Sunday was New Year’s Day, and I wondered if “Last Christmas” or “Firework” was more annoying to hear at the maximum volume five year old lungs can achieve – we were subject to a scientific experiment and results were inconclusive. Friday Nina was very excited about getting to touch a snake at school.
Saturday the 7th Nina got glammed up at a birthday party, then I went out to a concert, for what would prove to be 5 Saturday concerts in a row. First up was 3 weeks of Eddie From Ohio related concerts, with singer/bassist Michael Clem kicking things off at Jammin’ Java with ex-Red Molly Carolann Solebello’s No Fuss and Feathers opening. It was cold the next day, and we stayed indoors so Nina worked on her songwriting. Of course Illa wanted a 20 minute walk that night. Brrrr. Then by Thursday I couldn’t believe it was mid January and I had to open the basement door because it was warmer outside.
Sometimes I go through my collection of videos and wonder why I recorded it. Then I get to jaw-dropping gems like this one, the 6th song in the show. It took me a minute to realize he wasn’t making a joke. Jazz and/or metal fans take a look at this Slayer medley by jazz guitarist Frank Vignola (he also threw in a nice Frank Zappa cover that day).
That was on Friday, when I also saw this shiny meme: Ten influential records from my teenage years (all cassettes save the first, then mostly from Columbia House and RCA Record Club):
- K-Tel Blast Off (1982 compilation with Billy Idol, Genesis, Van Halen, Kansas, Joan Jett, John Mellencamp & more, still feels wrong when I hear the songs and they don’t skip)
- Rush – Grace Under Pressure (the very first cassette I bought, explains why I never gave up on the synth years)
- Queen – Greatest Hits (still expect “Somebody to Love” to be followed with “You’re My Best Friend”)
- Hall & Oates – Rock ‘n Soul Part 1 (it’s criminal there was no Part 2)
- Weird Al Yankovic – In 3-D (I like them all, but I got this first and played it the most)
- Paul Simon – Graceland (the first cassette I wore out)
- Foreigner – 4 (“Juke Box Hero” was my first favorite song)
- The Cars – Heartbeat City (I had Greatest Hits too, but it didn’t have “Hello Again”, very memorable after the high school cheerleaders performed a routine to it)
- Heavy Metal soundtrack (great songs from Sammy Hagar, Devo and Don Felder among others, plus the movie…)
- The Traveling Wilburys – Vol. 1 (so perfect)
Saturday the 14th Nina had babysitting at school and we were off to The Birchmere to see Eddie From Ohio in the middle of their annual 3-night run there (with singer/violinist Jake Armerding opening and playing with them), and helped make a big cheering section for a mention of Stuart with Shantyfriends Lorna and Dave, as well as Seth, Chris and Anna making the trip from NYC. I passed 3000 concerts sometime last year, and this show was the most moving of all of them, an emotional night – reminders of loss and how we respond to it. Afterwards we ended up at Pork Barrel BBQ for a late dinner because we’re meh on the Birchmere’s high priced food, and folks were delighted by their vintage soda. The next morning we joined them again for brunch at Lorna and Dave’s.
Monday the 16th was MLK day and Jill was working. Nina had mentioned wanting to go to the “Space Museum” on Monday, so we ended up Metroing to DC, meeting up with the Norwoods & Marcia for a couple hours of exploration, as well as an IMAX movie and lunch at McDonald’s (weird how their Happy Meal toys are 2 years old from Hotel Transylvania 2).
Tuesday I had dinner in DC at Brick & Mortar (investor credit to use up and they have good bar snacks and drinks) before heading over to Lincoln Theatre to see Keane’s Tom Chaplin touring behind his new solo CD. Thursday it was Father’s night in Nina’s class and she showed me her number chains.
Saturday the 21st Jill had many adventures getting to and from the march, while I took Nina to a birthday party over at Life Time. That night we all went to see Robbie Schaefer at Jammin’ Java where he busted out a cover of Paul Simon’s “Graceland”. Bill and Tassy had come in for the weekend, and we joined them for another brunch at Lorna and Dave’s on Sunday. Bill’s eagle eyes spotted me in this video. Jill took Nina to yet another birthday party that afternoon. Tuesday Nina had a kindergartners only field trip to Lucia’s to learn how to make pizza.
Saturday the 28th was the day we introduced our daughter to the wonders of the Spice Girls – she memorized their names faster than The Beatles. That night I went solo to the Tally Ho Theatre to see emmet swimming (with ebo opening) where I was delighted to see their cover of “Angel Of The Morning” return. Nina’s music education continued on Sunday with Zwan (totally underrated) and ZZ Top (aka she can only reach the Zs on the shelf). Also, she had her first Daisy Scout meeting and created her first sandwich: sausage, avocado, peanut butter and cheese on an English muffin. Monday Jill and I attended her annual company dinner at L’Auberge Chez Francois for what’s probably the last time, and I will miss it – always a fabulous meal.
