Saturday, August 7, 2010

Geezer Night Out

Last night was the Carnival of Madness concert at CMAC in Canandaigua.



It was my first time there (and in all probability, my last since I am rarely in NY in the summer) so I had no idea what to expect as far as the venue. Smaller than the Verizon Wireless Center in Indy and much more comfortable. The fairly constant breeze from the lake had a lot to do with that. There was a lovely mural on one of the walls,


denoting music, lakes, and grapes (this is wine country after all). And in addition to the typical beer, wine, and merchandise vendors there were also booths that sold food. Food we don't have back home in Kentucky.


(I want to know where the dinosaur ranch is)

The first band up was 10 Years. I had seen them once before in Indy and I looked forward to seeing them again. They did not disappoint.



At one point during their show, the drummer started tossing sticks into the audience. Not to be outdone, the guitar player brought this out


and the crowd went crazy. He didn't toss it but he did use it in a unique way,



which caused my brain to cry out, "But that's a Zildjian cymbal!" My favorites. I had to take a break to recover from the slaughter.

Meanwhile, Sevendust (named after the garden insect killer) had been busy setting up. I wandered back to my seat in time for some MAJOR head banging.


The first time I saw them was in a bar in Louisville. It was fun but nowhere near as theatrical as they were on a huge stage. Very entertaining.

As they finished up, Bassman and our friends finally arrived (they came from Rochester). Just in time for Puddle of Mudd



who were kind enough to remember all their lyrics (who doesn't want to hear the entire version of Psycho? Exactly).

Chevelle quickly followed. I had never seen them before. Great voices, amazing musicians,



but a tad too mellow for this old geezer.

I had to take another break so I wandered outside. Where drunken drama took place.



Not an unusual occurrence when that much alcohol is consumed. What was unusual was that within seconds the troublemaker had a whole bunch of new friends.



The problem was resolved quickly with most people none the wiser. Good job security.

By that time I was getting tired (I am not used to standing for so long) but I knew I couldn't leave without seeing the headliners, Shinedown.



Bassman and I made it through two songs before I had to call it a night (I know, I know. I am a weenie). We also wanted to get out of there before all the drunks hit the highway.

I had a great time. Not only did I buy the T-shirts, but I also walked away with this prize,


Sure, to you it looks like an empty water bottle but it is so much more than that. The lead singer from 10 Years drank from it and then tossed it to me. I will treasure it always. Or at least until I take the recycling out.

4 comments:

Mara said...

It sounds like you had a great time. Not really my cup of tea by the sound of it, but then again, a live performance is always better than a recording, if only for the atmosphere! (oh and the empty water bottles of course)

Betsy said...

What a riot! (no, not literally!) ~ it was really fun and just what I needed after a long week...not to mention that it was good to see you, Donna...and as usual, you were the perfect "hostess" inviting us to join you and Bassman! I had a wildly good time...and enjoyed letting my hair down! I'm so glad you were the lukcy one to catch the bottle (wish for you it HAD been a drumstick)...and a HUGE THANK YOU for the t-shirt! What a GRAND surprise!!! You're a peach...and I'd go to a concert with you anytime!! Come back to visit....PLEEEESE!!! Smiles = ) B.

Misfit in Paradise said...

It was a good time! And Betsy, I am glad you and Mike could join us.

magiceye said...

sure seems like a great night out!