So, tonight I go out and buy Spanish for Dummies to brush up on what I learned ten years ago in high school. I guess I’m feeling a little guilty, now that I have moved on, for not taking full advantage of working with Spanish-speaking people for the last two and a half years. Anyways, after the purchase, I take the book to Starbucks and read the first chapter while slowly enjoying my tall whole caramel macchiato. (That’s culture around these parts.) Just minutes after moving on to breach my US Army Survival Manual, a man walks into the store brandishing bullfighter’s garb. Seriously, head to toe, completely authentic, bullfighter’s garb. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis, Indiana! I was a bit worried of what would happen if I sat down the US Army Survival Manual.
DeVotchKa. If you are into music at all, well, if you like really good music and are open to much more than is presented in the mainstream, I would highly recommend this extremely talented band. They are a self-described melting pot of music. They mix a little polka with Spanish mariachi, adding a little gypsy vibe along the way with who knows what else. Such a fascinating mix of music applied. I was fortunate enough to take in one of their shows a couple weeks ago and was completely blown away. I felt like I had just made the transition from Fruity Pebbles to Oatmeal Raisin Crisp. Such an ethereal performance, full of life and spirit. The band that opened the show, Basia Bulet, was impressive as well. I don’t think I have ever witnessed a performer grab a crowd’s attention the way the lead singer did when she put on her opening solo performance. She just walked right up to the mic and started singing, clapping, and stomping. The room was full of conversation before she started and then, all at once, everyone stopped mid-sentence, turned their attention to the stage, and became completely transfixed. Fantastic. Her band sat in on several of DeVotchKa’s songs and blended in seamlessly as well.
This is my first real blog. I mean, yeah, I had what some would call a blog on MySpace, but I don’t think that counts at all. I’m not quite sure where I’m going to take this blog. I have strong interests in music, photography, social and political commentary, self-improvement, and a general search for truth and enlightenment. I take life seriously in a time when much is taken for granted. I feel like I’m entering a period of transitions, much like the world around me. Its time to push things forward.
