hand in the air

earlier this month i saw the deftones at the 930club. the best thing about the show was watching this rasta be the one to start the moshing on the main floor from up on the balcony. the rest of the show was loud enough that you couldn't understand the lyrics (courtesy 930's shitty sound system) unless you happened to already know the words which, of course, i didn't. the spit from the guy next to me told me he knew every word and probably would've continued singing each lyric if i hadn't stopped him to give warning that his spit would be his demise if it touched me again (the second near fight in as many visits).
spit, shit sound, and a cramped space contributed poor vibes and once again i was reminded why i don't like the 930club and why i will always prefer an outdoor venue.
refuge: i luckily spent last night racing around maryland venues, catching first, the long awaited manu chao at the merriweather amphitheatre, followed by machel mantano at the boardwater estate (thank you dc carnival). both outdoor venues, both great shows, both carrying crazy positive vibes. i was wining and jumping and dancing with the best of dem, all the while throwing an eye to the stage to watch two artists that i have grown to love and appreciate; regardless of my ability to comprehend every lyric.
the only downfall of either show was simply that neither act brought a full cast of characters; missing at the very least the horns from both shows. such a big part of latin and soca music, i feel the horns section is not to be missed/left behind - even when it means flying the musicians and their brass to dc from trinidad or spain. hell, explain to me that my ticket price hasta jump $10 so they can afford a show with horns and i'd tell you to make it twenty and don't forget to include manu's second vocalist with all the hot lyrics and machel's wining girls proven previously to direct ones focus to the stage.
the evening air was warm and crisp and swirled a consistent hint of herb across both crowds (another benefit of the outdoor venue). the music, the weather, the vibes, a little grass, a drink, a brownie, and some corn soup all contributed nicely to a beautiful night - one simply not possible indoors.
i'll hafta plan to see both acts again in the future; hopefully with horns, probably with grass, but definitely outdoors - as the rest of my live music endeavors will have to be.
ps. while we're on the topic... you wish you had one of these.