Journal

The Second City's 65th Anniversary Tour - Temple Theater - 11/1/2024

After getting dinner at Lucky Lotus, for the first time in a while, we eventually headed downtown to go to this. Admittedly it is quite convenient to eat at one of the downtown places, but in this case, I wanted something else.

We had trouble finding a spot, so ended up parking on the other side of the block (behind the central library). We were running a bit late because of the parking issues, so we rushed our way in, got in a very busy line for the drinks (mostly water) and got seated by a cute older couple at table 2.

The show, which included skits, some improve, and some general silliness was quite fun. It was an enjoyable break to all the things going on.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors - Des Moines Playhouse - 10/25/2024

We got tickets for this, just on the title alone. Unlike the Shaun of the Dead, I got one of my co-workers to cover a nice block of time while I was expecting to be in the theater.

We went to Hugo’s for dinner, and then found a nice place to park.

The show itself was a fairly funny interpretation of the story. Depending on both modern and at the time period jokes to push the humor to the forefront. The set of actors were entertaining, and the purposeful use of less actors also led to jokes as well.

Good show over all. Luckily for my guilt level, nothing happened while I was having my on call covered.

Shaun of the Dead: 4k restoration - Varsity Cinema - 10/24/2024

The first time I had been in the upper theater at the Varsity. We went with Dave and Jo and I was looking forward to a nice relaxing evening watching a film I love in a theater. At the point where Shaun starts to notice that something bad is happening, was about the time I got texted about a work thing.

I left the theater to see if I could resolve this without going home, but shortly later I told Shannon to get a ride home from Dave and Jo, and I ran home.

I admit it was a risk to schedule this during an on call week, but usually it works out.

When Shannon got home I was closing out the “outage” and was a bit wound up.

Back to the Future: The Musical - Civic Center - 10/20/2024

I’m not sure what I was expecting when we went, but I ended up having a good time. I understand most of the decisions they made in changing it to be a bit more family friendly, and other things that would be ridiculously challenging to stage (skateboard chases, etc). Quite enjoyable, fun to watch. I’m glad we went.

Taylor Tomlinson - Save Me Tour - Civic Center - 10/11/2024

We went with with Dave and Jo, and after eating at a new place, we got ready for the show. Normally the age of the people we go to shows with end up being quite a bit older on average, and it was interesting to see quite a younger range of people in the show. Though quite a number went in and out both before and during the show.

The show was quite fun. The opener Sophie Buddle, was quite funny and with that, Taylor Tomlinson and the Q&A / crowd work after the show.

Afterwards, we split off and headed home, happy with the experience.

Socks in the Frying Pan - Temple Theater - 9/22/2024

Since Monday is never really a great night to go out to eat, we celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. No porcelain gifts to be had. We had a nice dinner at Centro and walked upstairs to see a band that we kind of decided on a whim, after Shannon reminded me that she had taken the 23rd off.

Temple theater had a few empty seats, but not to many, but we had a delightful time.

A mix of songs of both upbeat and slow and just a nice pace with conversation along the way. Clapping, hooting and hollering and just a good time.

Modified 9/29/2024: Date updated on event to be accurate.

Moulin Rouge - Des Moines Civic Center - 8/25/2024

This was well done. I’m not sure if I’ve seen it on the stage before, and perhaps my only experience was the movie. But this was enjoyable, the parts were well played, emotion conveyed, songs were good. I assume this was an update in the music used. We did, or me, noticed some difference in the costumes and had a discussion on that decision (personal of the player or on purpose in the costume design).

Ben Folds Paper Airplane Request Tour with Lindsey Kraft - Hoyt Sherman - 8/11/2024

Not my first, second or even third time seeing Ben Folds. I expected a good show and wasn’t disappointed. We showed up a bit close to the end, since we were running a bit late from the restaurant. So I sent, Dave, Jo and Shannon off to sit while I ran and got water for everyone.

I wasn’t expecting Lindsey Kraft. I enjoyed the playing, song and banter, and was surprised when I found out that she was also on Grace & Frankie but then disappointed when I couldn’t find her music in the normal places, though it does look like she has a couple of things around. I’m curious to see how this develops, assuming I can remember without being periodically reminded by things that come up on my music shuffle.

Ben Folds started with a set of things that he wanted to play, which reminded met that I needed to add some music from his library to my to rate list. Then, after a break, he did the airplane portion. I missed the barrage of airplanes as I ran off to go to the bathroom (initially I was fine, then I didn’t think I would make it to the show). One can see how many requests were made. It looked like a good selection and I certainly enjoyed what was chosen. Near the end of the show he picked several up in a row for the purpose of closing out the show, making sure the last songs weren’t a downer, which is certainly possible.

Good dinner, fun show and fun was had.

