He's real I tell ya...

He's real I tell ya....

There could not be a more perfect festival setting than the Gorge in WA....over Memorial Day weekend. It's incredible, simple as that. AND, the Gorge just so happens to be hosting this year's Sasquatch festival again. My brother and I have always shared a similar fascination with Mr. Sasquatch. Sure, sure, we've seen see the footage revealed. But I'm not totally convinced he isn't out and about strolling down Michigan Ave....a Sasquatch wears nice clothes too, ya know.

Go to the Gorge, watch this amazing lineup. There will be sunsets you will never forget.

www.sasquatchfestival.com

So it is...

I had a crappy day. Crappy day's happen. Sure, work was tough...and yes, I wan't estatic about Ms. Chatty sitting down next to me on the train ride home and spending the next 45 minutes blaring into my ear on her cell phone about how her boyfriend is a lousy sack of.....rice and beans. I quickly attempted to mute my seatmate's screaching tone and obnoxious laugh with an all not-so-subtle increase in I-Pod volume only to realize that there was no way in hell to drown this noise machine. I instead did what any normal human would do...I blushed and felt incredibly embarrassed that someone would act this way in public.


I was once again enlightened with perspective about getting upset over such a stupid episode upon learning of the passing of an old high school friend's sister. Pitiful how quickly we lose perspective on what's important in this rat race of life. Damn, my heart & soul are out to you and your family my friend. Again too young, no reason.


I knew no other way to contemplate this situation than by turning to music. I just purchased Two Gallant's new album..."What the Toll Tells"....fans of "the Throes" will only be even more satisfied....another stellar performance from our San Fran duo. Hopefully a Chicago visit is in the works and I would highly recommend not missing out...these guys pull off something quite incredible for a two-man band.

-Bott

Inconsiderate...

It's been over a week, I know, I know...all of my millions....hundreds....2 readers are wondering how I could be so inconsiderate to leave you all hanging by a string, awaiting my next post. I wish I had some really solid, humorous tale to tell, but instead I will leave you with a series of random occurences from the week.

- Had a great time catching up with an old friend who I haven't seen in 3 years.
- Spent last weekend downtown snapping pictures on a picturesque winter day in Chicago.
- Purchased a CD that I meant to purchase long, long ago. "Mirror Conspiracy" by Thievery Corporation...one of the best lounge discs you'll ever hear. Do yourself a favor and purchase this disc...then host a wine & cheese party and illuminate the room in blue lights...it's only fitting.
- Put together a very special project for a very special someone.
- Looking forward to seeing a very talented artist tomorrow night in one of my favorite venues.
- Realized that Chicago weatherman get an odd satisfaction out of informing the city that we are about to be blasted with freezing cold weather...and much to my dismay...they are ALWAYS right.
- It's been a loooonnnngggg week and I'm beat.

-Bott

Southern Comfort...

I took a trek South this past weekend. People are just nicer in the South and hot damn can they cook. Might I first recommend a visit to 17th Street Bar-B-Q in Murphysboro, IL. Yes, that's right...for the first time in my life, I am qualifying southern Illinois as the South. Hell, I didn't even realize Illinois existed outside of Chicago...it's sad how we Chi-towners allow this mentality to corrupt our minds.

Aside from sharing a fine, fine....flat out AMAZING meal with some locals, I was treated to some of the most fantastic hunting stories. In one engaging conversation, a pleasant young man asked me if I had ever been hunting....in fact, this is the very first thing he said to me. I shamefully ducked my head and began telling him about my one experience in the "hill country" of Texas where I sat in a blind and waited until a timed feeder attracted more than 20 deer. He laughed even louder when I described how I was merely an observer on this particular "hunting" trek. This man proceeded to tell me about the buck he took out last hunting season with a bow...as in bow and arrow...he used a bow and arrow to kill a large beast...wow...as in WOW I felt like Mr. Yuppie Hunter.

Nashville was nothing short of...bitter cold. Bundled up I shared the sights, sounds, scenes and familiar sights with another brave soul. If you haven't been, go to Jackson's on 21st Ave. They serve up an ecelectic menu and probably the best wine I've ever tasted. Four Emus...go buy a bottle right now.

When you're done feasting, go to 3rd & Lindsey or Exit/In to catch a show. Both fine venues. If at the former, order up some serious double Jack & Cokes. No, not just because you're in the South, but because the bartenders only know how to pour the stiffest drinks alive. Two bevros and you'll be chanting for the waitress to get on stage to perform some bluegrass, at which point you'll quickly sober up as you realize there are equally as many not-so-talented folks trying to make it out there.

I had one of the best weekends ever. Simple as that. I'm tired.

-Bott
Listen to: Bonnie Prince Billy & Tortoise