Mullets and Fireworks

I got to see Styx play at PNC Park last night after the Pirate Game. The show was not bad but they didn't actually play a full set since their appearance was part of the 'Skyblast' event which included a fireworks display during the concert. It was kind of a weird set up because Styx would play a song or two and then the stage would go black and then fireworks would start going off coordinated to songs by other aging, classic rockers played over the PA system. After the brief sound and light show, Styx would come back on and play another 'hit' or two and then lather, rinse, and repeat - Fireworks, Boom, etc.

I did get to see and hear them play 'Blue Collar Man', 'Fooling Yourself', 'Lady' and of course the favorites 'Come Sail Away' and 'Renegade' so it was worth it (even if Dennis DeYoung is no longer with the band).

Incidently, the Pirates won the game too, 10 to 7 over the Mets. The game was pretty exciting; scoring in every inning except the 9th and the Pirate's managed to hit a ball out of the park (completely out of the park - something you don't see everyday) ... but it was a long game (3 hrs:15 min) ... and very hot and humid (82 degrees at the first pitch). The park was sold out, and not just on paper, I'm talking it looked like there was not an empty seat in the house.

Thanks to 'Moon Over Pittsburgh' for the tix.

Other Happenings ...

Let's catch up ...

Saturday night during an awesome dinner (that I cooked) 'Uncle Cracker' decided that his new nickname should be 'Meatwad'.

and Friday night this was the view from my seat at the Pirate Game ... in the one private row of seats in front of the flower bed on the Keystone Club Balcony ... it was pretty nifty ... the Buccos lost but it was fireworks night so that sort of made up for it.

'Uncl' ... er ... 'Meatwad' made a point by saying that the Pirates Organization could probably stand to cut back on the funds that they spend on Fireworks and use that money saved to buy a player that could actually play baseball.

We all agreed.

Pirate Parrot Parody

Something for you Pittsburgh folk ...

This was shown on the jumbo tron last night at the end of the Pittsburgh Pirate's Game ... a parody of the last Soprano's episode.

... and as the screen went blank, the lights went out in the entire stadium. It was fireworks night so the sky blast show began as soon as the video ended.

I love the fact that 'Ritter's Diner' was used as the location in the film short.

Funk and Soul

Too many Franzeskainers have me feeling a little groggy this morning. Oh and one Hoegaarden and two shots of Jameson. But before all of that ...

A few of us checked out two bands at the 3 Rivers Arts Festival last night.

Earl Greyhound and the Ike Reilly Assassination. Both were just okay. Earl was a power trio sounding like a less polished Wolfmother. Ike was too 'americana' for me ... too many songs about truckstops and lost girlfriends.

We jetted early and went to Kelly's Bar and Lounge in East Liberty for our ritual Funk and Soul Night. Attendance was strong. Mostly the usual suspects but I met some new people too. We commandeered the back patio since there were about 14 people in our group. Around Midnight, we all ventured across the street to the Shadowlounge for Open Mic Night but the place was already shutting down due to the fact that no one was there. Too bad too, our friend 'Vince Deadly' was going to get up on stage again and improv another song*.

*Back Story: The last two weeks in a row, 'Vince Deadly' has brought the house down at Open Mic Night at the Shadowlounge. Last week was an impromtu Funk song made up of grunts, groans and the word Chaka Khan and the week prior he made up an R & B Ballad featuring all the sad parts in Classic Disney Cartoons ... "you know ... like Bambi's Mom."

Tonight I take the parents to a Pirate Baseball Game for my stepfathers birthday. Let's hope it doesn't rain.