Marcus Miller Conert

Last night me and the Michaels went and saw Marcus Miller at the Variety Play house. A few months ago I didn't know who he was which is frankly just unacceptable for a bass fan and player. Because I mostly listened to Rock growing up I wasn't as familiar with the great jazz and funk bass players. I noticed Marcus was coming to the Play House and the description sounded interesting so I listened to some of his music on Spotify and instantly ordered some CDs. When I mentioned him to my bass teacher, he finished the name before I could say Marucs. Childhood prodigy he told me....definitely go see him. And that's what I did.

Show was on a Friday night. M. Morgan and M. Barringer and I went to the Wrecking Bar first for dinner and some fresh beer. The food, atmosphere and beer were great. I tried some octopus for an appetizer, had some Brunswick stew, and a pastrami sandwich.

The show was all that I hoped. It was sold out (which I believe is about 1,000 people). There is really no bad seats in the playhouse be we somehow managed to grab 3 seats, 4th row, center stage. It couldn't really get much better. I could watch Marcus's hand work and be amazed. He plays the bass so many different ways.

Playing the bass clarinet. Awesome sound.

He seemed totally laid back and had a great interaction with the crowed. He constantly gave credit and attention to the other young musicians he surrounded himself with. The band included Marcus on bass (and bass clarinet once), drummer, percussionist, saxophone, piano/keyboard, and electric guitarist. There was no opening act and they played form 8pm till after 11 pm I believe with only a 20 minute intermission. It was a lot of great music! I don't remember all the songs but he definitely played:
Detroit, Slippin into Darkness, and Goree off of the Renaissance album
Hylife, B's River, We Were There, and Papa was a Rolling Stone off of Afrodeezia

Marcus and I after he signed my CD!

Marcus and Michael

I bought the Afrodeezia CD at the show and he signed it afterwards. There was a short line at his merchandise table after the show and he came out about 10 minutes after the show and took the time to take pictures with us and sign stuff. So cool that he took the time to do that. I'll definitely be continuing to purchase his music and see him next time he is in town! He is a must see for any bass fan no matter what your music preference is. He might just expand your interests like he did mine.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

I had been wanting to try stand up paddle boarding (SUP) for a while. It is supposedly the fastest growing sport or recreational activity. It looks both fun and potentially relaxing. Everybody was not as eager to try it as I was but Diane really wanted it to be a family activity so we all went. I think the kids were interested but just very concerned about falling in. I said it wouldn't be a good story if at least one person doesn't fall in :)

 

 

You paddle away from dock on your knees before you stand up.

 

No one fell in until the very end when we were headed back to the dock. A momentary lapse in concentration led to Drew landing in the drink. I've never seen him swim so fast! He was so worried about touching the bottom for some reason :)



Moments after the plunge....hugging his board.



Group shot after the paddle

We all really ended up enjoying it. It takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable but overall not very hard. Drew and I really want to buy boards but the high cost is stopping is at the moment.