Singer
songwriter Howie Day happened to be in town this past Monday. I was
somewhat familiar with his music and the show was only $15 so I figured it
would be a nice diversion. After work and before the show I found a
warm funky sushi bar. Deep Sushi (hmmmm) offered a nice combination of
fresh raw stuff and teriyaki. Eating raw fish in the middle of Texas?
I am not aware of any nearby oceans so please keep the beef coming. A
subtle seaweed salad and cup of miso made my meal a delight and the warm
green tea prepared me nicely for Howie. Pssst... I did have a little
California roll but that's as close as I am getting to "true" sushi.
Trees was a short walk from the restaurant and Howie had just come on when I
got inside.
A two story box with a bar upstairs and a open floor circled by a thin balcony made Trees feel like a tree house. The center pillars were in fact tree trucks, bark and all. I can't imagine that this place holds over 300 people so the crowd was right up on top of Howie and his new band. If you don't know Howie then listen up. He is a very talented song writer and as a performer he is at the top right now. You may not have heard of him but you will and soon. He has put together a great band and since he is an artist on the cusp he is really on fire. He interacted with crowd and made us all feel like we were at some backyard party and he was the band. His vocals and heartfelt lyrics combined with eagerness to please the fans made this show the best of year for me thus far.
- Brace Yourself
- Secret
- Numbness For Sound
- Collide
- Perfect Time of Day
- End of Our Days
- Sorry So Sorry (Band Debut)
- Trouble in Here
- Sunday Morning Song
- I'll Take You On >Norwegian Wood [Beatles, the (tease)]
- You & a Promise
- She Says
- Encore: Ghost >Beams of Light (Solo)
- Morning After
I made some new friends at the show as well. A local music (and beer) aficionado named Jim told of his experiences seeing Howie in the past. He helped me with the songs I was not familiar with and made me laugh more than once as he struggled to talk and stand at the same time. I also met a few record company representatives as well. The performance and crowd reaction should have impressed them. This was Howie's crowd and they let him know even during his awkward attempt at free stylin'. It was a cute attempt at rap and the audience helped him out with hand waves and shout backs. Do a little bit of homework and look what can happen. I have found a little home away from home while working in Dallas. For the rest ya'll, ya need to be fixin' on checkin' Howie out real soon.
shhhh
Peace,
Sean
Extra credit, if you want it, below.
It's early Saturday morning and I just off the phone with my mom. She was up playing with her new Bendos. Let's just call it Grandma road testing. Built on the "Gumby platform" these toys are just too much fun. I do find the cow a little disturbing but these little bendable figures let kids use their imagination. Forget the DVD player in your car, a bunch of Bendos is cheaper and better for their brains. My mom is going to place the different figures throughout the house and then let my twin nephews (21/2 years) "discover" them over the course of their visit. OK...? I think mom is spending way too much time watching Nickelodeon. New toys and a stealth plan for deploying the fun. Aww the life of being Grandma. Either way I want some so I hope my nephews miss a few that way I can pick one up over Thanksgiving.
http://www.kidgalaxy.com/Bendos.html
Coolio,
Sean