Blind Pilot

Last night Noah and I trekked over to Boulder to catch a show. Coming off of four days at Steamboat, going to a concert was not at the top of my list but this wasn't just a show - this was Blind Pilot. 

Blind Pilot happens to be the first band that Noah introduced me to, so you can understand why we needed to be there. Especially since they had actually just played the Tuesday following our flight so we were sure we missed the opportunity to see them. But then, as fate loves to help us out - they announced a show in a small theatre, not in Denver - but just over the hill (or 36 W rather) in Boulder.

As we stood two rows back from the stage, me dancing and Noah keeping the beat on my back - it was definitely one of those surreal moments, where you realize that everything has actually fallen in to place quite nicely.

So obviously feeling slightly emotional - I teared up a bit as they played 'Half Moon' - the song that I've listened to every time I've left Noah's since November.

Because these are great days.

And this one, Keep You Right, has become one of my all time favorites.

So I don't know where you are but if your city is on this list, I highly recommend checking out their show.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

And don't forget to think of me when that tambourine comes out.

The Head and the Heart

 The Head and the Heart were the soundtrack to my summer. I had their self-titled in constant rotation from the beach to Vegas to the mountains - in fact, I cannot tell you how many times I listened to 'Down in the Valley' in the month of June. So when I found out they were performing at The Gothic on October 10 - that date immediately had hearts drawn around it in my moleskin datebook.

I have the tendency to set my expectations too high - this stands true to movies to boys to a few fallen friends to concerts (think Britney's return circa 2009). The Head and the Heart did not disappoint though - in fact, I would go as far to say that they exceeded expectations. That's right - exceeded expectations.

They harmonize in the most heavenly way. And luckily, Kristen and I met Andy and Angela there who totally scored the perfect spot - about third standing row in, with just enough room to sway and close enough to see that yes, they really are that good looking. And Charity (the girl in the group) was so adorably shy every time she was put on the spot to carry the song, that I wanted to just put her in my pocket and promise that she could just sing to me from there forever. Safe keeping and all.

Also, it's rare that I get there for the opening band - mostly just out of typical lateness - however, my new friend Sean, who's music taste I trust 100% got so excited when my response to him asking who was opening was "Umm - Thao and The Get Down - " he jumped in here, "Thao and The Get Down, Stay Down!???" NOOOO! Yes. He promised I would love her/them and so I made sure we arrived by 9 to catch them and wow so glad we did. I have a feeling that if HATH was summer - Thao and her-most-fun-name-for-a-band-ever will be fall.

And don't even get me started on the tambourines. OH THE TAMBOURINES. Just in case I wasn't sold on quitting my job, packing up Gordon in the Fiat (a girl can dream) and hitting the road as a tambourine girl - well, the HATH and Thao sold me on making that dream a reality last night.

So HATH, I hope it's not Rivers and Roads until I reach you again. See you on the road. With my tambourine.

Oh, Hey June + Discovering Denver #34: A Show at the Ogden

My month of happiness has arrived. Although, I do have to say that 2011 has been pretty happy all around. Nothing beats mon amore, June, though.

I kicked off the best month of the year by attending my first show at Denver's Ogden Theater last night to see Yeasayer.

The 1917 building is located a short two blocks from my apartment so Kristen came over for to tailgate and we took a summer stroll to the show. If you ever have the chance to see Yeasayer - I highly suggest catching their show. They incorporated some great light visuals in to their show, Chris Keating - the group's lead singer has a haunting voice that carried so well throughout the old theater and not to mention - the dancing.

Their performance of Tightrope was my favorite last night - here is the song, try to imagine it live.

Theme for the summer: If you want get it big time, go ahead and get it get it big time.

Glow Party at Passion Pit

Last night, one of my favorite bands, Passion Pit, performed at House of Blues. I had heard mixed reviews about his performance at Cochella last spring but this was one dance party I couldn't pass up.

Arlene picked up the glow action for us, I got the tickets, and the date was set. Have you ever heard the one about the Wide Mouth Frog? If not, ask Pep to tell you it the next time you see her.

Michael, the lead singer, has a mouth SO LARGE that the only thing I could think of every time he opened his wide mouth was that damn joke! But I digress....Michael was hitting high notes that would make Mariah Carey quit her day job and become a full-time mom.

And the party just did. not. stop. I am EXHAUSTED from my hands being in the air like I just didn't care for the entire performance (and from holding that tall can of Bud Light prior to).

Oh and did I mention that the most-adorable-ever-on-the-planet Michael Cera was in the opening band last night? Yeah, he plays bass for Mister Heavenly. Look 'em up, they were actually really good! Although all of his adorableness was rather distracting, especially when he busted out a disposable camera.

But again...back to the dance party....Passion Pit = GOOD TIMES. Just be sure to wear your dancing shoes. And glow glasses.

POC 27: Press Shuffle on your iPod - First 10 Songs

1. Jack Johnson : Fortunate Fool

2. Jay-Z : Money Ain't A Thing

3. The Veronicas : Untouched

4. The Get Up Kids : Second Place

5. Kanye West (feat. Justin Bieber and Raekwon) : Runaway Love Remix

6. Sublime : Scarlet Begonias

7. The xx : Fantasy

8. Phoenix : Consolation Prizes

9. Regina Spektrum : Lady

10. Florence and the Machine : Addicted to Love

Feels like Fall

As I was driving home last night, in my H&M poncho I've been dying to be able to wear - I had the windows down and the combo of being in a comfy sweater, the cool air blowing through my car and this song playing - it became official...

Fall has arrived.

Band of Beauty

Last night Arlene took me to see Band of Horses. I'd listened to them here and there but wouldn't have referred to myself as a fan - until last night.

Victor (Arlene's husband) is on a new work schedule so I am now her stand-in. I was happy to oblige this request, as I never turn down a chance to see live music - especially a band that I think I could really be in to.

They played The Joint and had some technical difficulties, as most bands I see there do but that was perfectly OK by me since it just meant they were on stage that much longer. The lead singer was super relaxed the entire time and kept his cool under the most frustrating situations. I mean, I've never had technical difficulties in my life but I can imagine.

It was a very mellow Monday night show - as I ran into Branmuffin afterward, he said he almost fell asleep - that's just their sound. Personally, it made me want to go camping which I think had to do with all of the beautiful backdrops they had during their set. With each song, we were greeted with a new photo of nature at it's best. I documented to share with you all here.

While you look at these, listen to this and it'll be like you were there with me.