Blog it like it's hot....
So I know it's been like 3 weeks practically since I went to Orange City to see Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, Andy Davis and Josh Hoge. Not that I want to make excuses but, 1) that was the same week as my 23rd birthday 2) the show was on a Monday night 3) I have to go to my parents house so my computer can get on the interenet 4) The Fray was in Omaha the next week, and 5) I have a life. -haha So moving on....
First I would like to thank the state of Iowa for only allowing cars to go 70 mph on their interstates and for enforcing that law so well by giving my friend a $75,00 ticket. Sarcastic much? Obviously. But all will be forgiven by August when the Iowa State fair begins, with hopefully a concert or 2 I would like to see. Also, why do people in Iowa not use cruise control?
So we rolled through Le Mars, IA ice cream capital of the world, on the way to Orange City. Orange capital of the world you may ask? That would be incorrect. It's the Windmill capital of the world, duh! Don't you feel silly now?
The 4 guys from Nashville played @ Christ Chapel on Northwestern's campus. Out first was Andy Davis. This was the first time I got to see him play live. He is one of my favorite songwriters EVER. Why do I say this? Because he is a storyteller with his music. Each tune wraps you up in it's lyrics and you are living them for yourself. Also one word, "Spontaneous" from his CD Thinks of Her. This is my favorite song because it coud be my "real good story someday soon". Andy did a bunch of songs from his CD and a new one that is is going out to LA this summer to record for his new "circular disc". Can't wait for that. Also, his New AND Better than Ever website is launching on Tuesday April 25th. Check it out. Trust me! :) www.andydavisonline.com Also see"Tuesday Updates" on his blog. www.myspace.com/andydavis The best part of the set was when Andy told us to pretend that "Bigger Than Us" was his big hit. It was great because everyone got into it, and there was even a standing ovation.
Batting second was Dave Barnes, the man, the singer, the songwriter & the comedian....what? Yes the comedian. This guy is hilarious, mostly because he takes random everyday occurences and finds the funny side to them. He's started posting some of his writings in blog form on www.myspace.com/davebarnes. If you're looking to laugh read "Holy Moley", it's #1 of the bloggins series. So this was my first time seeing Barnes live. I've listened to a few live recordings on www.archive.org/audio that's how I knew he was the real deal. When he comes out you think oh cool, he seems nice. Then he opens his mouth to sing. Let me tell you, it is faint-worthy....hits you right in the knees. It's a good thing that we were sitting down for "On a Night Like This", b/c I don't know if I could handle it standing up. He played "Jackson" as well which is one of my favs from his new CD Chasing Mississippi. Best Cd I've bought in 2006 so far.
Wertz, the main attraction @ the show dropped it like it's hot. I've seen him play before, but this was a good time. He even did some new tunes from the forthcoming CD. Full band, and Josh Hoge joined him for some of the fun. Josh is an awesome guy. We got to talk to him after the show and he was so nice. He pointed @ my the Fray jacket and was like I know those guys....they are my labelmates, small world. I guess he was suppose to have his own set too, but the college saw his Myspace and thought he wasn't appropriate for the show. WHATEVER. He was giving out free demo CDs with 3 songs on them. We listened to it on the way home...."Work That Body" is HOT. Love it.
"Red Meets Blue" was sung with Barnes off mic, that was classy. My favorite new song was "Let Me be with You Tonght"....or whatever it's called. Looking forward to hearing that on the CD. Wertz and Barnes also talked about the Mocha Club. it's an awesome organization to help over in Africa. They are trying to build an orphanage, help treat AIDs and SO much more. Go and join my club midwest.mocha, I'm really passionate about helping out and I've just started trying to get people to join. You don't have to live in the midwest to join, that's just where I'm from.
Next up....Wertz is playing in KC on 5.31.06, I've already bought tix. Then today I found out that Barnes is going to be there too!!!! 3223 times the fun! (yes I've calculated it out. lol) How lucky can one girl be? Guess be looking out for that. Hopefully I can take some more pics than las time.
Well before this turns into more than a novel I'm going to add some pics and call it good. Later.
"try my best to be funny, you forget for awhile" -N
