Thanksgiving weekend Don asked Hayden if he knew anything about Union Transfer in Philadelphia. Long story story, to make way for an even longer story, yes, he knew about it. He and Chris, and Chris's brother and his family, were going to see "They Might Be Giants" as part of their The Big Show Tour the following week.
We were asking because I wanted to go to that show. Hayden graciously let me buy his ticket off of him to the sold out show, and I got to go with Chris, making both Don and I happy.
Back when I was in college I co-founded Kappa Sigma Rho, a co-ed fraternity. Our theme song was "Women and Men." Last year when we were planning our Down Under adventures, TMBG (as they are called by their fans) was planning a tour that would have had them in Sydney about the same time as us. Our trip was cut short, and their tour was rescheduled for this year, but not for when we were going to be in Australia. Then I heard they would be on the East Coast and tried to figure out how and when to get tickets.
Don had no interest in going, and when I was standing in the venue, I was glad he wasn't there. It would have been too much standing on his bruised leg, too loud for his ears, too crowded, and not the music he enjoys.
Chris expertly guided us to the back of the floor section immediately in front of the sound board. This meant no one could push us forward and we were up on a small lip. We arrived an hour early. Dan and his family showed up as the show was starting and managed to stand next to us.
When John Linnell announced each show was going to be different, each based off an album I hoped this show was going to feature songs from their Flood album, the one I know best. It wasn't. They chose Apollo 18. The playlist was:- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
(With drum solo)
Play Video- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Set 2:
(Recording of Stellub in reverse.)
Play Video- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
(Instrumental)
Play Video- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Encore:
- Play Video
- Play Video
- Encore 2:
Current band members:
I had flashbacks to seeing Springsteen eight years ago. I was told the tour would focus on "The River" album, instead he went in a different direction that night. Both concerts I felt like a student who studied the wrong material. Fortunately, both were concerts and not tests, so I relaxed into the music, singing along when I recognized a tune. Dancing in my spot when I didn't.
Alas, "Women and Men" was not performed, but they did sing "Birdhouse in Your Soul," and "Istanbul (not Constantinople)," two of my favorites.
Driving in and out of Philly was easy, thanks to Chris who knew exactly where to go, and the best place to park on that bitterly cold night. I wish we lived closer to a city instead of between two cities. Even with the reasonable 8 pm start, it still makes for a late night.
I'm so glad the night happened. The Union Transfer is a really cool building. It started its life in 1889 as the Spring Garden Farmer's Market. Between World War I and World War II (1918-1942), it was the Union Transfer Baggage Express Co., soring luggage for the railroad (back when people traveled with trunks). It has had a few other iterations before becoming an entertainment venue. Barely visible in the dark were some antique looking woodwork and light fixtures. It is either a really amazing place to see in full light, or a disappointing one since the darkness may mask many flaws. I suspect it is the latter.
Next time an event I want to see is there, I won't hesitate to go.
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