Concerts

3. Tori Amos

I have actually seen Tori Amos twice now, but my favorite of her concerts took place at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago in April 2005. 

I am admittedly not Tori’s hugest fan. I find I can appreciate about 50% of her music but the same friend I went to see Dar Williams with has this eerie obsession with her every breath so I thought I’d join in on the fun of a Tori concert.  I am glad I did, because this was one of the best shows I have ever seen. This was during her Beekeeper days, which is high on my list of things I like about Tori Amos. This was a very mellow show and she even covered Joni Mitchell which is mine and my friends favorite artist to agree on.  I would later learn that not all Tori shows are as mellow when 2 years later I went to see her again and found her desperately trying to please the fans with glamorous costume changes, and annoying screeching.  I have said in the past I will always go see a Tori concert if I can, and I still hold that true to my heart, but have decided that nothing will probably compare to the first one I saw.

4. Marilyn Manson

Again, I am not a huge fan of Mr. Manson, but again another friend pretty much worships him, and had an extra ticket. Not being one to ever turn down a chance to hear live music I decided there wouldn’t be any harm in joining her. This was August 2007, we had to drive to Detroit. I was slightly nervous because I wasn’t fond of his newest album, but was crossing my fingers for him to play a classic or two.  Slayer was opening for him and there is something to said for the combination of people that show up in Detroit for a Slayer and Manson concert. There was a unique blend of fans and locals creating the perfect atmosphere for a rock n roll concert.  Slayer was good, but I haven’t ever been a huge fan so I stood at the edge while others started moshing and whatnot, then Manson came on. With an amazing stage preformance including special effects and a costume change I was sucked in. I also lucked out because he stayed true to his past and played a lot of older songs that I grew up hearing. I might not ever go see Manson again, but at least I can say I saw him live once and it was awesome.

5. Pine Top Perkins

I saw Pine Top Perkins in Austin Texas in May 2008. I hadn’t heard any of his music before, but was informed by travel mates that I HAD to go. So I went and was pleasantly surprised. The blend of jazz and blues set the tone for the night.  It was a small venue, with only about 30 other people in attendance. This provided an intimate scene complete with dancing and laughing.  This was a beautiful musical experience as it seemed to transport everyone back to a different time and place. I was even so lucky as to get a picture with the legendary performer.

Bands or artists I would kill to see live; Neutral Milk Hotel, Kings Of Leon, Joni Mitchell, Oasis, Radiohead and Tool. I will always go to a concert if I can, it doesnt usually matter too much who is playing, I just love music and love haring it live.