Worst. Fan. Ever.

It’s true. I effed up.

Back story – knowing I am a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey fan, my friend pulled a 13 on the Awesome Scale of 1 to 10 and scored four tickets to the last game of the regular season against the NY Islanders. Have you ever been to Nassau Coliseum? No? Good – keep it that way. What’s technically labeled a hockey arena, it should be burned to the ground, paved over, and done again. The smell of wet socks and sin permeates what is otherwise a pretty part of the Island. A palace it is not. But I digress.

So there we are, sitting corner ice; great view of the game. Sid the Kid gets his 50th and 51st goals of the season. We eat hot dogs and beers; standard. The girls get Dip ‘n Dots.

Still not sure it’s actually ice cream. And let it be known cotton candy should remain cotton candy. Worst ice cream flavor EVER.

Speaking of generally terrible things…

The game pushes to overtime after the Pens flake and lose their heads in third period. I’m nervous for a game that has zero bearing on the playoffs. I’ve yet to hit the bathroom. I’m two beers and a ginormous Coke into the game. See where this is going?

BK: Pens are playing like *%&#. I think I’m going to the bathroom.
Friend: Umm, okay.
BK: It’s right downstairs, right? I don’t want to miss the shootout.
Friend: Umm……okay.

There was no shootout to miss.

Eaton to Malkin to Leo. Boom. Game.

Sounded like a great win from the bathroom. Shame. A generous helping of I told you so’s (I was never told anything) and What were you thinking’s were served up on the ride home.

Cotton candy Dip ‘n Dots still suck.



Let’s go Pens. Senators are next. Do it.

Long Islanders worship Elvis (?!?)

Submitted by long time reader JT, Jesus Elvis was spotted somewhere on the great Island That Is Not Short. No details as to where this was or where it's from, but hey I'll take it! Keep the reader submissions coming - Twitter and email address are in the right sidebar---->

I've been getting my mind blown for 11 years.

Night two of DMB at Jones Beach lived up to the (i.e. my) expectations placed upon it. Highlights included the "Carter Show" (Two Step), Seek Up debuting, and of course the wicked sick (yes, wicked sick) rendition of Jimi Thing. The new song Alligator Pie is evolving nicely as well. The night's set is below and nerdy links for songs are provided if they weren't repeated from the night before (only two repeats):

Pantala Naga Pampa(into)
Rapunzel
One Sweet World
Seek Up [part 1 of 2] [2 of 2]
Why I Am
Grey Street
Dive In
Dancing Nancies
Crash Into Me
Alligator Pie
Jimi Thing [part 1 of 2] [2 of 2]
Gravedigger
Funny The Way It Is
Shake Me Like A Monkey
You And Me
Time Bomb
Two Step (clip of Carter being insane)

Encore Break

Sister
Anyone Seen the Bridge (into) Too Much (Tease) (into)
Tripping Billies



Not to date myself too much, but I've been seeing these guys live for 11 years now, and I must say that they're better than ever. They're having fun, playing what they want when they want. Songs have evolved into distant versions of what they once were. If you've never seen them live, do it. They should be up on your list with the Bob Dylans and KISSes of the world. Just make sure it's a "night 2."

Finally, a reason to venture to Long Island.

Summer would not be the same without hitting up a few Dave Matthews Band shows. Their current tour is back in town, this time setting up camp at the Jones Beach Theater on Long Island. This was my first time at the theater and I admit that the setting on a warm & sunny cool and cloudy summer evening is a terrific sight. The stage is backed up to the water's edge, giving the fans a clear view of ocean on the horizon. Maybe Long Island isn’t all that bad after all. Bah!

Here’s my nerdy take (YouTube links included!) for your mid-day entertainment. Don’t say I don’t try to keep you Cats entertained at work.


Funny The Way It Is - new single, makes sense.
You Might Die Trying - meh, standard set placement for a night one show.
Seven - second new song, keep pushing that album boys.
Everyday - mellow and short.
Squirm - the rain saves this one.
Dreaming Tree – honestly boys, love the song but this is not a how-slow-can-you-go show.
Lying In the Hands of God – I’d like my 11 minutes back please.
Burning Down The House – great way to wake up the crowd.
Where Are You Going – to the bathroom, that's where. Great way to kill the crowd.
Spaceman (into) – whoa, do you guys have new album out??
Corn Bread – crowd loves the beat, goes nuts for Dave’s dance antics.
Shake Me Like a Monkey – now we’re talking. RCA execs should take note and make this the next single.
Louisiana Bayou – Boyd Tinsley on the violin, ladies and gents.
#41 – Jeff (sax) and Carter (drums) duel. No really. Incredible.
Don’t Drink the Water – solid closer, standard.

Encore break – Pretty standard show for ’09, especially considering they’ll be back tomorrow. Highlights of the main set include Shake Me and #41. Crowd pleasing? Absolutely. Groundbreaking? Not until the encore.

(#40) – there’s something to say about the way a song, played by one man among a sea of thousands, can silence a room. Words change every time because, well, there are no words for it. Beautiful.
Rye Whiskey – who doesn’t love a little Pete Seeger? Tons of heart.
All Along The Watchtower – I’ve seen this song too many times as the encore closer. But a Stairway to Heaven bass solo --> Watchtower --> Stairway outro was a first for both the band and the 13,000 screaming, singing lunatics in the stands.

Now that I’ve maxed out the DMB nerdiness of this post, here’s a picture:



Back for more tomorrow. Cheers.