A Planetarium With A Story

One thing about the Triangle - there is so much to do here, you could live your entire life around these parts and still not scratch the surface of all there is to see and do.

So it was last Friday night, Cub Scout Night at Morehead Planetarium on the campus of UNC, when I visited this fantastic place for the first time.

Some businesses have pretty awesome claims to fame.  But Morehead Planetarium has this - built in 1949, Morehead was used to train Gemini and Apollo astronauts in celestial navigation.  That's right, the men who traveled to the moon learned how to navigate using the stars in the same dome where today you can watch planetarium shows.  The show we were treated to in fact, "Carolina Skies", has been shown regularly in this theater since its opening.

During our visit, the scouts also got to make their own model of our solar system and learned to operate a telescope.  Unfortunately the skies were cloudy, but we did get to catch Venus low in the sky with our binoculars.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is yet another Triangle treasure.

Foster

Radio 96.1

The Legend of Sam's Quik Shop

I first heard the legend of Sam's Quik Shop 10 years ago, when I moved to Raleigh and attended my first World Beer Fest in Durham.  "Where's the best selection of beer in the Triangle?", I wanted to know. "That's easy", replied Julie Johnson Bradford of All About Beer magazine.  "Sam's Quik Shop in Durham.  It's by far the best selection anywhere and it's in a little gas station convenience store."

What?  The best selection of beer in a gas station?  Mind you, this was before North Carolina's "Pop the Cap" law in 2005 that raised the permitted alcohol percentage in beer past a measly 6%.  Imperial Stouts? Double IPAs??  Not in this state at that time.

The legend of Sam's grew larger after the law was passed, craft beers moved in the market, and breweries popped up around the Tar Heel State like nail salons in a strip mall.  Yet, although I live in Raleigh and have been to Durham countless times over the past decade, I still had not been to Sam's Quik Shop - which apparently was a sin for a beer lover like myself.

So last night, after a Radio 96.1 Craft Beer Club event at Doolin's Irish Pub in Durham, I opened up Google Maps to see just how far I was from Sam's.  10 minutes.  Done deal.  Sure enough, Sam's on the outside looks like any convenience store next to a gas station, but when you step in....

There's beer where the milk should be.  Beer where the eggs should be.  Beer glorious beer! Not just beer to buy - beer to drink! Sam's has taps of delicious craft beer for around $5-6 that you can consume in the store and keep the glass.  Heck, people had cracked open bottles of beer.

The real secret?  Amongst the sea of beer are always a few amazing deals. My wife had been pining for a fall beer, but every brewery had moved on to winter brews.  But here was a 6-pack of the Abita fall brew for $3.99!! (still a month from reaching its "best by" date).  There was a 22 oz. beer with a cork (so you know it's fancy) normally $9.99 for $1.99.  A 4-pack of a Terrapin pumpkin beer for a few bucks.  I got out of there for a little over 10 bucks and an appreciation for the legend of Sam's. A trip to the Bull City will never again NOT include this "quik" stop.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Less Music, More Blah?

Last Thursday was the one day a year when Alli and I talked for more than about 30 seconds at a time.

When we created Radio 96.1, we wanted a station that would give listeners a wide variety of music for people who want lots of music.  Not a station with some goofy morning show that likes to hear itself talk or has a giggling girl in the corner.  Not one with DJs that yap for the sake of....yapping.

On the other hand, we thought it was super important that Radio 96.1 was not a jukebox - it has to be different from satellite radio, Pandora, Spotify, or the many other places you can get your music.  That's why Alli and I are on the air every day, mostly to keep you in the loop about stuff going on locally - whether it's a concert or art show that's come to town.  Plus, we like to give away some very awesome prizes.

Today, we hope you perceive Radio 96.1 is that station and we give thanks to you for your continued support.  When, last Thursday, Alli and I threw format out the window so we could bring you stories of all the amazing things going on at the North Carolina Children's Hospital, we hope you found it as inspiring as us.  Playing a little less music that day to help out sick and injured kids is well worth it for us and the 1.1 million dollars raised proves our community probably feels that way too.  Thank you.

Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Oooh, Scary! Haunted Raleigh Is So Much Fun

'Tis the season...to be scared!

One of the great things about living in an older city is that there's so much rich history.  And, if you're a sucker for fun ghost tours (and beer!) like I am, then the Raleigh Pub Crawl and Haunted Adventure Tour is for you.  It certainly was for me!

I've made no secret of the fact that I love Raleigh, but I've lived here for what feels like forever now and don't really know anything about any of the buildings in the city, or any of the haunted legends they say exist here.  So, this past Saturday night, my fiance and I headed out to downtown.  I was excited!  I was also pretty excited that we got to stop at bars along the way.  Hey, cut me a break--it was Saturday night and it was a little chilly!  You've gotta warm up at some point, right?


The Crawl started at The Mecca, this awesome little restaurant on Martin street that's been owned by one family since the Great Depression.  After a drink or two there, we set off with our tour guide, Michael.

I made Michael pose with me.  He looked imposing for posterity, I guess.  He's actually very nice.

The tour stops in front of the Wake County Courthouse, so that you can hear about the building that used to be across the street.  You know:  the one where ABC11 is now.  It used to be a hotel.  A haunted hotel.  Oooh, scary, right?  Michael tells you the stories there, and then you trek to your first bar, Isaac Hunter's Tavern on Fayetteville Street.  You stop, hang out, have some drinks, have a good time.  Then, it's off to the Capitol building to hear more scary stuff!  They also took a group photo.  Some people dressed up.  You know, because it was the last weekend before Halloween:

I'm sure Tobacco Road Tours doesn't mind me stealing this from their Facebook Page.

Michael was great, recounting the stories of ghosts appearing in windows, telling you stuff you had no idea that was even a part of our city.  For example, did you know that the Capitol building was the last building built before the mechanization era?  Meaning, that thing was put together by hand.  Piece by piece.  What a pain the neck that must have been, but I digress. 

From there, you head to a house on New Bern Place.  Again, scary stories of peg-leg ghosts coming up the servant's steps.  I also learned that that house is one of the oldest in Raleigh.  See?  I've lived here forever now and I had no idea.  I felt like I was getting an education as well as having a night out.  Plus, the tour apparently stops at my regular bar:  Landmark.

Yep, that's the back of my head as I patiently wait for Michael to tell me about faces appearing in lights at the bar I regularly patronize.  Now, I really need a beer, because that is scary, man!

The Haunted Pub Crawl isn't just a Halloween thing:  Tobacco Road Tours runs them year round.  It's only $20 and you get to learn all about your city--Durham has one, too.  Did you know Moore Square in Raleigh used to be the site for public executions?  Fun stuff--and I learned that fact on a pub crawl!

I highly recommend taking one of these silly, fun tours.  Whether you hit the pub crawl, or just the regular Haunted Adventure, it's fun getting out and getting to know your city.  Check Tobacco Road Tours out here; they don't just do haunted stuff, but other cool tours including a Tobacco Empire tour in Durham.  For the money, it's a great night out: educational, but really fun.  Plus, if you're us, you get to end up at your regular bar, too.

Alli


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An Awesome Find in Wilson, NC

"How did you find this place?", was the question I got over and over from the parents of Cub Scout Pack 390 in Raleigh.

First, I knew boys love trains, so I looked for a destination not that far away that we could visit from Raleigh. Once I spotted Wilson an hour away, I googled "Things to do with kids in Wilson, NC" and that is how I found Imagination Station.

Located in an old courthouse in downtown Wilson, Imagination Station is a hands-on science museum and the kids absolutely loved it.  The day started with a ride on Amtrak's Carolinian - and for most of the kids (and grown-ups) it was their first big train ride.

The knock on Imagination Station in online reviews is that there isn't enough to do - and it is true that the museum is quite small.  There is a nifty reptile area on the second floor that includes an awesome giant python, and the first floor is filled with hands-on activities including a track where you can virtually race other animals (the kids loved that one), play an invisible piano, and spin on a gyro.

