Best Live Shows

This might be one of the best shows I've ever been to. The place was jam-packed with testosterone, walls of speakers and pot smoke. I felt like I was trippin' when a really nice group of people, who had taken pity on my short stature, ushered me further and further up towards the stage. It was perfect. Not even the drunk '90s, extreme dude thrashing into everyone could ruin my time, and he was soon escorted out by the bouncers anyway.

The Flaming Lips at the Greek Theater
This was my first time at the Greek, and OMG, what a great show to take my virginity. This happened to be one of the hottest days of the year, so it was nice to have a truly great summer show. The minute Ween came on to open the show, joints lit up throughout the entire crowd. Ween's set was very jammy, and they played too long—over an hour and a half, but when the Flaming Lips finally came on, they were well worth the wait. The orange, bouncing balls and citrus scent shot out into the crowd, along with Wayne Coyne in his zorb, while the various costumed people danced on stage. One of the first things Wayne Coyne commented on was how he had only smelled "this much pot in one other town. That town was Amsterdam, and we were playing at an indoor venue." The orange scented spray came in handy that night.

Built to Spill at Slim's
Doug Martsch's voice and music touch me to the core, and it was great checking out Built to Spill during one of their four sold-out shows at Slim's. Doug Martsch seems like such a straight-up and friendly guy—he was hanging out at the merch booth all night talking to his fans before going on stage. He and his band like to drink non-alcoholic Old Milwaukee. That must be how they've been able to survive so many years of touring. Who knew Old Milwaukee had non-alcoholic beer?

Pictured above is a piece that was whipped up by fabulous collage artist Alexis Mackenzie at November's 111 Minna Sketch Night.

Dinosaur Jr at Great American