Finally made it to Granville Island, Vancouver, BC!

On October 3, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Cocktails, Food, Seattle, Shopping, Travel, VancouverLeave a comment

As many times as I’ve been to Vancouver, I’ve just never made time to visit Granville Island, one of the top tourist attractions here. Yesterday, I finally made it! After researching the water taxi situation, we made our way to Yaletown and caught the water taxi, a cute little boat that holds about 10 people comfortably. After a quick 10 minute ride across the water, we hopped off ($7.50 each round trip) and immediately immersed ourselves into the market. WOW-what amazing fruit including a long dark purple grape thing I had never seen before.

Granville Market had lovely fruit including kinds I had never seen

We meandered around looking at exotic spices, breads, meats, pasta, etc. If I lived in Vancouver, I would shop here all the time! While there are a lot of touristy shops, we were able to get away from the main drag and enjoyed looking through the handmade broom store. Whether you’re riding one (no, not ME, Thom!) or sweeping away the cobwebs, they make a broom for every need and they were just beautiful.

Next stop was the glassblowing shop where we enjoyed seeing the young gent blowing a colorful glass cup that unfortunately slipped off. To say he uttered a few bad words under his breath is an understatement but he was resolute and announced to those watching, “It happens.” DAMN that glass is expensive in the shop but when you see how long it takes to make it, you do understand the pricing.

After that, we were tired and needed a drink but the distillery was packed so we decided to find the diner I had seen on Yelp with it’s magnificent milkshakes and burgers. Unfortunately, we found out that the diner was on Granville STREET not Granville Island so we took the ferry, walked awhile and finally found it in the gritty part of downtown Vancouver–right next to the TripleXXX Peep show. We only take our friends Patti and Larry to the best places! Actually, the Templeton diner had good food and we were able to introduce Larry to poutine. YUM! Of course, when Larry thought we said another word similar to poutine, we almost spit out our drinks. Correcting him and cautioning him to NOT use that word again in public, we proceeded to enjoy those fries covered in white cheese and thick rich gravy along with our eclectic mix of salads, hamburgers, coconut chicken strips with chili sauce, and Portobello mushroom sandwich plus, of course, candy appletinis for Patti and I and milkshakes for the boys.

Interestingly, they make their appletinis with vodka, peach schnapps and apple juice and they were delicious, served to us in wine glasses because all their martini glasses were broken. Enjoying the jukebox and good company, we had an excellent first day in Vancouver! Today we are taking a walking tour of Gastown and tomorrow we will explore Chinatown. Looking forward to a relaxing foot massage if we can find a place!

Cocktails anyone?

On October 3, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Cocktails, Seattle, Travel, Uncategorized, VancouverLeave a comment

I have succumbed to the cocktail craze! When thinking of a new hobby, I had to consider the time it will take, the cost and whether I have a true passion for it…considered and DONE! So, cocktails it is for my new hobby! I love my red wine but it’s time to diversify. Mock me for being a sheep by following the latest hot trend but I will be one happy camper when I’m sipping my homemade appletinis while I gaze out at Elliott Bay.

To start, though, you absolutely MUST have a cocktail cart with all the right tools to mix a masterpiece. We switched our former turntable cart and then, being the thrifty shopper that I am, I hit up the local Goodwill store where all the Amazonians donate their barware that they no longer need. I was able to find awesome unique martini glasses ($1.99), an ice bucket ($4.99), shaker ($4.99) and little Pig olive picks ($1.99) to outfit my cart. Add in the necessary cocktail book found at the used bookstore for $9.99 so I know how to mix up a great martini and I’m on my way.

Next, I hit up the World Market in downtown Seattle, one of my favorite stores. There I got classic cocktail napkins, a jigger, a strainer, a muddler (mojitos!) and stirring spoon to complete my cocktail bar. They also had these teeny tiny liquor bottles I couldn’t resist–having a hard day at work? Hit up the little Kahlua or Chambord for a taste! I still have the little Irish Whiskey bottle I smuggled out of China that we got at the Irish Ball. Good times in Shanghai! But, I needed BIG bottles of liquor for my cocktails so I got to visit the local liquor store in Lower Queen Anne for the first time and find the makings for a good appletini.

