Live Recordings, Mall Dumplings, and a Rainy Gov Ball
I’ve been saying June is going to be a busy month and the first week was no exception. As I sit here reflecting on the amount of talent I’ve seen throughout the last 7 days, I’m reminded of how much I love music and living in New York City. Buckle up because it was a big week:
It started on Monday at Mercury Lounge for the first of three Cab Ellis residency shows. I missed the last Cab show at Music Hall of Williamsburg so I was glad to be back in the crowd for this one. The night had a late start but I always think the energy of late shows is better. There was something that felt almost illicit about being at a 10:30 show on a school night. The first (non-DIY) Cab show I saw was at Mercury so it’s always a special place to see the band. It’s intimate and connected and the energy bounces off the walls. This show was no exception.
Since these shows are being recorded for a live album, the setlist featured older songs I haven’t heard in a while. The opening notes of “Blue House Curb” still hit me deep. Shoutout to Greg who let me sing a few “ba da da”s into his mic - here’s hoping I make the final recording ! You can catch Cab Ellis back at Mercury Lounge on June 16th and June 30th, trust me, you’ll want to be at one.
I chilled for the rest of the week knowing what was coming next. Friday afternoon I took the 6 to the 7 and headed out to Queens for day 1 of Gov Ball. After going to Gov Ball in 2021, I decided that was enough, I was good. I really had no desire to go again until I saw this year’s lineup. Mk.gee? Wallows? I bought my pre-sale tickets the minute they went on sale.
I made it to Flushing Meadows halfway through the day and saw songs from Tyla, The Beaches, T-Pain, The Backseat Lovers, and Role Model (please just one chance!) before grabbing an early spot for Mk.gee. If you know me, you know what a fan I am of his. We spent the set surrounded by a much too nonchalant crowd but brought the energy Mike deserved. “Rockman” was played multiple times a day throughout the Wilmah fall tour, so to finally hear it live brought back the best memories. The hour set went by way too fast and it’s already agreed upon that we’ll be at his next show in the area.
After Mk.gee we had to be honest with ourselves and admit that we wanted to see Benson Boone for the bit. After accidentally missing him do his first flip, we decided food was more important. But we finished in time to run back to see his final performance of “Beautiful Things.” The group around us in the back was just as bought into the bit as we were and we all went crazy when we saw the infamous flip live. The night finished with being amazed by Tyler the Creator. Watching an artist of that magnitude capture such rapt attention of a large crowd was awe-inspiring.
The story for Saturday was a bit different. Just as we were about to get on the subway we learned that doors had been delayed 5 hours due to weather. We decided to head out to Queens anyway and be in the area in case the schedule changed (it didn’t) and suddenly found ourselves with many free hours to kill. We got off in Flushing alongside other clear bag carrying, sequin wearing fans. Luckily, we found an indoor mall complete with a food court and places to sit to spend the time.
After eating some dumplings, we got back on the 7 train and prepared for the inevitable line we knew we were about to face. It was worse than our worst thoughts. Despite getting there before doors opened, the line wrapped all throughout the park. It took over 2 hours, a dip in morale, and being pushed by those who tried to cut the line, but we finally made it in - although not without casualties. We missed a couple sets we were looking forward to (rip The Backfires) but (thankfully) made it to the main stage right as Wallows walked out.
Wallows has been my favorite band since 2018 and it feels like I know their music so well that the notes run through my veins. Watching them on stage felt like watching friends. The vibes were high and the sun was shining, until suddenly it was not. We watched the rain clouds quickly roll in but danced through as it fell during “Calling After Me.” A minute later the down pour set in and the rain ponchos came out. We got soaked as “Remember When” blared from the speakers and truthfully there couldn’t have been a better song to be playing at that moment. My dad always says, “the rain is where the memories are made,” and singing along to “Remember When” in a storm is something I’ll remember for a long time. (My contact almost falling out because there was so much water running into my eye, maybe not.)
Afterwards, there was a short debate on whether or not we should just go home. We were wet, we were tired, we didn’t care too much about the acts between then and Olivia Rodrigo. But we ate some pirogies, took a seat on a spare rain poncho, and decided to rally. We got moving while singing along to Conan Gray and the vibes rebounded ahead of Olivia’s set.
At the ripe age of 28, I felt too old to buy tickets to Olivia’s last tour so seeing her at a festival worked out perfectly. I sang every word. I didn’t realize I remembered so many lyrics. But I truly sang nearly every word. Singing (shouting) along was a deeply cathartic experience. I actually felt lighter after. Olivia herself is an insane performer with hit after hit and it was the best possible way to end the weekend.
Despite the rain, the teenagers, and the $15 mozzarella sticks, this weekend really revitalized my love of live music. I stood in the crowd imagining Wilmah’s first festival show and have been plotting since. (If you have a connection, let a girl know.) Music is truly a community and to be surrounded by such excitement and enthusiasm all weekend was just what I needed.
If you’ve made it this far (thank you) here’s a wonderful picture of me in my rain poncho. 10/10 festival fit.
