Live Music: Mike Doughty
On Monday night, there was rain, flooding, and Mike Doughty at the Triple Door.
Once more, fate stepped in and said, "I know you resigned yourself to not going to the show. The idea of leaving work early and standing in line in the rain to *maybe* get a standing room only ticket doesn't appeal. Okay. Have *this* ->"
Around 5PM, I got a call from Jimmer, telling me that there was a Mike Doughty show tonight.
"I know. It's sold out. I so wanted to go," I said.
"Well it just so happens I have an extra ticket. I'll meet you there."
Apparently, Jimmer got there very early to wait in line and ended up getting a front row middle booth. We were about 15 feet away from Mr. Doughty. Some of the best seats in the house.
I joined Jimmer, his friend Frank, and jadefalcon14, ordered a drink, and chatted for a bit until someone who was *not* Mike Doughty walked on stage. There'd been no word about an opening act. The guy was pretty good - unfortunately, I didn't get his name. Witty, engaged the audience, talented guitar player and interesting lyrics. Will have to do some research and track down some of his stuff.
But when Mike Doughty stepped on stage with his cellist accompanist - and a jar full of questions from the audience, the crowd went wild. And we got quite a show. Right around this time, a tiny ghost wrapped her arms around my neck and stayed with me for the rest of the night. Exquisite.
The first question from the jar was Jimmer's: "What would it take to get you to play 'Train to Chicago'?" Not much - he played it right away. Amazing.
A constant stream of beautiful music came out of Doughty and his compatriot: "The Only Answer", "Rising Sign", "Unsingable Name", "Looks", "Circles", "27 Jennifers". And in between, digging into the Question Jar, discarding some, shaking his head on occasion ("This is a declarative statement" - toss), answering the majority.
One surreal moment: During "True Dreams of Wichita", his phone rang - in time to the music and in the same key. You should have seen the look on his face as he turned it off and put it aside.
If you have a chance to see him on this tour, do so. Not just stunning music, but an experience.
Once more, fate stepped in and said, "I know you resigned yourself to not going to the show. The idea of leaving work early and standing in line in the rain to *maybe* get a standing room only ticket doesn't appeal. Okay. Have *this* ->"
Around 5PM, I got a call from Jimmer, telling me that there was a Mike Doughty show tonight.
"I know. It's sold out. I so wanted to go," I said.
"Well it just so happens I have an extra ticket. I'll meet you there."
Apparently, Jimmer got there very early to wait in line and ended up getting a front row middle booth. We were about 15 feet away from Mr. Doughty. Some of the best seats in the house.
I joined Jimmer, his friend Frank, and jadefalcon14, ordered a drink, and chatted for a bit until someone who was *not* Mike Doughty walked on stage. There'd been no word about an opening act. The guy was pretty good - unfortunately, I didn't get his name. Witty, engaged the audience, talented guitar player and interesting lyrics. Will have to do some research and track down some of his stuff.
But when Mike Doughty stepped on stage with his cellist accompanist - and a jar full of questions from the audience, the crowd went wild. And we got quite a show. Right around this time, a tiny ghost wrapped her arms around my neck and stayed with me for the rest of the night. Exquisite.
The first question from the jar was Jimmer's: "What would it take to get you to play 'Train to Chicago'?" Not much - he played it right away. Amazing.
A constant stream of beautiful music came out of Doughty and his compatriot: "The Only Answer", "Rising Sign", "Unsingable Name", "Looks", "Circles", "27 Jennifers". And in between, digging into the Question Jar, discarding some, shaking his head on occasion ("This is a declarative statement" - toss), answering the majority.
One surreal moment: During "True Dreams of Wichita", his phone rang - in time to the music and in the same key. You should have seen the look on his face as he turned it off and put it aside.
If you have a chance to see him on this tour, do so. Not just stunning music, but an experience.