Florence + The Machine: An Ethereal Journey from Bonnaroo to Chicago

I love it when you make arrangements four months prior to the actual event. The event 'sneak' is an added bonus.

So was the case with the Florence + The Machine concert. We had an eclectic crew in tow too, and a nice pre-dinner at Agami. I'll leave it to @phepbu to address that element.

Florence in case you haven't noticed, has been making hay in the music world as of late. She's been at Bonnaroo- the June 10 kick off to her US tour. This lithe and lovely performer, fresh from the rolling fields of TN was truly a pleasure to behold. While she is certainly her own performer- and distinct at that- I'd best describe her as a six corner intersection of Kate Bush, Bjork and Tori Amos. The audience demos reflect that too- suitably alternative yet everyone appeared to have bathed recently. A melange of gays, lesbians who looked like Joan Jet, modish straight girls, contemporary looking more mature women. People watching is one of the added bonuses of live music I think.

I was joined by some of my besties RGO (thanks for organizing!), SG, PH (check out his blog above), CP, and Pauline.  I think they were all as psyched as I, and the show didn't disappoint. It was visual as well as auditory candy. Being held at the Aragon Ballroom- a mish-mash in its own right only enhanced the experience. If you see Florence, you won't soon forget. It is no exaggeration to call her lithe, and the sprite-ish attire (long flowing garment with lots of leg) radiated vertical presence. The cycle of celestial themed scenery bespoke an other-wordly experience. Was this a transformative experience?

Finally, not to turn this into an anti-Ticketmaster screed, but was it necessary for this venue to use them? Ticketmaster is heavy handed with concert goers in the way Stalin was with peasants. Why do they nee to charge to print tickets at home? Really? Because they didn't do that five or so years ago. I mean what does that cost them? Ticketmaster, along with airlines and conspiracy theorists persist in spite of themselves. Ostensibly they shouldn't exist, as common sense would dictate otherwise. But then again, who is worse? Because we all paid to print our tickets at home. Note to Flo- you are talented enough to not need Ticketmaster!

Bottom line, see Flo. If you can feasibly avoid Ticketmaster- bonus for you.

Queers on Parade

i am a little tardy in making this entry, however I need to address Pride weekend. Admittedly, I classify myself amongst the post-gay. At this point, being a 'mo is really a non-issue. I am sure to rile the HRC with this one, but if someone doesn't want to hire me, live near me, trim my hair etc then good riddance. I really an industrious, tidy and a good tipper so their loss.

Ostensibly that negates the need for Pride. I'm here, I'm queer and I'm used to it. Oh, guess again. It is good to get out enjoy the sun, the vodka, the friends and the tide of humanity.

From Pride 2009

There is no better time to enjoy one's friends too. The possibilities are endless, and there is something that occurs when we consume minimal amounts of vodka in the sun. There is some sort of photolytic process that causes one to loose one's faculties. Friends sometimes get carried away, as did RG and SG.

From Pride 2009

That is not to say that the connections made are not worthy. I speak from experience on this one people, or all two of you who happen to have found your way to my blog. And what of those 'connections' you ask. Yes, what of them? I have learned from experience readers not to over analyze things. You'd be best to roll with it and learn to enjoy. That is really the theme of Pride, enjoy it and whatever you do don't think too much.

At the end of the afternoon that is not to say that all the celebrating and connections made do not become overwhelming. They do:



And that will do too. Time to head for home and re-hydrate Queers.