WOW-hard liquor costs a lot of $$$! I needed apple schnapps, melon liquor and vodka according to my cocktail book recipe-total cost $65, more than all my bar cart items combined. But, after mixing my first cocktail for my visiting friends, Patti and Larry, I realized that a little liquor goes a LONG way! I kept trying to make the appletini less potent but, in the end, just one drink knocked us on our butts. We are such lightweights! I followed my cocktail bar recipe but it sure didn’t taste as sweet as the ones we had in the bars of Shanghai. God only knows what they put into them but DAMN they were tasty!

We’re off to Vancouver, Canada for a long weekend trip. Patti and I will have to get a bartender there to share his appletini secrets with us so I can come back and mix one last cocktail before Patti and Larry head home to Indiana. I think to make the winter months more interesting in dreary, wet Seattle, I might challenge myself to a try a different cocktail every weekend. Now that’s the kind of challenge I can write about!

Oh the places we’ll go….

On August 30, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, China, expat, Seattle, Shanghai, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Yesterday, an awesome person I hired four years ago sent me a picture of herself in that happy moment along with some kind words-she has gone on to quite a career since that time. It made my day. That got me all nostalgic and reminiscing about everything Thom and I have experienced since then and how it has shaped who I have become. Fearless I am after all that we have faced from Seattle to Shanghai and back again!

Patti & I hanging on for dear life in the boat in Beijing

After living apart for a year so I could join a great company when the opportunity presented itself, the family finally joined me here with James going off to Seattle U. and us selling the house we designed in Coeur d’Alene where the kids spent the majority of their childhood years. I still miss that hot tub with a view of the mountains and fireplace in the master–we built a great house. Damn!

Great sadness came when my Dad passed over Labor Day and I still miss him so much. I’m happy that Mom is doing so well living in South Bend and still looking good and playing bridge at 90. They live long in my family! Grandma Hannah made it all the way to 99 still living by herself.

Soon after, I had the great privilege of opening my store and introducing the Black Keys and One Republic at my store concerts-what fun that was to dance backstage. Since then, I’ve seen One Republic play in Shanghai and Orlando and they still rock it. Big perk of my job is seeing great talent over the years at many concerts–Lady Gaga, John Legend, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Allen Stone and the list goes on…and on…such talent to enjoy! I have no musical gifts so I appreciate those who are able to entertain us all.

Allen Stone and I hanging out at his private concert for my company. Cool dude!

While we enjoyed Seattle, we embraced our NYC adventure with great enthusiasm. Oh what fun we had while there for the brief six month assignment! Times Square every day for work and LOTS of Broadway plays with weekly trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Christmas in the city took my breath away and the kids came to share it all. I still get to go back occasionally for business and always fill up on the carbs I love so much-$1 bagels and $1 pizza are my guilty pleasures. We still visit the Madison Square Park dog park every time we go to NYC-Izaak spent many happy hours there playing with the other urban pooches. I hope some day to live there again-you never know.

Izaak's favorite place in NYC-Madison Square Dog Park — Izaak’s favorite place in NYC-Madison Square Dog Park

Then, of course, China was the best experience ever. I still stay in touch with my China team and wish I could be there to support them. At times, it seems like a dream that we lived there but I remember the little details so well–our smiling doorman, the fruit lady on the corner, the dancing groups on every corner every evening, our dvd store with the best looking dog in Shanghai hanging out front always. Our jaunts to Vietnam and Hong Kong were so fun and always filled with quirky wonderful moments. My best friend, Patti and her husband got to visit as well as James spending his holidays there. Thom is working on our book that will combine our blog posts and his amazing pictures. Goal is to have ready by end of the year and I encourage (nag!) him daily to finish so we can share with family & friends. We’ll publish on Amazon to help other expats going to China.

Golden retriever that was the house dog at our DVD store in Shanghai

Now, we are back to Seattle as we are meant to be, supporting James while he goes to law school and being in Boise often to see Hannah and Mike and watch our granddaughter, Mia, grow up. As I gaze upon Elliott Bay from our lower Queen Anne home, I am realistic that this is just a temporary stop in our worldwide adventure and that’s okay. I am appreciative and loving it for now. In a few weeks, we will take off to explore Amsterdam. FUN! Our dream one day is to live in 12 different countries in 12 months…don’t know when that will happen but as I look back on the incredible journey the last four years, I know anything is possible if you allow yourself to take risks and I’m all over that! Here’s to the next four years (raising my glass of vino)–may they be filled with great appreciation for all that life can offer. Carpe Diem all!

