Before that we had decided to skip the encore of a decidedly uninspiring Ray Lamontagne concert. We also abandoned the row-in-front-of-us, fifties-ish, newlyweds. Maybe they were new lovers, or some other completely new coupling, perpetually pawing and groping each other. This wasn’t the only excessive PDA display, but given the 6’5″ plus height of the persistent hard-on directly in front of us, and the constantly gyrating foreplay, the immediate display had long past reached tolerable levels of annoyance.
This show was sadly forgettable. The only enthusiasm from the crowd came during performance of older songs, “Trouble” bringing the most resounding cheer and applause. Ray seemed adamant to force feed “Supernova” to the crowd and even attempted a, mostly drowned out, defense of the new material. I imagine there was a predetermined set list, but the paying concert goers received only three songs worth more than a courtesy clap. No crowd motion or exuberance could be sensed during any of the supernova material and dead-eyed tolerance could be viewed everywhere.
I had greatly anticipated this show. I had even revisited “Gossip in the Grain” and found new attachment to songs to which I hadn’t previously related. I can’t see that happening with “Supernova.” In fact I can recall thinking as I listened to the first track of the new Black Keys album that the one track was already superior to the entire Ray album. The comparison involved relating Dan Auerbach’s (lead singer of the Black Keys and producer of “Supernova”) involvement in both endeavors.
The environs were pleasing and the wooded surroundings calming. The no re-entry policy of the Merriweather Post Pavilion is troublesome though, enough to consider not going back, or at least showing up later. The doors opened at 530 and the main act didn’t play until after 9. My concert companion had forgotten her ID and though we had arrived at 630, and no band had played, she was not allowed to go retrieve it. A no searching practice, except for bags, affords the opportunity to walk in with concealed items, but forget something in your car, maybe an inhaler, or an ID, and you’re screwed.
For those ready for these preposterous rules though, one might easily take advantage. Take, for example, the early sixties man who had smuggled in a professional audio recorder and a digital camera/video recorder with which to record the concert. Or observe the casually discarded wine and liquor bottles and liberally toked herbal refreshment. But take care when attending MPP, lest you forget your ID and are unable to verify your age to buy severely overpriced beer and liquor. This of course would imply that anyone at the venue even requests that you verify your age.
If you really wants to make out though, just buy lawn tickets for a show! If fortune smiles on you, as it did for hundreds of people in attendance, it will rain. When it does all the seats that didn’t sell out on both sides of the center section will be provided. If you are at the front when the deluge occurs then you’ll save tons of money, and get to have way better seats than I!
But, the parking was free! That’s one plus, but i must have an issue with this type of setup. The venue was arranged in similar fashion to the Mann Center’s pavilion and both arrangements seemed to mute and dull the sound. Strangely, the alternate and open stage arrangement at the Mann provided a more full, even, and enjoyable sound then the basin/pavilion approach employed by these venues.
Prior to these events a lovely mid-afternoon trip to Duclaw’s brewpub, minus the poor waitressing, was enjoyed. This was accompanied by a speedy traverse of the very unique Arrundel Mills mall, which warrants a return trip and a great deal more time to explore
And now we return to my house, where I started and now finish this journey, and to provide you with this narrative.
Humbly yours,
J