But my strongest recommendation for this museum is to book one of their group presentations.  For just $7 a person (which includes admission and the presentation), you can choose from a myriad of options.  I asked Laura, the group coordinator, her favorite and went with that - "Animal Encounter".

The kids were locked in and engaged as our entertaining presenter brought out animal after animal, including a bearded dragon, hissing cockroach, and a tortoise that unities shoelaces.

You can tell Imagination Station is in need of some funding - many parts of the building are in rough shape and it needs some love.  Bring your group to Imagination Station for a couple hours of fun and you won't regret it.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Oakwood Cemetery - A Great Night Out!

Touring a cemetery at night may not be everyone's idea of a great time - but it is for my family.

Taking advantage of the last Friday night opening of the season, we booked our spots for the "Facts and Fables Flashlight Tour" at historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.  This tour focused on the magnificent and unique monuments that dot the grounds, which is like watching a thrilling movie in real life.

There are great mysteries, like the story of the gentleman who bought a massive monument and gravesite for him and his female companion (complete with names on the stone), yet for some reason was never buried next to her.  We learned about symbolism, including what a half tree monument represents (a life cut short). There was the heartbreaking story of Elizabeth Edwards, who is buried next to her son Wade.  After 16 year old Wade died in a tragic Jeep accident, Elizabeth would come to his graveside and read his required high school assignments to him.

On the way from story to story, we happened upon other notables, like the grave of Jim Valvano, which of course has an NC State logo and a V Foundation hat.

Two days after our tour, the News and Observer did a "Tar Heel of the Week" story on Robin Simonton, Oakwood's director who led our tour.  She has done an extraordinary job of sharing the stories of beautiful Oakwood Cemetery to ensure they are remembered long after they are gone.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/19/3296142/she-strives-to-bring-oakwood-cemetery.html

When the tours start up again next spring, I highly recommend you look into reserving your spot.

Foster
Radio 96.1

**Simonton Photo is the property of the News and Observer**

"Captain Phillips" Review

When it was time for the Radio 96.1 screening of "Captain Phillips" at Regal North Hills to begin, something was amiss.  We heard the film, but all we could see in front of us was a black screen. Maybe this was how the movie begins?  After a few minutes, everyone realized there was a technical glitch and the film was restarted, this time with pictures.  In those first minutes though, as I paid close attention to the dialogue, I had a sinking feeling.  "Captain Phillips" opens with a conversation between Captain Rich Phillips (Tom Hanks) with a weak attempt at a New England accent and his wife (Catherine Keener) on their way to the Burlington, VT airport, having a very banal conversation about how the world has changed.  I was actually saying to myself, "This movie isn't going to be very good."

How wrong I was.

The first five minutes of "Captain Phillips", in fact, are the only five minutes that didn't have me completely engaged in the action.  Though it is based on the true story of the Somali Pirate hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, I was most pleased that I didn't research the story further before going to see the movie.  All I remembered from the events of April 8-12, 2009 was how it ended (and if you don't know how it ends, I won't ruin it for you here).

Even knowing how the story ends didn't prepare me for what lead up to the final event.  "Captain Phillips" takes you through the process of Somalian tribal members being selected for hijackings; shows you how stupidly easy it really is to hijack a cargo ship; lets you in on a remarkable series of impromptu decisions made by the Captain and his crew throughout the hijacking that you'll wonder if you could have possibly made yourself; and, like "Zero Dark Thirty", reminds you why the Navy Seals are the baddest dudes on Planet Earth.

Hanks plays the lead role in excellent fashion and "Captain Phillips" is high drama at its best.  It will undoubtedly be nominated for multiple Oscars and Hanks (based on the final 20 minutes alone) is deserving of consideration for a Best Actor nod.

Don't be surprised when you find yourself googling to find out all about the real Captain Richard Phillips when you get home.

"Captain Phillips" is a must-see.

