Dale’s Big Night Out. 

So, in an effort to try and re-establish contact with fellow humans, I decided to go out on the town, so to speak last night. (Saturday Night)

After I made dinner at home, I stuffed the buggy with gas and drove to Lake Delton to see the movie, “The Great Wall.”  Not to be mistaken by that other wall… or the one in music lore (will maybe someday happen in reality… yeah, sure). 

I wasn’t sure, but I noticed my ticket for the 3-d version was cheaper than I thought it would be.  I looked at my ticket stub, and I think the young lad handing out the tickets gave me the senior discount.  

Under many circumstances, I would have found that to be an insult.  In this case, I was more than happy to save a few dollars off what turned out to be a mediocre movie.  (You can read my review of the movie on my movie reviews blog).

 

One pleasant surprise was that I ran into my boss from work at the movie theater.  I knew that he had said he was working there part time.  I don’t really he does it because he needs the money, probably more for having something (anything) to do NOT with computers, and getting out in the real world.  (Anyone that works at school knows there is a difference between the real world and….um… school world). 

He was sweeping the floor of trash, and I quipped it was good to finally see him work for a change.  He laughed a little at that…  I might have to pay for that remark, he’ll probably make me clean his office or wash his car of something…   We exchanged pleasantries and I told him I was going to see “the Great Wall.”  He asked that I give him my impression of the movie we he saw me next time. 

Short review: Meh.  Nearly every movie I’ve seen the last couple of years seems like “MEH,” with a few exceptions.  I was glad I did the 3-D version of it… as this was a movie made for the 3-D.  Otherwise, I would have really felt cheated out of money when I left.

I saw my boss again on the way out and he asked me how it was, and I said pretty much that… Meh.  He said he heard that same thing from others.  I told him I was headed out to see a friend’s band…and he remarked he was surprised the I would be out so late.  Carpe diem – seize the day!  I told him as I headed for the exit.

I was still debating to stop out and see the band as I pulled in the parking space just a block up from the Gem City Saloon in Baraboo.  The Blacker Brothers were playing and I have wanted to check them out for some time.  I opened the door to the busy and noisy Gem City. 

For those of you never been, Gem City is a nicer-than-average type tavern / eatery which has that cool, industrial, gritty feel to it that is so popular with modern joints.  I haven’t been there in a while, and the last time we had great pizza there.  Highly recommended!  My only problem is, because of the brick walls, metal ceiling and tile floors, it’s nearly impossible to have a normal conversation, especially when there’s music and crowds.  Such was the case Saturday night. 

I wedged myself to the corner of the bar and it took me a while to get the attention of the lady behind the bar.  I don’t think the bar lady was overly snobbish… more like really in a hurry.  I also noted that she had that boobs spilling over the top thing going on… which... I guess... is supposed to entice men into tipping her more.  I’m sorry, I did not.

I wanted to act like a big shot and order a gin and tonic… but, since the waitress really seemed annoyed at me... , I just asked for a beer.  Domestic beer was only 3 dollars… good price for… well, nearly anywhere.  I tipped her a buck… and not because of her boobs (though to be rather honest, they were… impressive, even if it was the bra that did the...um...heft of the work... and especially for a man that has wandered through the desert for so long… )

Ummm…   so, the band.  The Blacker Brothers have that great R&B groove that just seems lacking in so many Wisconsin-based white-boy bands.  I was delighted at their musicianship and groove.  There was Cory, guitarist extraordinaire sitting in the corner, peeling of chords of 7^th, 9ths and sustained minors like they were candy falling from trees..   the bass player really hung on the groove, and the drummer… though not flashy, had a great sound (with an UN-MIKED set) and was constant and funky. 

About the only thing I had an issue with was I couldn’t hear the lead singer too well.  What I did hear sounded amazing and soulful, just not as loud as is should be.  The lights were nothing more than the same par 56 LED “pancake” lights that I just got in the mail...on one tree (3 of them), and the sound system was rudimentary, but perfectly functional for the house.

Review: If you ever get the chance, go see The Blacker Brothers. 

One of petty things that annoy me is something new I’ve noticed about “THE CROWD,” and I think this is a new thing.  I’ve noticed that the hardcore fans have this habit of moving the furniture around so that they sit right in front of the lead singer…  in this case, they moved 2 large round tables just a foot in front of the singer.  I know that they are the fans, but its hard for the rest of humanity to see around their fat carcasses and large-block heads. 

Yeah, we get it… you’re friends of the band!  Good for you.  Here’s a trophy.  Now, sit back and let the rest of us see.  

It’s not so much a complaint, more of an observation.  Though, I know it sounds like a complaint.  

I only stayed for 2 beers and a few songs.  As I had to wedge myself between the lady doing nothing but looking at her Cell phone (I wanted to lean over to her and say:  Hey, since you’re not in reality here… do you think you could let the old man lean against the pillar there….and you go play someplace else) and a table of college kids.  I finally thought I would leave when got pushed even more to the side by a pair of young women also pushed into the small space. 

I found myself nearly nose-to-nose with a couple that were talking about her sister…which she was annoyed with because she hasn’t even told her husband that she was pregnant.  I felt like I should have said something at that point… 

I left just as the band was doing a pretty cool version of I can’t feel my face (The Weeknd)..  If I hadn’t felt like a dinosaur walking among the Millennials, I might have stayed longer.  Like I said, it’s been a long time since I was out.  Next week, I might even chance Poor Richards.  (going backwards in time there… ) 

I went home and finished watching the movie Money Monster (Meh!) and noshing on carrots and dip. 

Yeah me!  Mr. Party all night.  

It was a start… but I was glad I got out.  I saw a bad movie, and saw a good band.  Well, at least... it was something. Now, I just need a partner in crime...