Still life: Wine and Lasagna Before a Show With Friends Makes Old People Older and Unable to Hit the Pit

OR

Sonic Youth at the recently renovated Fox Theater, Oakland 8.2.2009















First time at the Fox, and it is stunning. So impressed. Smoking sections are on every floor and easily accessible, big screen teevees are in the lobbies and restrooms so you don't miss any action, friendly and helpful staff abound, and the place has 7, yes 7, bars. And while the Paramount gives you a plastic cough syrup cup for whiskey, you get a decent pour here. Heard the gin and tonics were strong stuff too.

But...not really that impressed by the show; in fact, I was a little bored. It's not them, it's me: energy from the band was great, but I'm not familiar with their new album, and I'd never seen them before and was hoping for more old stuff. Again, am getting OLD!

I did get to do some reconnaissance for the best vantage point for the Echo and the Bunnymen show in October though. So excited: they're doing Ocean Rain with an orchestra. No wine and lasagna this time around -- I'll be down front and center!