Foster
Radio 96.1

The Dad Blog #3

"THE DAD BLOG" IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY "DADS", TUESDAY NIGHTS AT 8 ON FOX50

My 7-year son told me last night that, before I die, he's going to build a flying car and I'm going to help him do it.

I took my son to the golf range for the first time and he expressed his desire to get his own set of clubs. "Maybe you should ask Santa", I said.  The kid ran into the kitchen, found a pencil and paper, and wrote that letter to Santa Claus.  Asked for a skateboard while he was at it.  Then he put a stamp on it, put it in the mailbox, and popped the flag up.

When it comes to taking a shower, cleaning his room, feeding the dogs, or doing homework....it's like trying to get an Eskimo to walk around in 90 degree heat.  But for the chance at free golf clubs?  The boy moves pretty fast.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Guest Blog: Oktoberfest Trip Winner

Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls

A few months ago, I went to a Radio 96.1 Craft Beer Club event at Tyler’s Taproom in Raleigh.  The featured brewery was Leinenkugel’s, a 146 year old brewery located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  In addition to sampling the brewery’s summer seasonal (Canoe Paddler,a Kolsch style) and its newest “Big Eddy” series brew (Ryewine Ale, a barleywine style ale clocking in at 10% abv) there were opportunities to score pint glasses, t-shirts and even a canoe paddle.  Anyone attending the event could also register to win a grand prize trip to the Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls.   The trip was billed as a beer lover’s dream and included airfare, three nights accommodations, a brewery tour, boat ride, access to the Oktoberfest celebration and more.  I remember dropping in my entry and commenting how I don’t win such things.  I was just happy leave with the newest addition to my pint glass collection, a Leinenkugel’s glass autographed by Dick Leinenkugel, who was there for the event.  (The brewery is currently under the control of three brothers, Jake, Dick and John, who are the fifth generation of Leinenkugels to manage the still growing operation.)

Fast forward a few weeks.  I get a call from Radio 96.1 advising me that I had been chosen as the grand prize winner.  Wait.  What?!?  I was going to Chippewa Falls for Oktoberfest!   For any beer lover, a trip to a brewery, especially one that is not local, is a true treat.  This trip would be no different. 

A few days before the trip, my wife and I received our itinerary.  I was blown away.  Not only were we to have the trip itself with admission to the three day Oktoberfest celebration, but there were lunches at the Leine Lodge and a dinner with a boat ride around nearby Lake Wissota.    Fantastic! 

We did experience some travel woes, but that would be overshadowed by what was to come.  Once we made it to Chippewa Falls, we were greeted with a packet containing our final itinerary, admission wristbands to Oktoberfest, tickets good for beers at the event, lunch meal tickets and a gift card to the Leine Lodge.  We promptly made our way to the Leine Lodge and took the first available brewery tour.  The tour lasted about 45 minutes and covered the history of Leinenkugel’s, the brewing process and an overview of past and present beers produced by the brewery.  After the tour, we went back to the lodge for some beer samples.  Getting into the spirit, we proceeded to Oktoberfest, which was only a short walk from the lodge.  We enjoyed some German food and a few beers before turning in for the night.  The next day, we went to Oktoberfest early so we could see some exhibits (including a 1527 pound pumpkin) and sample some Wisconsin cheese.  Then it was back to the Leine Lodge for a brat lunch and more beer sampling.  Then back to Oktoberfest for more beer sampling…  You get the picture.  After immersing ourselves in German culture and heritage for a few hours, it was time to head to what turned out to be a true highlight of the trip – dinner at High Shores Supper club and a pontoon boat ride around Lake Wissota.   We enjoyed a four-course dinner accompanied by three different beers - all great combinations.  Then the boat ride – with more beer.  Unfortunately, we were so full from the great meal it was difficult to enjoy more beer!  After returning from dinner, we headed out for one last night of Oktoberfest.  We enjoyed some great live music and I was able to share the last of out beer tickets with some unsuspecting festival-goers.

