100 Monkeys Indiana Fans
 
I have been avoiding writing this.  

I am usually good with words, but they have failed me regarding Tampa.  I have become certain that is because the events surrounding that show were largely of great personal significance and of nearly zero public import.  Disappointment in misjudging people.  An unexpected smile of remembrance.  Awareness of an impending breech of self-esteem.  Onset of the flu.  These things all mattered greatly to me, but are not at all blog-worthy.

So this will be brief and factual.
Upon arrival our confused glances across the street from the venue were met with the angry explanation that those gathered in lawn chairs there had answered our unspoken question earlier:  “We aren’t here for the concert.  We are gonna get Jasper’s autograph!”  This earned the ire of those in line in the early hours of the afternoon, and that anger would be the only negativity in line.  It escalated when, as the band soundchecked, the cluster moved to the stage door entrance and waited.  We were shocked when Jackson came out to sign the autographs, but he did so – at least largely, if not entirely – in silence...and then they left.

The venue was dark and fabulous.  The stage was wider again, and I was once more in front.  The opening acts were among the best I have heard with them.  With a 3-string bass, French horn, and beatboxer, Fancy Rat won me immediately.  They were quirky, playing in odd rhythms and singing unexpectedly witty lyrics.  I was in heaven.  Lions After Dark also lit up the venue with some of the very best lead singer stage presence I have ever seen.  She was AMAZING.  She managed to flirt from the stage without pissing off the women.  Impressive.  And, of course, there was Jake of The Kissing Club.  I think I can speak on behalf of my friends in saying that we love Jake.  He is amazing musically and kind personally.  He smirked as he started into one number midway through his set and said, with a nod to the front row, “I think SOME of you may know the lyrics by now...so sing along.”  Of course, we obliged.

Then, it was Monkey time.  I never take pics while they set up.  Except for Tampa.  I have a leaning toward the ponytail on a certain Monkey, and I was sure it would be gone when he really came out to play, so I snapped shots. Thing is...the tail stayed.  Yay! The set was fabulously energetic with LOTS of humor and craziness.  The improv was provided via text message from a friend who was not with us, but when I shared “Skinny Dipping” with Jerad, his eyes went big and he said, “THAT is GOOD!”  Indeed, it was.  Witty and squeal-worthy, the song was met with great reactions.The venue was the stopping force for the evening, but the band stayed around to sign autographs for a lengthy time after.  Before adding to the Monkey line, I had the distinct pleasure of being the first ever to own a Jake Miller autograph.  In the Monkey line, I got another copy of GRAPE to replace one sent to a radio station.  Warning:  If it would be Jerad opening your CD cover, open it yourself.  He apparently tears them regularly.  Mine fell victim, and yielded a lot of groans and laughs.

It is odd that I always feel like I should say goodbye after seeing them a few times in a row.  We are not friends.  I do not really know them.  But 100 Monkeys is a pretty huge part of my life and who I am becoming.  And you say goodbye to people like that.

It is a good thing it would only be three weeks until Spencer Bell weekend.

 


Comments

Tampa attendee

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 3:19:44 pm

We all misjudge from time to time...Perhaps those you misjudged are understanding.

Was a lovely show...the whole place abuzz with energy and electricity. All the bands were magnificent and your monkeys sure didn't disappoint.

Nice blog...

 



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