Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Funny Things to Do

This past weekend I had possibly the oddest night I've had in quite some time. We were invited by our friend to go see his band, 4 Star Alarm, play at the Lincoln Park Fireman's Cookoff. Saturday was a gorgeous day and I thought that being outside at a cookoff with a band sounded like a brilliant idea.

When we got there, attendance was pretty sparse. Apparently this was the first year that these particular firemen had attempted this kind of fundraiser and they had not done a very good job publicizing it. At first I just thought they really liked us when we were greeted with showers of thank you's and a free calendar (which if you know me, you know is sooooooooooooo not my thing). Some girls like beefcake, I go for the triple "T" threat...tall, thin, tortured. Anyhow, once we were in, we realized that pretty much everyone else there was a fireman or belonged with a fireman (Lulu, eat your heart out). The food was good. The beer was bad, and worse, served by "beer dancers" as my friend calls them. Think Coyote Ugly.

So, our friend's band is a little emo and a little punk. They showed up in full regalia, standing out like sore thumbs in the crowd. It was funny to notice that as time passed, the lead singer lost some of his "flair." Off went the big chunky belt. Off went the '70's rock star shades. On went the headband bandanna. I think he was trying to camouflage himself. As they started to play, my friend pointed out that the crowd was stepping further and further away from the stage. Sadly, they actually did one of the best shows I've heard from them yet, but I think it went unappreciated.

The band finished at about 10, so Mr. Ten S and I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood. Our first bad plan and ultimately funny moment was when we decided to go into one of the local bars to use the restroom. Woooooooo! I forgot all about the Trixie and Chad culture in Lincoln Park and had to take a huge step back when I realized that :

A. They all looked exactly alike and were clones of the people I had spent my entire youth avoiding.
B. They all looked far too young to be so inebriated.
C. These are the people who spawn and move to Glenview.
Frightened, we made a beeline for the door and continued our walk. The highlight of the walk was spending some time in a real record store and scoring some vinyl. The next amusing moment was when we decided that rather than head into a Trixie bar, we'd go to Neo for a drink. Now mind you, we're in Saturday evening outside cookout gear. Woooooo! I forgot all about:

A. Everyone dressed in black.
B. Sprockets Redux atmosphere
C. How much more time these people put into their "outfits."
Uh yeah, we didn't really fit in there either, but they had better beer on tap and at least were playing some pretty cool tunes.

After our little adventures, we decided to call it a night. Other than the way North Shore boy on the train who was trying his best to be both cool and friendly, we made it home without further incident. The whole night left me realizing that I really like my crowd at places like The Beat Kitchen and Bottom Lounge. There's a little bit of attitude, but on the whole, they tend to be a whole lot more accepting of just about anybody. Well, unless you're too much of a Trixie. Then they'll just mock you behind your back and go back to what they were doing.

8 comments:

lulu said...

its not really the beefcake, I just really really really like the boots.

echo said...

T, at least you didn't bring anyone with you. When I was in Germany some years back, one of my peers wanted to tag along on a club jaunt. What a nightmare.

I went into a club that was somewhere between an Industrial Metal and art house vibe with a co-worker who insisted on tagging along. This place was very Dieter meets Nine Inch Nails.

*Dickweed* - as we will call him - spends five minutes smirking, giggling, and pointing, and then insists that we ditch *these freaks and losers*. Sadly, from where I stood, he was the only one there who qualified under both of those titles. Thankfully, only a couple of people heard him. I spoke German and *Dickweed* didn't. I apologized and let them know that he obviously hadn't invested in a mirror recently...

Never get too old...

Moderator said...

But you gotta admit the Trixies and Chads of the world are better dressed than your average TMBG crowd.

Tenacious S said...

Echo-We'll visit Neo again someday. Just not in cookout gear.
Grant-As Sweetness said to a "Trixie" girl at her school, "At least I thought about my outfit. You look just like everyone else. Nice polo shirt."

Tenacious S said...

Lu-Some of them showed up on a truck...with boots.

wonderturtle said...

It's always good to delve into other crowds every once in a while, if only to make you grateful for the ones you're used to. And to remind yourself why certain Presidents actually get elected.

Cap'n Ergo "XL+II" Jinglebollocks said...

sounds more like Linkin Park, if'n U as mee...

Coaster Punchman said...

This reminds me of when I went to see one of my favorite gay-themed improv group called "The Nellie Olesons." First time I saw them was a 100% gay or gay friendly crowd - the cheers and applause was almost defeaning throughout the show. A few months later I watched them do a set at The Comedy Club (or insert whatever generic comedy club name you can think of) on Sunset Blvd. Half the crowd walked out by the time they were done. (They are pretty crude.) Heartbreaking to watch your favorite artists go unappreciated or be downright scorned by non-believers.