Last Week

So,

Last week was a very busy one. In many ways I was thankful that I didn't have a computer because I don't really think I would have had the time to do anything with it.

None the less my week was full of adventure.

Wednesday Dec 10th:

I went to see Amanda Palmer live at Richards on Richards. It was freaking amazing and the best thing I have ever seen and heard thus far. I didn't realise how exciting it can be to see a real group of artists perform and showcase their work. The lighting was perfect, the sound was outstanding, the entertainment value was quite high.

Believe it or not Richards on Richards is a great acoustic venue. It's really a shame they are tearing it down and replacing it with overpriced yuppie condos. That being said, they could have had better bathrooms. The outhouse in the middle of the Nootka Island hike was cleaner, only in this case you didn't have to pack out your own toilet paper.

Up first was Zoe Keating. A phenomenal cello player. She did this cool thing where she recorded herself playing the cello and hitting the cello, then she looped the stuff and played the haunting melodies over top. My students are so getting to hear this on a "New Music Monday".

Next were the Builders and the Butchers. To be honest I wasn't really listening to them. I was distracted by "someone" I ran into at the club and most of my focus was on said individual. Notable points: The lead singer totally cracked me up when he attempted to get the audience to clap on 2 and 4 rather than the 1 and 3 they were trying to do and he looks and acts exactly like one of my current students. So much so that I did a double take only after thinking "what the heck is Kyle doing in here".

Finally Amanda F Palmer hit the stage. The show was an entertainment spectacular if you will. She opened with Astronaut and continued to dazzle us all with her amazing abilities. The Danger Ensemble was there as well and added to the show with their artistic dance interpretations. They acted out scenes for "Coin Operated Boy", which is no about what we all think it is about, so I have been told by AFP herself. Have to Drive; a scene where at the end the dancers fan out into the audience and give 4 lucky people a hug. I WAS ONE of the LUCKY PEOPLE! Guitar Hero, which was obviously lip synced, but I seriously can't figure out how they would have done it other wise. Oh and they did this number where they lip synced "Umbrella". I'm certain that AFP lip syncs that way better than Rhianna herself does; and the Danger ensemble added their own very unique take on the choreography of popular R&B music. There was also an encore where everyone came out for Leeds United and a Billy Joel cover that I would only know if I heard it again. Overall it was a stellar time. I was a little disappointed she didn't play Girl Anachronism or "My Alcoholic Friends", but what can you do, she can't really play everything she does right?

I also thought I would mention that her concert drew the most eclectic mix of people I have ever seen in my life. It made for great people watching.

Thursday Dec. 11:

I got to play percussion at the Junior Schools Christmas Concert. The littlies needed some help, so I helped them keep time. I am an outstanding Cowbell/Tambourine/Crash Cymbal player if I don't say so myself.

Saturday Dec. 13th:

It was Nickolai's birthday and my staff party. Nick and I hit Science World, had a late lunch and briefly explored Granville Island. Then it was off to the staff party. Dinner was delicious and I would like to note that I still hate Karaoke.

All in all it was nice to finally have some social fun time after finishing my report cards and citizenship reports (total word count was just under 15,000 words). Some of my friends figure that I could do my masters on a template bank for band and planning 10. NO THANK YOU!

That was my week in a nutshell I wonder what next week will bring.........;-)

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