Getting Old Sucks (not me, of course, I haven’t had a bday for years!)

On August 24, 2015August 24, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn Dog, Pike Place Market, SeattleLeave a comment

As I do NOT celebrate another birthday this week, I am surrounded by signs that everyone around me IS getting older and my body is starting to betray me. WTF! Dr. Ken was kind enough to work me into his rotation today after I procrastinated months to visit after suffering with shoulder pain. Dr. K. informed me that, despite overall crazy good health, I probably had a “frozen” shoulder from taking a shove from the well-meaning dog who was jostling for premium positioning on my lap–my 60 pound lap dog that he thinks he is. Now, in most people’s minds, especially children, “frozen” is cool and popular in the movie sense. Not so much when that “frozen” settles in your shoulder restricting most movement and requiring assistance, Thank You Thom!, for clothing changes as needed. What do people do who don’t have lovely partners to assist when the tough times hit? I can’t even imagine that type of life and hope it never happens to me. Scary and sad!

So, off to the Ortho Dude I go! Thousands of dollars later despite having insurance, I will probably go through the MRI machine and get some cortisone shots as well. Now, this also could well be the Curse of the Frozen Shoulder and Izaak was just a pawn in the bigger mystery of the universe. See, my sis also had frozen shoulder(s) when she was my age, not that I age, so is this just coincidence or a family genetic curse??? Who knows but it hurts like hell and now wine or Aleve are my go-to’s for support to get through a happy day. However, as the optimistic Dr. K. pronounced, “It could be worse!” So, living up to my motto from way back, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” (shout out to Kelly Clarkson who sings it so well!), I will take my pain and put that happy face on it for as long as it takes to heal…WebMD says could take a year. Blah! Need to buy stock in Aleve and purchase my own winery I’m thinking. Hmmm……

Just like the shirt says “Happiness Rocks”

In the meantime, we enjoyed some awesome rock last night as KEXP sponsored a lovely evening of music played off the roof of Pike Place Market and featuring iconic artists: Mike McCready, Duff McKagan (both from Pearl Jam), Barrett Martin and Mark Arm just banging it out with thousands crowding Pike Place Market on a lovely August evening. Rock on!

We’re also gearing up for the kids (Baby Mia!) to come and visit us in Seattle over Labor Day–Children’s Museum, Aquarium and playground time galore. Then, it’s off to Amsterdam for a week of urban fun on our fall vacation. I foresee lots of biking and lovely photos to share with everyone. When I tell folks where we are going on vacation, it seems like EVERYONE BUT US has already been to Amsterdam. Time to catch up with the masses who all love it there.

A few days after we get back, my best friend Patti comes to visit with her husband Larry and we will show them all around our hometown as well as take the train to Vancouver for the weekend. In addition to a burlesque show at our new favorite club, The Triple Door, we’ll just have to Ride the Ducks with them….SO FUN! We do like to have fun wherever we go. Damn, life is good even with a bum shoulder!

A haze settles on Seattle-Hempfest Weekend is upon us!

On August 15, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Parks, Seattle, walkingLeave a comment

Groovy times on the Seattle waterfront this weekend at Hempfest! We live near the festival so we just had to check it out on our walk home after shopping downtown at two of our favorite stores, World Market and Mud Bay. Thor was needing a big boy diaper so a trip to Mud Bay was required–he’s one year old now and still prone to accidents so on goes the protection until such time as he can control his little self. But enough about Thor’s incontinence and on to a more popular topic, Hempfest!

Hop aboard the Canna-bus and take a ride! Guaranteed you'll smoke a pipe! — Hop aboard the Canna-bus and take a ride! Guaranteed you’ll smoke a pipe!

