August 3, 2004

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  Barenaked & Barely Breathing

  
  

  Now anyone who has ever gone to an event out at Red Rocks Amphitheater knows that in order to get into the venue, you first have to hike up the side of this enormous rock.  We’re talking a very steep incline that takes you up the side and around into the seating area. 

  
  

  I know that I’m not in the best shape…hell, I’m fat people!  But even I have never had a terrible time getting up into Red Rocks.  However, last night was a different story altogether.

  
  

  I was doing just fine going up the first portion of the ramp until about half way and then couldn’t catch my breathe…at all.  So I stopped at the platform (there’s three along the way) to attempt to get my breathe back before moving on.  It wound up being a bigger struggle than I imagined…in fact, it was extremely difficult for me. 

  
  

  

  
  

  I figured it was just because I haven’t been at that altitude in a while nor have I been extremely active.  Like I said, I’m not exactly in shape.

  
  

  I had to stop several more times before reaching the main level for seating.  Of course, we were in the 51st row which meant I had a lot more stairs to climb in order to reach my final seating destination.

  
  

  We eventually got there, but I was exhausted!!

  
  

  Jason went to get us some refreshments while I sat, rested and enjoyed the view of natural beauty that surrounded me…and of course, people watched!  After a few minutes I was feeling much better and had settled down a bit.  We sat and waited for the opening act to begin.

  
  

  A gentleman, whose name was Mark something or other…began to play his guitar on center stage.  He didn’t even introduce himself until after his first song.  I thought this a bit strange, but hey…who am I right?

  
  

  While he’s playing his diddy, I’m paying attention to the skies above us.  It had been raining off and on for over 2 hours or so and the cloud cover was still quite thick.  The wind had kicked up a bit and was cooling me down quite nicely after my hike from the parking lot.

  
  

  It sprinkled a bit here and there, but fortunately for us the weather was being generous that evening.

  
  

  

  
  

   After about 4 songs the opening act was complete and the stage crew finished setting up for Alanis.  When she finally came on she did so with enthusiasm and vigor!

  
  

  Her show was very energetic and quite entertaining!  I don’t know a great number of her songs, but I know a few.  There were quite a few people however, mostly women, that knew every word to every song that she played and sang them loud, proud and passionately.

  
  

  Before singing her final song, she invited the boys from Barenaked Ladies on the stage to join her.  It was fun to see them all singing together and interacting on stage.  They all seem to enjoy each other’s company and looked like that were having a wonderful time.

  
  

  After the song ended, Steve and Ed from BNL stayed on stage a moment to tell everyone that they’d be back out to play in about 30 minutes.  The crowd was displeased with that news…seeing that we’d have to wait another half an hour to see them, but they said, “hey…they need to set up our drums and such before we can play you guys”.

  
  

  Yes…they did a complete change out of stage decor and just as they’d said, after about 30 minutes BNL took the stage.  The crowd were on their feet and cheering!

  
  

  They played for over 2 hours.  Many songs from their new album…but a number of old favorites as well.  One thing that they didn’t do was play the two songs that have had radio airplay recently.  I read somewhere that they like to play songs that most people aren’t as familiar with while on tour…something about they want to give the crowds more than just their hits.  That’s cool and the show was incredible!!

  
  

  Steve and Ed were quite entertaining by themselves and I think they may have missed their calling as comedians, but the concert overall is one of the best that I’ve been to in a long time.  If they come to your city and you enjoy their music…go see them!!  You won’t be sorry that you did…I guarantee it!

  • 11:09 am
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