We Live In Defiance of Empty Times

It’s my great pleasure to report that I finally managed to see MOFRO live.

I’d been meaning to check their website for any upcoming shows, and I’m damn glad that I did. Not only did they come out with a new record, Country Ghetto, Februray 20, but they were planning on being in Tallahassee for a show that same night—Mardi Gras! I bought a ticket through their website, and drew embarrassing amounts of circles and stars around the date on my calendar.

Parking Tuesday the 20th at 9 p.m., JJ Grey did an acoustic set at Vinyl Fever, a cool music store here in town. I got there at almost six, and the parking lot was full. Kids were spilling out of cars parked in nearby apartment complexes and gas stations, laughing and talking as they tried to cross the busy street to the shop. Inside, people were quiet, ranged in a large semicircle around Grey, who sat on a wooden stool. He played acoustic guitar and harmonica, interspersing the songs with friendly stories and low-key jokes.

Vinyl_fever I was able to hear three songs. The first two were off the new record: “Mississippi” and “Country Ghetto”; the last song was one of my favorites, “Lochloosa”. JJ’s voice was strong and soulful, and carried all through the large store. After he finished singing, there was intense applause. Many folks purchased cd’s right then. JJ stayed to sign cd’s and tickets for the show, to take photos with fans, and to chat. He had something to say to everyone waiting in line for him. When it was my turn to get my picture taken and my cd signed, we spoke for a few minutes about living in the U.K. (something we’ve both done) and how one of the main things we missed from home was the food. He laughed about his visiting English friends hating sweet tea, and we agreed they were so wrong.

Beta_bar_sign Later that evening, I set out for the Beta Bar, where the Mofro show would be. By the time the doors opened at nine p.m., there was a line snaking down the steps and out onto the dirt parking lot. Those who had bought their tickets online showed their I.D. and purchasing credit card to get in. At the bar, I ordered a Blue Moon beer. Why not? That drink always reminds me of summers in Florida—heat, sweetness, the smell of mimosa blooms and the taste of salt. And here I was, on Fat Tuesday, about to see the most Florida-loving band in the world.

Feet Their opening act, Virginia Coalition, went on about ten, and they really rocked. They reminded me of Dave Matthews band, except with ass. It had that same mid-Atlantic sound. Having lived in Virginia, I recognized and liked it. The singer’s voice was similar to DM, and he had that way of singing with a smile; plus there were bongos and lots of rhythm, though it was very fast-paced and energetic.  I’m not a huge fan of lite-rock, but that’s not what I’d consider this.  It was something unusual: happy rock. Nothing wrong with that! And they did rock, hard.

Jj_grey Mofro went on about eleven p.m. The place was absolutely packed, sweaty hot, full of every different kind of kids you could hope to see in Tallahassee: camo’d rednecks, tie-dyed hippiegirls with their dreadlocked boyfriends, fancy sorostitutes and frat rats in pink polo shirts, scruffy hipster boys with beards and blazers. Many wore shiny Mardi Gras beads. Every single one of them liked Mofro for a different reason, approached the music in a different way, got something different out of it. I think that’s one of the main strengths of the band: their undercurrent of talent and passion holds everyone captive, no matter what one might be getting from the melodies and the words. It brings people together—at least to the Beta Bar—that, normally, would absolutely not be partying together, ever. And it pays off, big time.

Seated They played for over an hour. JJ Grey dominated everyone’s attention with the power of his singing, and the new lineup of the band was great. They played songs off the new album, which sounded beautiful live. Many songs also came from older records. They played “Lochloosa” again, and the crown involvement was so strong that JJ noticed it, paused, smiled, and got everyone into it even more. They seemed to stick with the more funky and energetic songs for this set,  like “Jookhouse” and “Slow Lazy Summer”, sensing that the crowd wanted to dance. But the cut “Tragic”, though slower and moody, was fantastically intense.

After_1 This was one of the best live shows that I’ve ever seen. I can only imagine what it would be like to see them outside at a festival, under the trees.  Why they aren’t bigger is a total mystery to me. But that’s the beauty of this band—you get the impression that JJ Grey and Mofro would play with equal passion alone, for themselves…or in front of thousands of screaming kids at Bonnaroo; under and oak tree in the backyard, in an arena, or in a dark, smoky club. Doesn’t matter. They are what they are, and they give the best of themselves to the music, and to whoever is pleased to show up.

I’m mighty damn pleased I showed up. I suggest you do the same, whenever you can.