Trying to avoid the line to herd people into security for bag check, we tried skirting Hempfest crowd to walk along the waterfront. Quickly stopped by a friendly Staffing Pro gal, her supervisor immediately intervened after taking one look at us and waved us by without further ado. Guess we didn’t fit the Hempfest profile and he could instantly ascertain we were just wandering by on our way home with some purchases. Glad to keep on walking (my Fitbit is such a step whore–10,000 or more to be happy!) we quickly fell into the crowd walking as slow as humanly possible so they could smoke, eat and chat while strolling. Amazing how slow you can be when stoned I guess because I was weaving in and out like a madwoman just trying to move along. Seeing the food truck featuring fried PB&J and other fried delicacies was just info overload for their weed-laden brains. Squirrel!

“Is weed really legal to just smoke in public?” I innocently asked Thom. He explained that while it is not technically legal to light up in general, there certainly weren’t enough cops in Seattle to enforce any type of law so unless there was trouble, it was pretty much a smokefest of weed in the park. CHILL! The Canna-bus was quite the attraction selling branded apparel and booking events on the weed party bus. Just had to pose for a picture with it. Bet they have to have lots of fridges and microwaves in that bus to crank out the munchies!

Grass...enough said... — Grass…enough said…

James just got a pt job with a security company and his first assignment was yesterday in the pouring rain and lightning checking bags at Hempfest for alcohol, which was NOT allowed but a small handful of weed was cool. Interesting standards but at least the crowd was subdued vs. hyped up and crazy. After the worst working day of his life, James crawled home for hot food and rest before another fun day keeping the peace at Hempfest. Jobs like these will help him stay focused on excelling at law school, which he starts next week. I’m super proud he persevered through a ten hour day of Hell. He is surely my son with that type of work ethic!

As the haze settles on Seattle, we are looking forward to seeing how Amsterdam embraces their pot culture by comparison to Seattle. We leave in four weeks for our Netherlands adventure and I cannot wait!

NYC Never Disappoints

On July 19, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, New York City, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

While it’s good to be back home again in Seattle (at least for a few days), as I walk the silent, relatively clean streets, I ache for the hustle and bustle of the NYC action where, night or day, there is a whole lot of something, something going on. Speaking of action, I had the good fortune to be in the city when the Asian Art Alliance was having their benefit. Our friend, Andrea, runs this great organization so I was able to hang out with her hubbie and Thom’s best friend since kindergarten, Ronnie, and enjoy super talented artists doing their thing. From a Broadway singer giving us a sneak peek at the new George Taikei musical coming this fall, Allegiance, to a beatbox artist and a singer from Thailand, it was such a lovely evening with some energetic dance moves from the master of ceremonies-queue the video:

Going downtown to attend the event, I bravely hopped on the #1 subway and prayed it was going in the right direction. Thank God–the numbers were decreasing so I was headed to south Manhattan as planned! Confident as I exited on Hudson Street, I got the loveliest random compliment from a random dude as he walked into a Dunkin Donut–” You’ve got style!” he quipped as he checked out my new black dress anchored by my turquoise belt that I’ve had for years and still dearly love. Why thank you Mr. Complete Stranger! Way to make my day!

On to the Asian Art Alliance event….I do appreciate all artists as I have no musical talent whatsoever. As I chatted with the beatboxing guy, complimenting him on his performance, I contemplated how brave and determined these performers must be to endure what has to be a hand-to-mouth struggle as they pursue their passion. I’m too practical and scared to do anything like that, preferring a steady paycheck and benefits but I do envy them following their dream. If I can encourage and thank them for sharing their music, I always try to and have had great conversations recently with everyone from a singer at a Vancouver benefit that was performing for the first time in public to Allen Stone at a company benefit. What a joy they bring to us who are musically challenged!

Bryant Park does outdoor movies in the summer

Earlier in my NYC week, I envied the huge crowd queued up to watch an outdoor movie in Bryant Park with their blankets spread out hours in advance. I wonder if the hotel would have minded me taking their nice white towel to the park?? Not as much fun without Thom but maybe next time. I did finally have a Shake Shack hamburger–good but not quite worth the hype. The Shake Shack in Madison Park always has a huge crowd and lines where you wait an hour or so. Crazy! There is one by my hotel near Grand Central with no line so I came home from the Asian Arts Alliance late and was starving so it was time to check it out. Yum but our local Seattle joint Dick’s puts it to shame for half the price and quite frankly, much better taste. Plus, Dick’s just makes me giggle every time Thom says, “Let’s go grab a bag of Dick’s”. What am I 12?

