Happy In Hoboken

By Simeon | February 28, 2005 7:48 PM | Comments (1)

Just to review, I was kidnapped on Saturday. Avi, Ben, and Loren took me up north for a Pat McGee and Friends Acoustic Show at Maxwell's in Hoboken. I was really excited for a number of reasons. First, random travel cannot be topped. Second, a very large group of kids were expected at the show. Third, the amazing music!

The trip to Hoboken from Annapolis was split in two. We took three cars to Ben's house in Havertown. I rode with Loren. From Ben's to Hoboken, we continued in two cars. Loren had to take her's all the way north. She was going back to Ohio on Sunday. I rode with her on the second leg as well. We listened to so much good music through the entire ride including Travis, Phish, Counting Crows, Rusted Root, and Van Morrison.

We got into Hoboken around 630pm, but parking was horrible. I invited Teresa to come to the shows, and she was schedule to arrive around 730pm at the train station. We drove around till past 7pm. I had to leave the parking fiasco to met Teresa. It was tricky to figure out the train station because; I can't remember the last time I have been to Hoboken. I eventually got it all square and was waiting when her train arrived.

We took a cab back down to the venue. It looked really really small from the outside. This was deceiving because; the dinning area was only visible from the outside. I had purchased tickets for the first show, but I didn't have tickets for the second. I had asked the band the night before for guest list, but I wasn't sure. We saw Chardy right at the end of the hall that lead toward the stage area. I introduced him to Teresa, and we talked about the poetry from the street for a second. He then informed me that I was on the list for both shows. So very kind!!! We walked into the bar/stage area to stash our stuff.

Chris was nice enough to watch my bad back by the soundboard. Upfront, I said hi to Scott. Then I started introducing Teresa to the multitude of people in attendance like Morgan, Steve, Ben, Avi, Kate, and Loren. I even met a few new people. This was only the first show, and a few more were suppose to stop by for the second. The music was over-shadowed by social hour. Avi's "I (heart) Mullets" t-shirt was a big hit. I did notice a few songs like "Story" and "Girl from Athens."

Between the two shows, we were asked to exit the bar/stage area to the dinning area. At this point, I was able to say hi to Eric, Matt, Roth, Jillian, and many others. I was so happy! All these people in one place? I was excited to introduce Teresa to this group of people. I heard only good things in return. She was happy to met everyone. Good People.

The second show was much the same as the first - social hour. I mean, they played "Sympathy," "Wish You Were Here," "Girl from Athens," and others. I wasn't paying so much attention. I was having so much fun sitting in the back trying to teach Avi how to dance, talking to Scott about the future, and spending time with Teresa. The show ended for the night, and we all found places around the greater NYC area to sleep. Thanks Miranda! She put up myself, Teresa, and Morgan. We called it a night around 4am.

The next day, everyone took their sweet time getting together. This was fine by me. I had a ride all the way back to my door. A group of people had spent the night over in Manhattan. The rest stayed in the Hoboken area. In the early afternoon, Teresa and I walked up and down Washington Street and ate some food. She took a train home about 3pm. Shortly thereafter, Ben, Avi, and Loren arrived back from Manhattan. Loren was off to Ohio while Ben, Avi, and I drove south to Philadelphia. The entire ride - Avi and I slept. It was a good thing because; we had to drive from Havertown to Annapolis. That drive was pretty quick, and I was at home for some much needed sleep.

I look back now, and it all seems so surreal. Did that forty-eight hours just happen? It really did. I love it so much. You can't plan things like this. You can plan fun (insert rio), but you can't plan it all. I love how random life can be with crazy surprises that brood so much happiness. I can't say thank you enough to Pat and Chardy for the guest list hookup. Of course, Loren, Ben, Avi are rock stars for the transportation. It was amazing to see everyone at the show! I relish the small amounts of time I get to spend with each of you. I am already looking forward to our next meetings. Can anyone say Peaking At The Beacon?