAT and Gogol rocked. The crowd was in the greatest of moods and the chillest of vibes.


Gogol Boredllo at the Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza: March 9, 2010

The Giraffes... AGAIN!

Well it's official: if you do not go see the Giraffes play, you are uncool. Seriously guys, this is the BEST band in the world that no one seems to know about. If you need proof of the type of band these guys are, read my previous blog posts!

In late January, an email went around inviting us to see the Giraffes headline another night at Mercury Lounge. Those in the know filled the room (Max. Capacity 200) for what is ALWAYS an incredibly fun show. From the very start, as the beers flew on stage the band didn't flinch and continued playing hard. Being a smart-ass, I decided to fling the remnants of my beer at Aaron Lazar, the band's gorgeous lead signer, only to have him throw one back at me. Of course THAT was followed by a lovely spitball directly at me (once again, Aaron... who can get away with murder if he wanted to...)


The Giraffes on stage at Mercury Lounge, NYC, January 2010

The drinking and debauchery was endless and my friends and I, as always, had a blast with our fellow rock n' rollers who know how to have an incredible New York time. After the show, we visited Aaron by coat check where he was selling the bands' merch. We hung out for a bit, bought the bands ridiculously good album "Prime Motivator" and were gifted with awesome Giraffes buttons... I don't have the set-list for the show, but it was GREAT!


Aaron feeding Damien some of G-Ds nectar ;-)

Next time, do yourself a favor, and COME TO THE SHOW! You will not be disappointed =)

Cheap Trick at The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza

Sorry that it has taken me so long into to 2010 to update this fantastic blog but I have been super-busy... and primarily way to broke to attend shows. However I did get to see two FANTASTIC shows (well 1 full one and 1 that I worked but was able to sneak away to revel in the fun!) in January. Hoping for a fabulous, rockin' spring, for the time being, enjoy reading about my fabulous adventures thus far this year =)

In late January, Cheap Trick played a crazy show at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza in New York City. To say it was the hottest ticket in town would be an understatement! Luckily, I was working coat check that night and was able to part of the set upstairs from the VIP balcony.


Cheap Trick on Stage at the Fillmore, January 2010

The set-list pleased those in attendance and can be seen below:

1) Way of the World
2) Come On Come On
3) If You Want My Love
4) I Want You to Want Me
5) These Days
6) Baby Loves to Rock
7) Sleep Forever
8) Heaven Tonight
9) Miss Tomorrow
10) Miracle
11) Just Got Back
12) Sick Man of Europe
13) Closer -The Ballad of Burt & Linda
14) Surrender
15) Dream Police
16) Auf Wiedersehen
17) He's A Whore
18) Good Night

After the show, I hung out by the dressing rooms for a bit with friends before heading home. There were rumors swirling that Little Steven was floating around. The guitarist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and Sopranos star (love ya Silvio Dante!) came out from the dressing room and was clearly in the center of attention with the VIP crowd. Joey, my fabulous photographer, introduced me to him and I blurted out that "the River show at the Garden was one of the greatest concerts I have ever been to!" He smiled and said "Yeah, that was a very special night for me too." He was immediately rushed out by security so no picture (unfortunately)...

As we were walking out the back door, I realized we were following Cheap Trick's legendary guitarist Rick Nielsen! He was kind enough to pose for a picture with me before getting into his car and riding off! A great night all around =)


Anya with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, January 2010

Rockin' Out with Bob Weir and Rat Dog

On Saturday October 24th (yes I know this blog post is WAY late... sorry kids!) myself, my brother, my boyfriend and some friends ventured uptown to the Beacon Theater to see Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and his band Rat Dog, close out the final night of their three-night stand. The show was fantastic, from the set list to the energy of the crowd.



My absolute favorite part was the Persuasions coming out and performing "It Must Have Been the Roses" (one of my favorite Dead songs) acapella. Plus they came out during the encore and performed "Ripple", another one of my favorites!



The set list is as follows...

Set I:
Casey Jones
Jack Straw
Cassidy
Little Red Rooster
Dark Star Jam
Lazy River Road, She Says
Liberty
Bertha

Set II:
Mexicali Blues
Friend of The Devil
Black Throated Wind
It Must Have Been The Roses (The Persuasions)
He's Gone
Jam
The Other One
Stuff
Morning Dew
Dark Star
Cassidy
One More Saturday Night

Encore:
Ripple
U.S. Blues



A great time seeing a legendary performer with those who appreciate music history as much as I do =)

BRUCE at Giants Stadium

SO last minute on Sept. 29, I decided I wanted to go see Bruce Springsteen for Night 1 of his five-night stand at Giants Stadium (which was the following night!). A very nice dentist sold me his pair of GAs for $50 a pop (a BARGAIN!) on the 30th in the morning, and myself and Joey were off an an early bus to claim our wristbands. Once we got to the Swamp, we were handed numbers 622 and 623 and we waited anxiously with the rest of dwellers for the magic number to be pulled.

To make a long story short, everyone who was handed a wristband was guaranteed entry into the Front Pit (thereby getting as close to Bruce as possible) and the number that was pulled was considered "number 1" - as in you were the FIRST fan to get into the Stadium. Lo and behold number 487 was called and myself and those around us were ELATED, as we were guaranteed front rail spots =)


Me at the rail in the Front Pit.

I left this spot once and didn't eat or drink for the rest of the night. It was a nightmare to navigate the Pit and people were getting NASTY. We did look out for one another though. There was enough G-Ds Herb floating around as well... the smell was everywhere!


The Front of the Pit Crew!

Everything seemed to work out that day... from getting a great deal on a hot show (Bruce played his classic album "Born to Run" mid-set) to meeting awesome people to getting a spot on the rail... hell at one point during the show Bruce grabbed my hand!! The pictures speak for themselves - a lot of the people I met up front were kind enough to share. It was yet again, a Rockin' Good Time.


Bruce and the E Street Band


Bruce and the E Street Band (again!)


Bruce by our side of the Pit!


Bruce up-close right before he grabbed my hand!


I'm wearing the fingerless black gloves in the video!


BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!!!!!!


The Set List written by Bruce for night 1 (via Twitter)


The end of Jungleland....