After a very busy week in Manhattan, I actually slept on the plane home which I rarely am able to do. I arrived home to a gorgeous “cotton candy” sunset and a weekend spent catching up on life and cuddling with my puppies. Thom is back home in Indiana supporting my Mom while my sister Becky is in Europe-lucky her! Jealous with Europe envy, I finally booked our September vacation. We are off on another adventure–AMSTERDAM HERE WE COME!

Shoes and Tattoos-Let the Anniversary Celebration Begin!

On July 3, 2015July 3, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, expat, SeattleLeave a comment

“Delightfully strange” is how we were described by one of Thom’s friends today when he explained on his social media that we were about to celebrate our 27th Anniversary with our “shoes and tattoos” tradition. What–doesn’t everyone inject their body with ink and buy ridiculously expensive and fabulous shoes on their wedding anniversary? If not, I am so sad for all of you. Start living the delightfully strange life like us–it’s never too late to start! An anniversary dinner might taste good but a tattoo and quality shoes last forever.

Yes, green boots for Thom. He is Irish after all.

We started our tattoo tradition just before leaving on our adventure to live in China. I got the Chinese symbol for happiness and Thom got a Dr. Who time machine, more commonly called a Tardis, on his arm… that’s not strange, right? In China, we had to pause on the inking due to health concerns and wanting to live another day but we did get amazing handmade, custom shoes to celebrate.

Notice the details that make this booties the best-stitching, wood soles in two colors, silver heel and the list goes on and on... — Notice the details that make these booties unique–bold-stitching, wood soles in two colors, silver heel and the list goes on and on…

This year, we stumbled upon a charity event at the John Fluevog store in Vancouver and enjoyed a lovely evening of music, booze and shoes when they kindly invited us in to partake. Walking out, we agreed that we just had to have our own Fluevog shoes to celebrate this year’s anniversary. When I saw the yearly sale ad for their local store here in Seattle, off we went to find a deal, not that those quality quirky shoes aren’t worth $300+ but I at least have to imagine I am on a budget and care about my credit card balance. We scored some awesome boots, black with silver highlights for me and green for Thom because he is Irish after all. Tucked away in their burlap bags with the company mantra on it, they will stay in their boxes until anniversary day. Now on to the tattoos!

Peace... simple with very little ink needed to convey the message. — Peace… simple with very little ink needed to convey the message.

Thom is thinking of a horse theme for his tattoo to commemorate 2014 spent in China during the Year of the Horse. We brought back a lovely heavy-as-hell stone horse statue but I guess he wants that “on body” constant reminder of our expat experience. I’ve decided to stay with my Chinese theme as well and have the symbol for Peace stenciled onto my body opposite the Happiness symbol in a place that will remain nameless. Some things are better left unshared. It is a simple design with a strong message that no one but Thom will see, except a stranger who will hopefully be quick and talented. DAMN that inking hurts.

So, 27 years after we “officially” started our adventure by the pool in Key West when we eloped (at my mother’s suggestion to avoid a wedding at their house and after my lawyer sister got Thom his divorce right before the wedding), we will ink up and wear our snazzy boots and continue our great adventure! It’s off to Italy next for us with a fall trip being planned now. Can’t wait to explore the Cinque Terre with my best friend and the love of my life! Together forever with lots more shoes and tattoos in our future-OH MY THE FUN WE WILL HAVE!

John Fluevog--specialty retailing at it's best! — John Fluevog–specialty retailing at it’s best!

The John Fluevog mantra..not a bad one to live by

Pride Parade in Seattle is a Rainbow of Diversity

On June 28, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Seattle, Travel6 Comments

There were rainbows shining brightly today all over Seattle as the Pride Parade attracted 500,000+ spectators celebrating a really totally damn good week for all citizens in the U.S. Well, unless you still fly the Confederate flag. Just take it down already-you lost. BOOM!

I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom's who had a huge contingent in the parade! — I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom’s who had a huge contingent in the parade!

