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Thursday, September 15th.

3:00pm: Doves @ Apple Store. After lunch, Liz and I headed to the Soho (yes there is, infact, a Noho too!) Apple Store to see The Doves play a free acoustic set. Apparently there had been a line congregating for over an hour waiting to get in. I quickly learned the key in NYC is to act like you own the place. Liz and I bypassed the line completely and walked right in, scoring a 3rd row center seat. They remind me of The Wrens for some reason, but not solely because they are both birds, though I am sure that is part of it.

5:00pm: Wolfmother @ Fader Party. Afterwards, we walked about 6 blocks where Liz had the hookup and we cruised on inside to free drinks and the best rock band since Black Sabbath. I had no expectations for Wolfmother but they blew me away. I wasn't aware Aussies knew how to rock that hard.

9:45pm: Silversun Pickups @ Ace of Clubs. Two free shows down, Liz and I parted ways, and I headed back to the Upper East Side (think Jeffersons) where Marvin's apartment awaited. After a change of clothes and a nap I headed back downtown to see the Silversun Pickups. I actually can't recall if I have ever been to a show where I was tagged with the "biggest fan" label, but I would venture to say it was written all over me as I rocked out front row center to every one of their songs. Later on the singer mentioned they were playing another show the next night and got my number to call me and lmk where it was. He never called, which was a good thing, because I decided to check out other bands.

Friday, September 16th. Apparently my 3 day stop in NYC before I headed back to Florida had a wonderful collision with the annual CMJ Festival. Inspired by Liz, the queen of 3 show nights (who also attends more concerts than anyone I've ever met... think 20+ a month) I planned out my evening ahead.

6:30pm: The Most Serene Republic @ Hiro Ballroom. Recently signed to Arts & Crafts, the simplest explanation would be a cross between The Stars & Broken Social Scene. The make beautiful music and their singer was much more charismatic than I had expected. I have been in over 20 venues in my life and I can easily attest that the Hiro Ballroom is the single most beautiful, impressive, coolest venue I have ever been in. It's got this Asian theme going on that is just amazing. This place is worth going to see the venue itself (much like the Royal ALbert Hall in London).

8:50pm: Smoosh @ Warsaw. Yeah you know..Smoosh..the two 13 year old sisters on the keyboards & drums that have opened for Death Cab & Sufjan Stevens (among others). They are amazing. Seriously. Sure their melodies and percussion are a bit simple, but they sound awesome, and that girl can sing damn good. This is also where I met a group of 3 people that were making a night of the exact same 3 bands I had planned to see (across 3 of dozens of venues mind you!). What are the odds?

After a 6 block walk back to the tube station, I was dismayed to find out that it was suddenly closed. In a wonderfully serendipitous moment I met two seniors from Syracuse University that were looking for the same station, but were downtown for completely unrelated reasons. Adrienne and Kat and I had an unexpected tour as we searched for an open tube station. They were Art History majors on a trip to NYC for learning purposes (The Met etc). After over half an hour of bonding and hunting we found a station and since they were just heading home, I invited them to my final destination of the night.

12:00am: The Robot Ate Me @ The Knitting Factory. 3 transfers and a taxi ride later we finally pulled up to the venue. I had struggled with the decision to pre-order my ticket online earlier in the day and decided it was worth the extra $5 to not have to worry. Well know I had acquired 2 extra bodies with me along the journey. The show is sold out.

I went in, got my ticket from the kindest door lady I have ever met and explained my dire situation that my 2 friends were outside and I would have to leave if they couldn't get in. 10 minutes and a whole bunch of smooth talking later, Adrienne, Kat (both for free!) and I marched in literally 3 minutes before he went on.

Now I really enjoy The Robot Ate Me but I wouldn't call it one of my favorite bands. What I can say is it is absolutely in the top 3 best live performances I have ever attended. He played half of the show on his knees, playing with knobs and accordions, hunching over a microphone. Then he decided it was time to dance, made everyone stand up, got us cheering, clapping, singing in different choruses, dancing, and bringing people on stage to play drums and keyboard for him. Words don't do it justice, but if he is in town GO SEE HIM.

We parted ways, and I fell asleep with a smile upon my face.