We saw somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 concerts from 2000-2009. Some years we only saw one show all year and some years we saw about 9 shows. I know for some folks 50 concerts is what they see in one year, but we live in Richmond and up until recently we haven’t really had venues that people over 30 should go to…meaning we have small clubs/bars but we’re not looking to hook up so we don’t generally go to those. One of the city’s major venues was closed for an eternity while the city and people with large pocketbooks argued over how to renovate and expand it. It has only just reopened. We also traveled out of town for almost 20 of the shows we saw.
Last night I compiled a list of all the shows we saw and we picked our top 6. Here they are in no particular order, but they are grouped by year:
1. John Mayer, Charlie Hunter and Guster (2002). This show was on Brown’s Island and it was before John Mayer exploded. His guitar playing was outstanding and that’s what has kept me listening even when it seems like he’s on the cover of the tabloids way too often. I know he plays like a guitar god. Also, Charlie Hunter!
2. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2003). We’ve seen him twice but this was the first time and with the E Street Band. I had, before this show, been kind of on the fence about Bruce. It all changed after seeing them perform live.
3. Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams and Patty Griffin (2003). They called it a guitar pull which basically means it feels like you are hanging out in someone’s living room while really amazing music happens.
4. Blind Boys of Alabama with John Hammond (2003). John Hammond was so-so. Jimmy Carter and the other members of the Blind Boys burned down the house. It’s probably why that venue I mentioned had to close for renovations.
5. Eric Clapton with Robert Randolph and the Family Band (2004). There’s really nothing I can say other than Eric. Fucking. Clapton. and Robert Randolph smoked.
6. Patricia Barber (2009). Old speakeasy bar in Chicago with nothing but drinks on the menu, people wedged into tables and bar stools and then Patricia Barber sings. A nearly perfect night.