OK,
Anyway, off we went, into downtown Portland, ended up parking in the same area as the band's van! OK, just a minor coolness, but whatever. In we went, the place not full yet, got drinks and a great table, and settled in. The boys came and did a (not-so) quick soundcheck, and then reappeared, ready to go. Flamboyant as always, Igor strode to centre mic wearing a suit that appeared to be made of stuffed-animal-tiger plush, Oleg picked up his balalaika wearing a shiny red suit. Oleg (other one) walked over to his keyboard in a three-piece suit of black flames over red, and Adam took the drum kit in a red sequinned jacket. With no further ado, they launched into 'Lovepipe', and the spectacle began. Somewhere in the middle of the first or second song,
Highlights of the night included
- Oleg dragging a good 8 or 9 ladies (and one chunky, pencil-moustached asian guy) up on stage for 'I Wanna See You Bellydance'
- Accordion solos
- Crowd participation on 'Sex In Paradise'
- a 5-minute drum solo which consisted of the rest of the band putting up their instruments, grabbing drumsticks, and proceeding to gather around the drum kit, all playing in unison with the drummer...now THAT'S a drum solo! They then left Adam there to pull off a drum solo of his own which was amazing.
- Igor's dancing and Elvis impersonations
- Being told that the audience screaming on the opening of 'Roketman' sounded so cool, they were gonna start over again, just to hear it again
As for my own side experience, as mentioned, I was supposed to hook up with Oleg about potentially doing some graphic work for them. I approached him between sets, and introduced myself, and we talked for a little bit about a couple things they wanted to do. It was way cool just to chat with him, much less to think that I may be working for them soon (freelance, of course, I'm not being hired by the band or something!). We talked a little while longer, and I got he and Igor to autograph a poster for me:
Happy as a clam, I returned to our table for the second half of the show, which was just as kick-ass as the first half. Man, adrenaline pumping, bopping and dancing, having a blast. Couldn't have asked for a better show...just wish
Rachel and I drove back towards my place, stopping at Burger King for onion rings, as they sounded good, and it dawned on me that, other than a couple drinks at the show, I hadn't had anything in my stomach since 11 o'clock that morning. Returning to the house, I found Di still up, which was cool, so we all hung out for a little before Rachel finally struck out for home. We have plans, though to go out Friday night, as I understand that David J is playing, and I'd love to see him live.