Notes on a Thursday, a day early

So, yesterday I drove home, drove to my sister and her fiance's house with my mom, went to dinner, and went to a . . . . Iron & Wine concert!! The concert was originally scheduled for February, but what with the great Snow of 2010 it was obviously canceled. So the concert was just Sam Beam (just, I say . . .) in this beautiful vintage movie theater that they also use as a concert venue. The show itself was wonderful; Beam has a wonderful sense of humor, with a tendency to self-deprecating about himself and his music. A little prone to profanity, he stood and entertained us for a good two hours, which is impressive for one man with a guitar! I was very excited when he said that he and the rest of the band had been busy recording for the majority of the new year, for a new album that should drop "sometime." He tried about two new songs, both were incredible--in particular "Half Moon." He was utterly riveting, particularly in his last song (before the one-song encore), a beautiful rendition of "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" done mostly a capella (I was surprised that he played it at all, after a quip about Twilight). His ability with the guitar is simply jaw-dropping, though, and not to be overlooked. His finger-picking is practically flawless, and the guitar sings with as much emotion as his voice, poignantly soft at parts and ringing out in others.





His opening act was another man with a guitar who was . . . not quite as inspiring. The man-child was clearly a devotee of Nick Drake (not a bad thing in the slightest) but his lyrics tried a little too hard to be esoteric and meaning. I think there was something somewhere about foxes frolicking in a field . . . the couple behind us said that he sounded like Fleet Foxes. They were wrong.

(i like how beardy he is in this picture)

On these notes, I have to say that the behavior of the majority of the audience left much to be desired. Being as this is not the first time there have been audience issues, it seems necessary to go over concert etiquette. Though this is probably pointless, because the blog universe that I've encountered is exceedingly polite and respectful, and knows how to behave. BUT!

• be on time. Better yet, be early. Particularly if it is a seated show (this one was). Even though you paid to see this person, it's still impolite to not be somewhere when you say you're going to be somewhere. I had to skip desert, but I was able to find my seat comfortably. People were arriving an hour late for the show! And I know people don't always want to see the opening act, but sometimes you just suffer through it! Though, I do have to say part of this was the ushers fault for bringing people in during the middle of songs. Come in during the breaks! Concert ettiquette 101, kids, really!
• don't talk! Of course, this is also if it's a smaller show that doesn't involve food (food generates a restaurant atmosphere . . . it's trickier and people have to be more flexible). At a recent Decemberists concert (also insanely amazing), I had to turn around and tell the two girls behind me to shut up, because their shouted conversation about how many instruments Colin Meloy can play, and the headbands for sale at Urban Outfitters was killing my concert buzz. As I said to them, if you want to have a conversation, then put the CD on in your living room and stay home! Or, if you're going with a friend that you haven't seen in a while, catch up at dinner! Be courteous, please.
• Shouted out song requests: this "rule" is a bit more controversial, but my thought process is this: the artist/band undoubtedly has a set list. They've planned out the songs they are most comfortable playing (because the live thing is NOT the CD, and sometimes they forget their own songs. Particularly if they have a large catalogue), what songs are appropriate, and what times out the best. Sam Beam was particularly good at diverting this shouted requests with quips and honesty. My favorite was when the requisite shout of "FREE BIRD!" was heard, he immediately launched into it, then after a few lines says "be careful what you wish for" and moved on to his own work. Anyway. Unless the artist says that they are open to requests and shout them on up, don't. Just don't. Find it within you to resist.

Now, none of these are hard and fast rules, obviously. Ultimately, just use your head and be courteous, for the love of God. Concerts are amazing, incredible experiences that have the ability to profoundly affect your life, if we all ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.