11/17/07 Galactic w/Mr. Lif, Boots Riley, Chali 2na, etc./RJD2/LifeSavaz @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

The live band hip hop trend that had been percolating the last couple years culminated in Galactic's innovative hip hop tour. Their heavy New Orleans funk sound meshed flawlessly with the varying styles of several backpack rap luminaries. This was in conjunction with the Zig Zag Live Concert Series so there was tons of swag, including T-shirts and posters.

07/23/07 Less Than Jake/Reel Big Fish @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

When these two titans of my ska punk youth joined forces for a summer tour, I knew I had to skank over to check it out.

01/19/07 Mission: On Mars @ Rose Live Music, Brooklyn, NY

Sometimes in this city, an evening on the town can yield unexpected surprises. This night led me to discover a new favorite venue adjacent to the BQE.

Rose is a mellow spot in a quiet unassuming neighborhood. They have friendly, helpful bartenders and a reasonably priced, sometimes delicious menu. I'm a sucker for the cheese plate.

They also host an eclectic blend of jazz, hip hop, world and other music on an almost nightly basis.

Mission: On Mars was a sitar-based group, prone to the swirling psychedelia practically inherent in the sitar sound, but grounded in the soothing breakbeats of contemporary lounge. Their down-tempo jams fit the ambiance of the room flawlessly.

04/22/05 Hydra (Particle + Mickey Hart) @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

04/22/05 Roseland Balroom, New York NY
Set 1: Stellar Particles, Heart Of The Hydra, Wavemaker, Fire On The Mountain
Set 2: The Glow > Ed & Molly, Creature Of Comfort, We Are The Planet > Milestone >
We Are the Planet
Encore: Luminiferous Ether

Five years ago today, I celebrated Earth Day with yet another supergroup combining the livetronica forces of Particle with the world percussion of Rhythm Devil Mickey Hart.

Unfortunately, the sum was not greater than, or even equal to, its parts.

The highlight was a funky rendition of the Dead classic "Fire on the Mountain" and even that left me pining for its usual partner, "Scarlet Begonias."

I also saw notable Deadhead and oft-injured basketballer Bill Walton aka Big Red.

My friend was there handing out free condoms and information for the AIDS awareness organization LifeBeat, with which I would later volunteer.

Towards the end of the night, when she had finished her duties, we did a little dance and I regret not completing that lyric. I made the wrong choice of moving my car instead of piling into a taxi with her and her equally nubile lady friends.

Then I got shut out of a Phish cover band at the Lion's Den and failed to reconnect with her for the rest of the evening.

06/24/04 Reel Big Fish @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

At the punk and ska shows I used to go to in high school and beyond, I would always dream about the day I could go to the bar, grab a beer and hop in the pit. But when I finally turned 21 and got to a show, I felt kind of old. The bands get older and the fans stay the same age. Maybe that's why I moved on.

11/21/03 Galactic @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

At one point, I think Galactic was my most frequently seen band. This was the first time I saw the New Orleans funk outfit.

I don't recall much, but I remember I dragged a few friends out, one of whom would rarely make the trek to NYC.

04/22/00 Bloodhound Gang/Nerf Herder @ Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY

Another Bloodhound show. This was in support of Hooray For Boobies.

The highlight of the BHG set was during the song "Mope" when they brought out a guy in a Pac-Man suit to reenact the "Pac-Man high on crack" portion of the song. It was just like I had imagined it.

This show also introduced me to Nerf Herder, a group of nerdy pop punkers with delightfully catchy melodies and songs about Sleestaks and Courtney Love.

This was my first time at Roseland.