spatch

Dispatch happened last weekend at the TD Garden. It was another gem in my concert quest of 2011. Dispatch is my favorite band of all time without question. There music has had such a profound impact on my life. If I have only one song to listen to before my time is up, it's passerby. They happened to play it, too. There was so much energy among the crowd. It truly was a show where each song is potentially memorable.

Trying to put something the full concert into words is difficult since it was the type of show that consumes you.  I can say this: when you get 20,000 people together that love what Dispatch stands for, appreciate their role as arguably one of the greatest independent bands of all time and understand their balance of lyrics -- you have a recipe for Saturday's show.  They way in which they joke between songs, tell stories and blend in impenetrable chemistry makes for an energetic and thoughtful performance.

It's funny because they disbanded in 2002 citing "the wrong reasons." That is just other words for they were getting so large. And, it was becoming a head game. Nonetheless, they never signed on to a large record label. Their music lived on and fans could not let go -- and Dispatch did not want them to. Now, as most of the music world has seen, they sell out unprecedented venues because there is that much attraction, that much pull, that much influence. It's all documented in their documentary, Last Dispatch.

"They're your band, it's not like they're corporates band."

Who knows when their next tour will be. It does not come around often.The last time they played Boston prior to this weekend was 2004. Shame on you if you missed it!

I do, however, have some audio of 'decent' quality you can listen to. 

Little foggy -- but Pete sporting some Bruins gear

Stage

JP and his newly purchased kelly green Celtics Dispatch logo shirt

And, of course, I had to capture some Garden rich photos. The band -- especially Chad being a Boston native -- alluded to the Bruins on numerous occasions; wearing jerseys, speaking of the cup during songs, in between song banter and even references to Patrice Bergeron, who was in attendance.

knot just a passing afternoon

With a beautiful blend of Jewish and British traditions -- chalk full of fascinators and hava nagila -- my sister, Samantha, got married this weekend. It encompassed the collective merge of families from both sides of the pond with dear friends in tow, and manifested itself elegantly in Simsbury, CT.  I have never seen my sister so full of joy and nerves. She grabbed my hand before we started to walk and I knew we were all in for something special. She was composed, though, and managed to hold it together. She was a stunning bride. My new brother in law, Adam, is a stand up guy. The ceremony went swimmingly as did the entire wedding. The speeches were humorous and heartfelt. Tears were shed.

What amazed me this weekend was the politeness, love and overall welcoming nature of the new people I met. I speak mainly of the British and some Scottish friends/family who, with open arms, made the experience even more memorable. Learning cultural differences, debating sports, embracing the uniqueness of people when they're in an unfamiliar atmosphere and sliding back a cocktail or two made it special -- well, even more special.

Those are rich iotas in life. The surprises that make an already great experience greater.

Congratulations to Samantha. To Adam. And to believing in the immense power of love.

Colourful Tuesday

Dallas Green -- also known as City and Colour -- released Little Hell today. I have been anxiously waiting. He's really grown on me in the last five months or so. I've posted on his music before alluding to his melancholy lyrics, but praised his guitar skills. His new album is a bit louder. All that really means is that it's not nearly as acoustic. What's Little Hell? I read an interview of his about the title and he said that everyone goes through their own hardships -- or Little Hell if you will. Music is his escape and outlet. The music has the same effect for his fans. It seems fitting since we all have our bad days. Liberation of sorts.

Have a listen : O Sister

Album artwork: Little Hell

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