Hinterland Saturday - Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, St. Charles, Iowa - 8/3/2024

Initially, when I was offered the ticket, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I was actually looking forward to a relatively quiet weekend as the work week was just a lot this week. After I accepted I was more and more looking forward to it. That feeling you get when you are sharing an experience with thousands of other people. Yeah Yeah, I can totally do this. It’s been a bit since I’ve been to 80/35. I listen to Vampire Weekend on the regular and one of my brothers is a big fan of Charley Crockett (already added some of their music to my listen to these). so I figured a live performance would be nice to see.

I got up earlyish, mowed the lawn, got ready, picked up some bug spray and some cash (I did not need to bring cash). and got myself hydrated.

3/4 Mattas’ came and picked me up and we headed down to St Charles. It was fun and that feeling of excitement of going to see a thing. Parked, Shuttled, we got into the first line of the day, to get into the venue.

It started off as fun, some lines were pretty short (booze, climbing kites, cold water for money). but then I think my output of water through my pores started to override the amount going in. Nathan, Jenny and I headed up to get some lunch, and I decided to go sit down and drink water, in this lightly shaded area, with a nice cross breeze. 52 oz of water later I started to feel ok again, and a bit later I got up to get some lunch and sat back down again. Another 26 oz of water later I headed down to re-join the group and listen for a bit more.

I admit we were a ways back from the stage, but I was expecting more people to mostly pay attention to the band. This was not the case. people behind us and in front of us didn’t stop their hum of chatter for a good chunk of the time.

Eventually my water equilibrium got lost again, so I went back up to where I had taken a break before. I realized at this time that even on chairs at work I adjust myself, on soft char where I watch TV from, I often dramatically change positions. Maybe to move my weight around maybe not, but with the lumpy ground it was very hard to swap around.

After a realization, and checking to see how much it would cost to take a Lyft home, I remembered that they had a Des Moines shuttle, and after checking, found it was available for all ticket holders. So I checked with Shannon, texted goodbye to the Matta’s and headed to the edge of the bowl of the area, as to not have to walk all the way down the hill and back up.

While exiting, there were some not great parts. First, I got to the entrance area, and got a bit of crap for not going though the exit (I never say a sign), but he let me go through. Second, my tired ass stood around for a bit deciding if I should cross the street just outside the entrance or walk all the way around. The signs for the Des Moines Shuttle led me to hike down, and then hike back. As someone that was tired, this was quite annoying. Yes yes, safety, crossing the street in a designated area. Eventually I found the right place and got on a bus for kids and had a nice wind flow as we headed back to Des Moines. As I was being cooled down I started to feel a lot better. Shannon picked me up and we headed home, showered, 2 of my big water bottles later I was able to have enough water to go to the bathroom again.

Other thing I noticed, the vast majority of the food vendors were the same company. They had names on the booths to give the impression of a variety of vendors, but they’re all the same group. Interesting niche in a market to fill, I suppose, and probably easier to contract a company that provides their own workers. Being how hot and sunny it was, there were a lot of people wearing black, I did not understand this position to take.

This all being said, I marked Hans Williams, Madison Cunningham, and Red Clay Strays to listen to. I didn’t make it until Charley Crokett, I think he was about to start when I got on the bus. I did make a temporary beetle friend.

Todd’s Neat Futons, Samuel Locke-Ward vs The Bassturd, Jason Hennesy - Trumpet Blossom Cafe, Iowa City, Iowa - 7/13/2024

I had a nice, mostly relaxing, drive to and from Iowa City. At some point I recognized the drive there as the “this is the way I’d go if I was going to Big Grove Iowa City.” I’m not sure what I was expecting. I vaguely remember Todd’s Neat Futons, but I’m not if that’s by reference only or some of their actual music. I went to see the Bassturd at least once, at a place that is no longer open in Des Moines, I think? It was a while ago. I did buy a hand painted CD, though. I thought about having something, but they closed off the coffee tap, and I was sitting at a table of sober people. So Water!

Jason Hennesy

Songs were interesting and personal and usually funny.

Samuel Locke-Ward vs The Bassturd

They switched back and forth between songs as they said. It ranged from art rock to seeming like they wanted to annoy their audience.

Todd’s Neat Futons

I’ve met Todd on at least one occasion, Lived with Brandon (Dunar). The songs were based on TV, Movies, and high school things, with a few covers thrown in (cause high school band). I suppose the high school bands that I saw in high school impressed me more rather then my overly critical current state. Other then the covers, I don’t think I recognized anything and even though I forget a lot of things, I tend to hold music references in my head. So perhaps I haven’t heard them before. It was fund to watch Brandon have fun on a stage again. They closed out their set with a slightly modified “Fight for your Right to Party”.

Interesting show overall. It was this, 80/35, or nothing, Most of the time I’d end up with nothing.