On our way home – which thankfully was much less eventful than the trip out – we had time to reflect on a great trip.  The location, people we met, food we enjoyed, beers we drank…  Such a fun time.  And in case you are wondering what my favorite beer was…  Oktoberfest, of course.

Tony S.

Radio 96.1 Listener (and winner!)

Local Singer on NBC's The Voice: Is This Where I Said I Told You So?

Over a year ago, I wrote a blog for this very site and gushed over a singing powerhouse from Raleigh, named Kat Robichaud.  I said that I had heard so many great things about her, that her voice was deep and different and unlike any other.

Then, this past Monday night, I turned on the TV to watch the Blind Auditions on NBC's The Voice.  I love the blind auditions because they force the judges to listen to the voice and not be swayed by what the person looks like.  It's a great concept, but I digress.  I turned on the TV, and saw this:

Kat Robichaud.  THAT IS KAT ROBICHAUD. On The Voice.  And, she killed it.  Is this where I say, "I told you so?"


Kat sang "I've Got the Music In Me" from the Kiki Dee Band.  She had judges fighting over her, because she is awesome.  She eventually chose Team Cee-Lo, and will move on past the Blind Auditions.

Watch Kat KILL IT here:




Whether or not Kat will go far remains to be seen.  But it's nice to see local, hard-working talent get their day.  Kat's since had write-ups in both Entertainment Weekly  and on MTV.com, and I'm sure will have many more.

So, join us in saying good luck to Kat--the competition's going to be stiff, but we have a feeling she knows what she's doing.


Alli

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The Dad Blog #2

"The Dad Blog" is brought to you by "Dads", Tuesday nights at 8 on Fox50

I kinda remember Sundays.

Sundays in the Fall used to be the day when we did nothing.  Nothing glorious nothing.  Sleep in, go to brunch, lay on the couch and watch football.  All...day...long.

Every once in a while, when I get frustrated, I pine for those days - which are long gone now that I have children.  But mostly, as was the case this past Sunday, I realize just how awesome Sundays are now.

Saturday morning, I took my son to Lego Club at Crabtree Valley Mall.

Saturday night, I led my first Cub Scout Campout as Scoutmaster.  Sunday morning, I took the kids to Sunday School and got in a couple hours of playing basketball.  Sunday afternoon, the family took a bike ride to the park on a beautiful sunny day.  And believe it or not, I still had time to watch a little football.

As exhausting as it was, I wouldn't trade the "dad" version of the weekend for the "Sunday on the couch" version for anything.

Foster
Radio 96.1

The Dad Blog #1

"THE DAD BLOG" IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY "DADS", TUESDAY NIGHTS AT 8 ON FOX50

Last Sunday night, Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers strolled into Seattle to play the Seahawks coming off a 400+ yard performance against Green Bay, while Seattle had barely knocked off the Panthers. Kaepernick had every reason to believe he would find similar success against the Seahawks.

What Kaepernick found out was that the game plan doesn't always go as expected.  The Seahawks fans actually set a Guinness World Record for loudest stadium.  Kaepernick was forced into using hand signals instead of shouting out play instructions, and was constantly thrown off his game - changing everything on the fly.

Kaepernick will find his unpleasant Sunday night experience to be a bit like parenting.  Everything is about calling audibles and changing plans as you go.  When your kids are very little, it's all about phases.  As soon as you've mastered one phase ("I got the kid to go to bed at 7pm!!!"), another will begin ("I'm afraid of the dark.  Can I sleep with you?")

When they get older, if you have more than one child, you'll be the referee in constant sibling rivalry matches. Just this morning, I navigated my son torturing my daughter while brushing her teeth ("Does it annoy you when I do this?  How about this? This??"), while my daughter regularly questions her brother's credibility ("No, that's not how it goes.  No.  That's not right.  You're wrong".)

Just as Kaepernick will find great joys, like throwing for 400 yards, there are great parenting wins - such as when your kid excels at sports or brings you a piece of their artwork.  But more often than not, you'll be calling audibles day after day after day.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Happy Birthday to White Street Brewing!