Spring Break Plans

One It was approaching a year ago that I got off the plane in Pensacola, pale and tired, so grateful for the warm air and the fresh mullet dinner that I couldn’t conceive of leaving America again—at least for a while. I’d traveled so much in Europe, and under such tough conditions, that the idea of packing a bag and leaving town gave me the shivers. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Europe and always knew I would return someday. But I was as tired of the hardships of travel—physical, mental—as a person can be tired of anything. What I wanted to do, and what I did, was to put down some roots here in Tallahassee. I’ve got a great little apartment that I love, my school is actually teaching me something useful, I’m making some sane friends and some plans for the future that don’t involve moving three times a year, thank God.

Two

It’s taken eight months to get back around to being interested in travel again, the way I used to be. Still, when I overheard one of my friends talking on the phone with her dad about a possible trip to London, I was only excited for her sake—the idea of going myself didn’t enter my head, until she suggested it. But why not? I always knew there’d be a next trip to Europe, I just figured it was safely in the future, not worth worrying about. But I might as well get right back on that horse.

Traveling is going to be a big part of my life. I can’t be left with the impression, from my last experience, that it’s a miserable, difficult slog, full of ill health and money issues. My study abroad experience was like a freak accident. I can’t let the negative aspects of it color my idea of what travel is. I need to remind myself that it’s not normally like that. What better way than by going again, right away, and having a blast?

Three

I’ll be flying into Paris, same as I always do, and spending a few days there. This time, I’m going to Chartres, dammit! The morning of the third day (and I do mean morning, I’ll be riding the night bus to Orly airport), I’m taking EasyJet to Rome. I know, two days in Rome is ridiculous, just enough to make me bawl when I leave at not having more time. But I’ve never been there, so why not go? From Rome, I’ll fly into London Stansted, and meet up with Shannon and her boyfriend for four days in my favoritest gigantic monster city. I can’t wait!

I’ll be sure to post a bit about preparations for the trip, and detail it when I get home. It’s going to be a bit of a turning-point in how I see things, I suspect. I hope it reminds me of how big the world is, and how much there is yet to do. It’s so easy, especially in the States, to get into a rut and never leave. I wanted to put down roots, but…I also want my branches to be flexible and stretch far. Travel’s the best way I know to do that.

Molly Ivins, 1944-2007

Political columnist Molly Ivins has died of breast cancer at 62.

Described by her brother Andy Ivins as “tough as a metal boot”, her straight-talking yet humorous columns were an inspiration to so many fellow writers. The passion and heart that she brought to her commentary have kept the political landscape just a little bit more human, especially in this last crazy decade.

She will be much missed.

Who ‘Dat, Dammit!

The eternal underdogs…

Looking back on this season of Saints football, I can honestly say that I’ve hardly ever seen such a turnaround from a previous season, for any team. What a coaching job! So they didn’t go all the way. Who woulda thought they’d go as far as the championship game? They’ve a lot to be proud of…and I’m proud to be a fan nonetheless.

And if they had to go down to anyone, the Bears aren’t too bad. The first Superbowl I ever watched as a child was their ’85 win over the Patriots. Anyone remember the rap video?

Anyway, go Saints, you deserved to get even farther than you did. Here’s to next year!

So Right

Now that we’re exactly two weeks into 2007, and one week into the spring semester at FSU, I thought I’d do a quick post to check in. I haven’t written since last November. After NaNoWriMo was over, finals came up, and I thought I’d take a break over the holidays. I’d written more in this past semester, for classes and in the diary and blog, than I had in years. And it felt great. Back to what I do best, and feel happiest doing.

The day before I started classes last semester, I wrote that I felt like I’d come full circle, and I was right. If you listen to classical music, many times the composer will, after exploring various other themes and counter-themes, bring the main melody back in a grand and triumphant manner. That’s what things have felt like, since starting school last fall. All the disparate threads of my life, which up ’til now had seemed like so many abandoned experiments, random misadventures, and bizarre personality quirks, are finally tying themselves together and revealing that they are, in fact, a coherent tapestry. One I find beautiful. One which may actually get me somewhere. I’ve tried so hard to make my life work. Only when I gave up, and went back to simply doing what made me happy, did it all click. Hmm.

Last fall was all the proof I needed that I’m on the right track. It was my vindication. This spring is where I get serious about actually making it go somewhere. Editing the novel, getting a decent job, getting in shape, winning an internship for this summer…big projects, and if it weren’t for the successes I had last autumn, I’d feel truly intimidated. But small successes give you the confidence to try for larger ones; and even if you fail, you have something to fall back on.

I finally feel, once again, like I’m where I need to be, doing what I need to be doing. I’ve missed that feeling.

Merry Xmas

You know what? I’m not even going to try and be normal here. It hasn’t been a normal year, and I’ve no choice but to offer the weirdest thing I can:

GWAR’s “Have You Seen Me?”, from their movie “Phallus In Wonderland”.

Enjoy!

First Semester Back: Fall 2006 at FSU