“Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” – Tripping Billies

I caught DMB out at the Nissan Pavilion Saturday night for my 4th concert in 4 weeks (which brings my total ticket cost of this summer to more than $500). They sounded great, and as always I found myself in awe of Carter Beauford’s mad chops.

I was fortunate enough to score tickets in the pit for yesterday’s Death Cab for Cutie show at the Meriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. The Pavilion is great– designed by Frank Gehry in 1967, it’s consistently named one of best outdoor venues in America. Death Cab played almost all of their tracks off of Narrow Stairs and also mixed in some older stuff like “Tiny Vessels” from Transatlanticism.

Fred sits alone at his desk in the dark
There’s an awkward young shadow that waits in the hall
He’s cleared all his things and he’s put them in boxes
Things that remind him: ‘Life has been good’

Last night I caught Ben Folds performing at Wolf Trap, which is called “America’s National Park for the Perfoming Arts”. Wolf Trap is a beautiful venue that sits just minutes down the road from DC– it’s easy to get to, has ample parking, and allows you to bring in your own alcohol and food.

I’ve seen him a few times before in Atlanta at the Roxy and the Tabernacle, but this was definitely the most personable and energetic performance that I’ve seen from him. As always, I still kick myself for not going to see Ben Folds Five when they were together.

I don’t wanna be your friend
I just wanna be your lover
No matter how it ends
No matter how it starts

Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine

It was cold and there was a torrential rain storm, but it was well worth it. Hearing Thom Yorke sing “Fake Plastic Trees” live is something that every music lover has to do at least once.