Boy, does White Street Brewing know how to put on a Birthday Party!

That's a tap room full of folks raising their glasses to salute the incredible achievements of one of the Triangle's newest breweries in just one year's time.  In what's become a very crowded local craft beer space, White Street is now found on taps in bars and restaurants all over the Triangle; they have a beautiful welcoming tap room, which has almost single-handedly led the revitalization of downtown Wake Forest; and their expansion plans will have them bottling their beers before you know it.

Perhaps most impressively, all their beers are good.  Really good.

Congratulations to Dino, Tina, and the entire team at White Street for a spectacular first year - here's a toast to many more.

Foster 

Radio 96.1

Blue Man Group Review: Even a Cynic Can Have a Great Time

Blue Man Group, at the Durham Performing Arts Center now through Sunday, is a truly original performance that uses color, light and illusion.  I had no idea what to expect going in, other than the fact that I knew the show has a home in Las Vegas, plays NYC, and has been a featured casino act in Atlantic City.  So, knowing that it's a casino sort of act, I had my reservations before the show even started.

I want to say up front that Blue Man Group surpassed my expectations.  I was impressed with how original their music was--use of PVC pipe as drums, for example--and the use of fluorescent paint and black light to make a colorful, fun splash.  It's clear this show has been around a long time and they know what works to entertain their audience.  From large, soft bouncing balls that light up and then float throughout the crowd, to dancing digital men, the show surprised me in every way in that I was pretty entertained.  And that's hard to do, seeing as how I'm such a cynic.

So, I'll get to that part.  I'm a cynic.  I spent a lot of BMG's show wonder how many people in the audience were plants.  The lady that they picked out of the audience to come up on stage and "dine" with the band, for example.  She was just too good and knew too many of the moves she was expected to do to create a laugh from the audience.  I could see where the next guy they picked out of the audience wasn't really--oh, you know what?  I know I'm spoiling the fun.  I won't tell you.  Let's just say that there are audience plants, but you have to suspend the ability to disbelieve. 

Blue Man is not just drums and paint, though, they are silent comedians as well.  Most bits went over well with the audience, but much like a bit on Family Guy, they started out funny but went on 5 minutes too long. 

All inn all, if you want a fun night out, something that's cool you can take your kids to, Blue Man Group is a solid bet for your weekend fun.  Just remember:  suspend the ability to disbelieve.  Cynicism is no fun on your night out.


Alli


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Laugh Your Way Through Every Weekend with Live Laughs at the Longbranch!

There's a new comedy club in town, inside the Longbranch in Raleigh for live stand up comedy nights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  Last night, (8/15) was the first night, and our colleague Phil Johnston, who loves stand-up, tells us his take on the night.

What an amazing event last night. Having never seen a local comedy show before, I was more than excited to be in the crowd for Live Laughs at the Longbranch. Being an avid stand-up comedy fan, my expectations were high.  Leroy Seabrooks and Jerry Caroll, The Willow Spring Wildman, were certainly entertaining, but when feature act Jay Bliss took the stage it set the tone for the night.  My expectations were met and and the room came alive with laughter. 

Headlining the night was Carl Andrews. A comedian that will not only mystify you but also make you laugh. The clever antics combined with his magic will leave you guessing and laughing at the same time.

Hosting the event was longtime local comic Frank King. Frank not only brought us incredible talent but local talent. If you have never experienced local comedy, now is the best time to visit Live Laughs at the Longbranch.

Live Laughs at the Longbranch is every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and tickets for all shows are only $10!!!  For information and tickets, click here:  More Funny Less Money

Kayaking Down the Neuse: Who Knew?

I grew up at the beach, and have always kayaked on rivers that led to the bay, in the bay, or seen people kayak in the ocean.  It just always seems like such a "beach" thing to do.  I know that's naive and silly, but I never once thought about finding a place near us in the Triangle where we could kayak.  You know, 'cuz we're not at the beach, right?