Dancing on the Cupcake Van to celebrate!

But today, it was all about celebrating diversity and equality with the crowds of all ages waving their flags with spirit and pride. Way to go Supreme Court! Your history-making decision affirmed everyone’s right to be married in every state. WOW. About time and just in time for the celebration today. To say that smiles were on everyone’s face would be an understatement–there was dancing in the streets, on the cars, in the bars, and one naked guy entertaining the crowd with his bagpipes. Crazy and fun to be sure!

Thom and I love the Seattle Storm, our WNBA team here that plays next door to us at Key Arena so we joined their contingent to spread the Storm love to the parade goers. The local women’s soccer team, Seattle Reign FC, also joined our group as we passed out boom sticks to the cheering crowd. As we neared Belltown and the boom supplies dwindled due to Thom making sure every child along the parade route got one, the water guns came out and the team mascot, Doppler, started drenching the delighted crowd on a thankfully cloudy day. “Spray me, spray me!” the crowd yelled and Doppler was glad to oblige.

Doppler and I shared a moment with our boom sticks!

The SeaFair Pirates were working the crowd as well as some amazing dancers wearing headpieces bigger than me. How on earth they were able to walk even a block is beyond me. I was impressed! Whether gliding along on rollerblades or walking the route in stiletto’s, the parade moved along briskly and I got in my 10,000 steps on my FitBit before it ended by the Seattle Center. Our church, First Church Seattle, was handing out cookies at the end of the route to all who had walked and provided communion as well-what’s not to love about a church like this! There was even a rock band cranking up the crowd.

Elaborate headpieces and shoes were the standard uniform.

Every major company in Seattle embraced the Pride and had huge company representation: Nordstrom’s, Boeing, Microsoft, Expedia, Amazon, etc. In front of our Storm crowd, the Café Vita, a local coffee roaster was throwing coffee into the crowd…how Seattle of them. Fresh roasted beans for all! What impressed me the most was the inclusion of all the families in the celebration. How wonderful that these kids will grow up knowing it’s okay to love and marry whomever you want. It’s all good. What a happy day!

Families and LOTS of kids enjoyed the diversity in the parade.

Lower Queen Anne is HAPPENING!

On May 25, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

Musical artists were featured all over Seattle Center in small and large venues..

Sorry you folks who live in the sleepy ‘burbs or, God forbid, in the country boonies because YOU. ARE. MISSING. IT. Yes, I am an urban snob. Seriously, I can walk out my door in Lower Queen Anne and be surrounded by crazy talented musicians at the Northwest Folk Festival or go up the block and attend The Seattle International Film Festival at the Uptown. DONE. As Thom quipped, Seattle forecast this weekend: Cloudy with 100% chance of aging hippies..all sporting too tight tie dye t-shirts and dreadlocks from another era. So fun to people watch!

Kids-this is NOT a pool, it's a fountain but, hey, I can smell the chlorine from far away so go for it! — Kids-this is NOT a pool, it’s a fountain but, hey, the chlorine smell is actually stronger here than the weed so go for it–probably healthier for you!

This weekend was particularly crazy in our hood with people streaming into town to enjoy the cultural overload–hippy dippy drum circles or serious foreign films, pierogies or elephant ears–pretty much everything could be had within a short walk. Of course, having all those food vendors was an absolute necessary for festival goers who pretty much got high just by being there among the clouds of weed drifting by. Yes, there were cops here and there and signs reminding folks that smoking grass in public is still not legal in Seattle. Really??? Could have fooled me but you put that much tie dye in one place and shit is bound to happen and does.

We walk the dogs through Seattle Center every day multiple times and they treat those lawns, where everyone is lying around this weekend, as their private toilet–note to future festival goers: you might want to bring a blanket next time or you will be in close contact with Izaak and Thor’s DNA. Lesson learned.

I love the Uptown... great place to grab a film at the SIFF. — I love the Uptown… great place to grab a film that is part of the SIFF.

