Don’t forget to play along in my personals ad contest – there are some very funny entries already! Deadline is 6 pm CST on Thursday, December 13. Now I realize that Cyn should actually be “Sin”… and watch out for Margene after she hits the martinis! 😉 (But I am so not knitting that edible thong.)
Saturday night my friend Lisa and I had an evening out in downtown St. Paul, starting with yummy pad thai at Ruam Mit Thai Cafe. We then walked over to the Fitzgerald Theater (very quickly and with much complaining, as it was bitterly cold) for The New Standards holiday show. The New Standards are an unconventional jazz trio composed of Chan Poling, John Munson, and Steve Roehm. They opened with their amazing version of the Clash’s “London Calling.”
If you remember the 1980s New Wave band the Suburbs, Poling was the lead singer – check out the YouTube videos of “Love Is the Law,” “Waiting,” and “Cows.” John Munson was in Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic (“Singing in My Sleep,” “Closing Time“). (Tangential tangent – I went to a lot of Trip Shakespeare shows back in the day, including on my birthday one year as a present from my brother. Munson’s “rap” in the middle of “Toolmaster of Brainerd” that night remains a favorite musical memory.)
The special guests on Saturday night were fabulous – Dan Wilson (Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic) sang “Free Life“; his brother Matt (Trip Shakespeare) made an appearance, too, and they both sang backup on the Trip Shakespeare song “Snow Day.” Other guests included Haley Bonar, Adam Levy of the Honeydogs, and Laurie Lundeen of Zuzu’s Petals. There was also an odd little bit where Poling’s wife Eleanor Mondale sang a very discordant round of “Silent Night” with him… Anyway, you’ll be able to listen to this show yourself if you’d like – it’s supposed to be broadcast and streamed on the Current on Christmas Eve. Although you won’t have the opportunity to get your picture taken sitting on Santa’s lap… both Lisa and I skipped that one! (Nope, there weren’t any kids at the show… so yeah, there were adults sitting on Santa’s lap. Feel free to discuss among your selves.)
This little dinosaur across the street from the Fitz in front of the McNally Smith College of Music caught my eye as we were heading back to the car after the show.
On Sunday, Jeanne and I headed over to Craftmas at the Uptown VFW. We didn’t buy any gifts, but I picked up a few things for myself… We also wandered over to Uncle Hugo’s/Uncle Edgar’s, then had lunch at French Meadow Cafe, and ended up at Needlework Unlimited because Jeanne was looking for some very specific yarn. A busy but very enjoyable weekend!
“I have no idea what a barrette is either, May. I agree, it does look like some sort of cat toy. Shall we?” -Chaos
Sounds like you had a busy but fun weekend! I don’t know what you do to those cats but I love that photo because they seem so curious!
How come you never told me that they, Needlework Unlimited, stock Jamieson’s? Now I expect you to tell me when they have any specials on it!
I guess by all that activity, you’re back to normal, eh?
Chicken;-)
Sounds like a great weekend!
Jazz trio…sounds so cool! Looks like you guys had a great time, lucky you! Thai is one of the only stuff we know will be gluten free these days…
As for me I was knitting…and knitting…and knitting…and dumbly accepted the request to knit 2 more scarves. Dumb.
OK, I read all that, and I want to know if Jeanne found her yarn? : )
Cute purchases!
I am ready for a nap just reading about your busy weekend – sounds like a blast.
What a fun weekend to get in the spirit!
Made me nostalgic for the bands of my youth ;->
Too bad the Current is not available in Duluth, sounds like it could be an interesting concert.
Sounds like you had quite an eclectic variety of activities this past weekend. Making me crave Thai food, along with the variety of resturants available in the Twin Cities…
I still have a terrible urge to visit Santa and sit on his lap. Only put off by the inevitable strange looks by both parents & kids I’d get. Maybe one day….
PS – I had a deprived childhood and there are some things I’ve yet to make up 😉
Glad you had a good weekend.
I really like the pink headband!
Dan Wilson? Went to Junior and Senior High School with him – he graduated in 79 too (yes we are that old). Except, he’s brilliant (Harvard?). I went on one date with him (after he quit Harvard). Adam Levy actually went to my high school too, but he was my sister’s age. I was actually more of a Sussman Lawrence gal.
My DH and four of our neighbors went to see the ‘Burbs reunion concert at the Basilica four or so years ago. It was awesome. As long as we’re being small worldish – Chan’s dad used to be my DH’s boss and we went to their house out in Wayzata every Christmas for a lovely party. They were very elegant and refined people.
Also? What new books did you find while your were shopping?
I like the dinosaur!
Sounds like a marvelous weekend! I loved the Suburbs back in the day.
Someone got me that same pink headband, but it clashed with my ninja suit.
i have a feeling I know where all my barrettes went now….
Glad you had FUN! That’s my idea of a busy weekend, any day!
Chaos & May, you don’t have enough fur for a barrette!
lolol
(((hugs)))
My brother used to manage Trip Shakespeare!
I guess for me it would depend on the Santa… Glad you had sucha fun-filled weekend!
What a lineup – a veritable who’s who of local rockers. Sounds like a great show – and a really fun weekend!
I think your decision on the knitted thong is a wise one. ^_~
It Sounds like a fun concert! I’ve always wanted to see them but the Skeptic has worked with them quite a bit so he never wants to go. Maybe someday I’ll manage to catch them. I’m a huge Dan Wilson fan.
I had about 20 minutes at Craftmas. Little Man was not in the mood….
No knitted thong? So sad.
Aren’t all things basically cat toys?
Sounds like you had a fun weekend!
I’m pretty sure that I won’t be knitting an edible thong either. Sounds like a fun weekend!
A busy and wonderful weekend indeed. It sounds as though you thoroughly enjoyed yourself.
That dinosaur is awesome. LOL.
London Calling is such a great tune! Sounds like a good weekend.
Edible thong? Snort, laugh, guffaw! I’d eat the licorice for a good sugar high and then probably cast on a pair of socks or something equally boring and conventional. I still plan on showing my DH the picture though!
In spite of the fridig air it sounds like you all had a wonderful time out this weekend.
Love the kitty inspection!
Oh what a TREAT! I’d have enjoyed a prairie dog at the ..oy, what’s it called? the diner….{sigh} sometimes old age is H-E-doubletoothpix. Did I ever mention my stint at Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop? oooooh yeah. I’d love to arrange a lunch..supper…brunch, tea, breaffus – I’m not proud -some time when I come up to the Cities. {wiping away a tear} makes me think of home…….Well, I think I’ve mentioned growing up in Mpls, but I went to Macalester, so I have some St. Paul street creds… (and those kitties are just TOO cute!)
That blow up dino is pretty interesting.
oh man – I know I’m getting old when I know absolutely zero of the musicians you named… sigh…
glad to hear you have a fun night out 🙂
This sounds like an awesome show!