The truth is, the Triangle is filled with lakes and rivers and great places to paddle and see nature.  So, this past weekend for my birthday, my fiance booked us a trip to kayak down the Neuse River--not at the beach, but just 10 minutes from home.  Paddle Creek in Wake Forest is where we went.  You pay the fee to rent the kayak (something like $40) and they take you down to a put-in point, then meet you on the other end.  It was perfect!  They're friendly, the price is great, they give you a ride to and from your car.   So, I strapped on my life jacket and hit the river.

I am ready.  Let's do this!

The Neuse is perfect for a lot of reasons.  I've kayaked quite a bit, but this was my step daughter's first time in one by herself.  She was a pro--and it was perfect for her because it's not like the Neuse is full of rapids this time of year:

Her biggest obstacle was a tree.  Not scary at all, right?

She kept telling us how peaceful it was, and how fun it would be if she were to come back with a friend and rent a tandem.  And she was right:  it WAS peaceful.  There were lots of folks in our group on Sunday afternoon, but we didn't stay with them, nor did we need to.   It was just the four of us and nature.  How can you go wrong? There were fish and turtles and snakes and all kinds of fun things to see.    My 7 year old step son gave it a big thumbs up.

Thumbs up to kayaking, a BIGGER thumbs up to jumping in the river and getting soaked.

I can't believe I was naive in thinking that there weren't kayaking places near us.  And now, we've decided to buy kayaks of our own--we want to commune with nature and get out on the water as much as possible.  Of course, we'll need the folks at Paddle Creek to pick us up!


Check out Paddle Creek here.  Go get on the river!  See snakes and turtles and fish for yourself.  Or, just put your feet in the water.  It's what I did.  Best. Birthday present. EVER.


Alli 

Like Alli Morgan on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls Review

I can't take credit for this pic: I was too busy singing along.  Thanks to Dave Rose at Deep South for the shot.

I love seeing lots of people at an amphitheater for a concert.  There's something about the energy that's in a large crowd that just energizes me.  That's why I was so glad to see as many people as in the pic above at the Matchbox Twenty/Goo Goo Dolls show last night at Walnut Creek Amphitheater. 

Goo Goo Dolls, courtesy Lee Odom

I've seen the Goo Goo Dolls several times throughout my career and I'll be honest with you:  I was wary going in.  I'm usually pretty bored by them.  At this show, I wasn't bored, HOWEVER it's not like this was a ground breaking rock and roll show, either.  Lead singer Johnny Rzeznik sounded pretty good to me; a colleague of mine said he felt that John's voice was off and not so great, but I disagree.  Rzeznik's always had that scratchy thing going on, and I thought they were spot on.  The Goos played about an hour and a half set, and spanned their hits like they were supposed to, played their latest single like they were supposed to, talked to the crowd every now and again, just like they were supposed to.  They are a tight band, good at what they do.  I'm just never overly impressed by them.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, courtesy Lee Odom

  As for Matchbox, I haven't ever seen them and I have an affinity for them.  I loved their first album, "Yourself or Someone Like You;"  and I played a lot of their songs when I worked at an Alternative station back in the late 90s.  Matchbox Twenty's stage set up was pretty awesome, as you can tell by the pic above, plus the stairs lit in different colors as well.  They played all the hits, Rob Thomas acknowledged his band member from Raleigh, and talked about being Carolina people.  The band itself sounded pretty good, everyone seemed to be having fun and it was a pretty good singalong night.  Which, I'll be honest with you:  I love a good singalong night.  It's why I love those 90s tours that have been happening the past few summers--you always know a song.  And, while Matchbox played a few unfamiliar songs to me, I knew most of their stuff from "3 am" and "Long Day" to "Let's See How Far We've Come."

While neither band really puts on a show that is going to light the world on fire, it was still a great performance from both.  In a day and age where it's tough to pull a large crowd for what is largely a rock show, it was great to see so many people out last night, feel their energy, sing along, and have fun on a Wednesday night. Plus, it was almost like old home week because I saw so many of YOU there, too!  I'd do it again in a heartbeat. When's the next show?  I'm in.


Alli

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