Aftermathew

I just checked out books from the Seattle Public Library!!

I know, I know, you are not very impressed.  You and your enlightened selves have been checking out books from the library like it’s been going out of style since the paleolithic era.  You know that SPL has real RFID in the books so that checking out has become a simple drop book and scan card event.  BUT ALL THIS EXCITING TECHNOLOGY WAS NEW TO ME because I don’t think I’ve checked out an anything from the library since I was in college.

I know it’s kinda lame, but I guess I really like owning books and I buy them used most of the time anyway.  But I recently have come to realize that libraries are way cool.  I think even cooler, much cooler (is that possible?) than book stores.  They are cheaper for one, and they allow for the knowledge to be shared for another.  They are like a physical series of tubes, (books are tubes too you know) that the entire community shares.

I had the Library Tubes deliver a book that I couldn’t find used, and didn’t want to buy new or used that much, to my local branch and I checked it out.  I checked out another book too.  I didn’t know how to do it and I felt dumb saying it, but I know the lady knew.  Oh well.

I checked the clock at 7:52, and ran to the library by 8.  I just made it in.  I was hot and panting.  But I managed to get my books.  I am excited to read them now .

I bet I will be a huge library user very very soon.  I was converted before it even began.

Fanfarlo started the show quietly, but quickly filled the stage, and the room with their sound.  Throughout the show I think I counted 14 different instruments being passed between the 6 different musicians – Drum Kit, 2 Guitars, bass guitar, at least one mandolin, tom tom drum, melodica, keyboards, a violin, a musical saw, a clarinet, a trumpet, a tamborine, and something I’m forgetting.  The lead singers voice wrapped Chop Suey up like a blanket and the harmonies, especially the main backup singer (the only woman in the band) accented intimately.

Tonight was one of those rare instances when everything regarding a concert just lined up.  The band, playing their first show on their first US tour were both nervous and excited.  They were tight, but still spontanious.  They needed us as much as we needed them; we ached for each song and lapped it up when they delivered.  The crowd at Chop Suey tonight was excited to see Fanfarlo play, and we made sure they knew.

After the first wonderful encore came to a close, the small but determined crowd chanted “one more song!” until the band came out for yet a second encore.  They announced to us that they were very touched and also “very very jetlagged. [insert cute accents here]“  To which we as a crowd responded that they were “very good.” Because they were…  And then they began to play for us again.  Giddy with the response.  Cute.  Composed.  Humbled.  The band and the audience both thankful for the moment.

Fanfarlo is charging $6 to buy their MP3s and the show was only $10.  If you live in one of these cities, I can’t recommend the show enough.  Their prices are more than reasonable, and the show was incredible.  Special even.   I really think this band is about to blow up big, but if you have a chance to see them in a tiny venue, do it.