A baguette, the Jewish Hospital, and KISS

I have an absolute fear of social holidays. I hate them, generally. I hate them because of the pressure that is implied in having a great time. You know, the 4th of July, Halloween, New Years. Every year as they approach, I begin the difficult task of planning the event. And then last year on Halloween, it dawned on me- there is a certain way to ensure you'll have a great time. Go to a rock show. Last year, I attened the Hold Steady show at the Ryman. This year it would be Monsters of Folk at Louisville Palace Theatre. While you might originally think that The Hold Steady would be far and away more raucous than a band called Monsters of Folk. You would be sorely mistaken.

My dear friend, Art and I made the journey to Louisville on Saturday night. And what can I say about the show? It was incredible. Absolutely incredible. While I was initially disappointed that the band didn't dress up, my disappointment was quickly dismissed when they returned after the intermission dressed as KISS. They played some covers and some originals in those classy silver heels. It was beautiful.

For me, getting the chance to see Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis is also full of memories. I always feel awkward saying it- and I never want it to sound like it will always sound- but the two are old friends of mine, so getting to see them and spend some time with them is always a treat. Luckily, that happened, though no without our fair share of hardships.

While Mike provided us both with after-show passes, we waited (read: finished our drinks) about 15 minutes after the show before proceeding to the backstage area. At this time, we were informed by the lovely authorities (read: security) that we had "missed the boat," "didn't make that train," "were too late for the flight." Yes, I'm kidding about the last one, but there were a series of transporation metaphors to tell Art and I that our passes were no longer valid. Luckily, we ran into the tour manager, who was able to tell the lovely authorities that they were in fact wrong and that we had every right to be mean to them.

Now, I could regal you with stories about our time back stage, but I won't. Because, well, I shouldn't. We had a great time. We met some lovely folks (of whom I'll tell you more about at a later date) and shenanigans ensued. I fully blame "shenanigans" for my loss of my cell phone on the tour bus and my solo journey through the streets of Louisville...but like I said, that is best left unsaid. On a more positive note, here are pictures from the trip. And some videos for your enjoyment. (Warning: the sound gets a little unbearable toward the last few videos, so turn it down before playing).

I'd like to say thank you to Conor for the baguette, to Mike for the tequila, to Roy for knowing about STATA, and Matt Ward for standing within five feet of me.

Monsters of Folk Trip to Louisville