The focus for this date was compromise and we just kept compromising; so much so, that we didn’t even go on the date we planned. Fitz and I talked about places we wanted to visit and there were plenty of historic sites that came up, particularly in Southeastern Arizona, but they would be better for a weekend away. Since the "Museums on Us" program allows free entry for the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum during the first weekend of the month, these museums were on the short list. I love Matisse and the Heard Museum currently has an exhibit showing the influence of the Inuit people and culture in some of his works. Fitz doesn’t particularly like Matisse and I prefer the more colorful works so we decided to skip that. We have wanted to get back to the Phoenix Art Museum so that seemed like the most enjoyable date for both of us. Saturday came. I was swamped with work and we had concert tickets that night. We could go Sunday.
Thanks to my sister and brother (“-in-law” to be exact, but I’ve never liked that term so he gets to be “brother”), we had tickets to see the BoDeans that night. I was excited. I had never seen them live. I had never been to this venue before. And Fitz agreed to go! We decided to go to dinner near the concert. This was a naive decision because, as we realized while driving around, it was a land of chain restaurants. The place we initially walked into had a huge wait, but there were 4 restaurants all within walking distance. We picked a “local chain” a couple doors down, ate a perfunctory dinner, and headed to the Musical Instrument Museum Music Theater. Since the concert wasn’t until 9 pm, we figured the museum would be closed. When we picked up our tickets at will-call, they encouraged us to visit the Orientation Gallery while we waited for the doors to open. Heck yes. Screw going to the Phoenix Art Museum the next day. We compromised again and took full advantage of our accidental museum opportunity. I’m still laughing about this piece:
But it’s just an Empty case…
One of the most played instruments across the world.
I have visited the Musical Instrument Museum in its entirety and thought it was amazing. It’s such a unique museum and a real treasure for Phoenix. They offer free admission in July for Educator Appreciation and I will try to go again. It’s almost too much to do all at once but it is fascinating. It’s a must for musicians.
Fitz and I had just enough time to explore the gallery and head into the theater. The seats were terrific. Looking around at the venue, I think any of the seats would be great. I sometimes fret about about seeing live music in places with seats, but I would definitely get tickets to shows here in the future when I want a cozy and personal experience.
Once BoDeans started playing, Fitz realized that we were not seeing the band he thought he was coming to see. He didn’t recognize the first few songs but then he figured out the band and knew the hits. He would not be alone in not recognizing their music by name, but this crowd knew the deep tracks. Even if I hadn’t known that the band was from Wisconsin, the composition of the crowd and the accordion sealed the deal. Fitz leaned over at one point and whispered, “So are they like the Midwestern Springsteen?” I’d argue that Mellencamp is the Midwestern Springsteen, but it’s debatable. We had a fun night and the music was good.
The BoDeans live at Musical Instrument Museum Music Theater (2/2/2019).
Instead of heading to the Art Museum on Sunday, we decided we would save that date for another weekend. It was Super Bowl Sunday and we don’t watch football. Grocery shopping during the Super Bowl sounded far more appealing than watching the game. As we were in line at Fry’s with our groceries, “Still the Night” by the BoDeans came through the overhead speaker. No lie. Fitz gave me a knowing smile from the very first riff. He now recognizes the BoDeans.
Stay tuned for more cheap dates. Week 6: Mutual respect - Choose your own budget. Roam around library or used book store together. Find something you'll read, watch, or listen to together. Extra points if this causes you to get a library card.
If you want to experience the biggest used book sale I have ever witnessed, head to the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association (VNSA) Book Sale on February 9 (8am- 6pm) and 10 (8am-4pm) at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Ag Center building located at 1826 West McDowell Road in Phoenix, Arizona.