When I mentioned to several people that I wanted to go to a free Rusted Root’s show, they said, “Who’s that?” When I would say, “the band that sings, “Send Me On My Way.” Still nothing. For those of you who don’t know, the song was release in the mid 90s and was a radio hit. I heard it many time while lifeguarding at North Shore Pool in the glory days of the 90s. Never really being a fan of radio it was nice to enjoy a few songs, and “Send Me On My Way” was one of them. If you have kids you should know it as the song from Ice Age. Well when the song was a hit, I borrowed a CD from a friend and liked their stuff. I never bought the album it was from, “When I Woke.” and never purchased a ticket to their show. However, when I heard free show, I was in. Sarah and I went to pick up the tickets for the show the day they were released and they were gone. I counted it a loss and forgot about the event.
Luckily on the day of the show Jannus Landings posted a reminder on their Facebook Page. By the time gates were opened on Sunday evening it was pouring down rain. I saw that as an opportunity and went to downtown St. Pete. I walked in the pouring rain, following the music, to the venue a few blocks from where I parked. Luckily, there were plenty of no shows so I was able to just walk right in. The opening band, Fall On Purpose, had been playing for a while. I grabbed one of the few spots that had an overhang. Almost as soon as I found my covered spot on the side of the stage, some burlesque dance crew came on stage right in front of me. Literally in touching distance. I felt like I was in a “Life and Times of Tim” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode and someone I knew was going to come around the corner and scolled me for choosing to stand so close to these ladies. As I sparingly watch the ladies dance, I swear only a glance or two, I pictured the woman drowning in water. The way they were moving their bodies wasn’t bad, it was just funny how their arms were flailing in the air and spinning around while the whole rain thing was going on. Anyways, I have to say I kind of appreciated it. They aren’t really naked like some spring break dancing girls. It’s kind of a modest 1940s throw back lingerie dance type thing. So anyways I should probably stop before I get myself in trouble.
The first band was alright, but I was there for Rusted Root. By 9:00 the band came on stage and immediately got the crowd fired up. I can best describe RR as a blend of Talking Heads meets Phish at a tribal sweat lodge. It’s music to get you moving, dancing and smiling. The crowd really got into fast. The rain just turned into a light sprinkle and eventually to not much at all, which I think the rain would have been more fun. They played for two hours up to curfew time at 11:00 PM. It was a much enjoyed show! The diverse group from dirty barefoot hippies to St. Anthony Triathlete, even to over plastic surgeried New York woman were all their having a blast.
If they were ever to come to the area again, I would go see them. I think even if I had to pay. I had a fun night and only wish my iPhone would record better audio.