The lines outside the Uptown theater speak to the great support that Seattleites give to the SIFF-a very well orchestrated film festival that goes on for weeks featuring indie films at venues all over town. I just wish I could go see Kevin Bacon in the flesh on Wednesday when he makes a special appearance to support his film showing. Damn-got to go cheer on the Sounders to a win instead. Too much good stuff going on to take part in!! We are rarely home and, when we are, I know we are missing out on something good. So, time to take to the streets and check out the remaining acts as the incense/tie dye/corn on the cob merchants wind down and pack up and move on to the next festival. Party on Lower Queen Anne!

Soaking Up A Month of Music from Seattle to Manhattan

On May 4, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, New York City, Nightlife, Seattle, Travel, Uncategorized1 Comment

Oh what a month it has been to enjoy live music from coast to coast and I’ve enjoyed every moment with every artist. From Elvis Costello to Allen Stone to Griffin House to Hello Brooklyn to the Beatles cover band in the subway, we have been lucky enough to partake of their musical stylings.

Allen Stone and his band rocked the Paramount

Allen Stone was first on our feast of music and he served a buffet of soul in spades. If you haven’t heard of him or listened to his music, DO. IT. NOW. He led the best concert I have ever seen with his deep connection to the crowd, who clearly knew his music and sang along, swaying to the tunes. His energetic trumpet and trombone artists danced as well as they played and the rest of his entourage created a powerful support for Allen’s amazing voice. If I had to pick a similar artist to Allen, it would probably be a cross between “good karma” Jason Miraz and an energetic gospel preacher. After sitting through his rapper warm-up act who encouraged everyone to “light up” and they enthusiastically obeyed, sending up a cloud of weed that enveloped us like a smokey blanket in the balcony to the point my eyes were watering. Got to love Seattleites! After the smoke cleared, we enjoyed this hometown boy’s performance and I predict Allen Stone will be a HUGE artist soon.

Then, same classic and gorgeous venue-the Paramount-but a week later and with a very different tone set by the legendary Elvis Costello performing solo with a few guitars, a piano and a playbook filled with forty years of music to share. Thom is a huge fan but I’m not that familiar with his tunes but was impressed with his artistry. He played all the hits that Thom expected and more with three encores to delight the sold out crowd. Along the way, he shared personal stories of his family and how his music evolved. Quite the entertaining evening.

Lost count of the multiple Elvis guitars he used to serenade us — Lost count of the multiple guitars Elvis C. used to serenade us

Moving on to NYC, we landed and immediately after checking in to our hotel, we set off on foot to walk a few miles to the City Winery to see Griffin House, an artist that I’m sure you have never heard of but might enjoy. We like this venue so much that we wanted to go while in NYC and Tuesday was our free night so Griffin House happened to be playing that night and off we went. I had checked out his indie/slightly country music but enjoyed his live performance even more. Slightly shy and awkward at first, he gradually got into it and finished very strong with the crowd calling out their favorite songs for him to play, which he gladly performed. He is one of the many struggling artists out there just looking for their big break and working hard, living in Nashville and hitting the road to tour the small clubs. He’s coming to The Tractor in Seattle and then to Boise so check him out later this summer/fall.

Griffin House sharing his bluesy tones with us at City Winery

Finally, walking home from a gallery opening after a short hike on the Highline, we were in our old neighborhood near the Flatiron and decided to check out who was playing at Toshi’s, our favorite local music bar. Lucky for us, Hello Brooklyn was playing great cover tunes so we sat back with some refreshments and enjoyed their set. Toshi’s dog is the bouncer outside the club and Toshi himself is a charming host. If you are ever in NYC, you must go to Toshi’s and enjoy whatever music offering they have that evening. It’s sure to be a good time. Guaranteed.

Toshio's bouncer is a cutie — Toshio’s bouncer is a cutie

Finally, taking the subway to one of Thom’s old college buddies for dinner, we were serenaded by a Beatles cover band in the subway. I love this trend of officially sanctioned music in airports (Seattle) and subways (NYC) to entertain the commuters. They were quite good and having a rocking time both times we saw them-coming and going. I hope their tips were plentiful and the people appreciated their artistry. I did. Who knows what music we will enjoy next but I’m sure we’ll be spinning the tunes on Thom’s new turntable when we return to Seattle. Let the music and the good times roll…..

Rocking out with a healthy pour and Hello Brooklyn at Toshi's — Rocking out with Hello Brooklyn at Toshi’s

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