So last night, instead of my planned evening of sitting on my ass and watching “Man With The Screaming Brain” I ended up dragging an unenthused Kimberly to go see some old friends playing their third gig at Rosy’s II on Bayview.
First of all, it has been years since I have been in a joint like Rosy’s volountarily. If I had not already known half of the people there I would have been just as nervous as Kim, who was the only non-caucasian in the establishment. The half I didn’t know was made up of raucous, rebel-flag waiving, workin’ class white folks. Those guys scare the hell out of me. Nevertheless, I was forced to remember my OV roots, which was sort of fun, and kind of embarassing all at once.
Bob, Larry, and Ryan’s band was pleasantly surprising. I hadn’t heard Larry play drums yet. He had told me he was starting a while back, when I was home from break, and I was really impressed with how he’s come along on his own. He’s not had any lessons. Bob has only been playing bass for a year and I think he has a lot of potential. I really am looking forward to helping him speed up the process.
The thing is, these dudes were like my brothers back in the day. When I started playing bass in the 6th grade, music became a totally separate aspect of my life. I did music away from my friends, and most of the time I was practicing was spent at the cost of not hanging out with them.
Music was a big part of all our lives, though. Despite the fact that they didn’t play instruments at the time, I was turned onto tons of great music by those guys and the crowd that would hang out at their house. Being one of the few “musicians” in our circle kind of defined me in the group, but I wasn’t in any bands at the time, so, like I said, music was something I did on my own or with other acquaintences from school.
Watching them play last night kind of bummed me out because I wished we had decided to start playing music together. Then we could have started a band as kids. I guess I could have, and may have, proposed the idea, but I wouldn’t have been able to convince them. I was the youngest of the group and they almost never listened to me. I was a completely different person then, as well.
Anyway, I am happy to have reconnected with my old friends. I’m looking forward to having something in common with them again.
Justin, you act like I didn’t want to be there. All things considered, I had a good time. It’s always interesting to see how other people live…in this case, the “other people” were white people. I love white folks. I’m sure that’s kind of how you feel when you’re with me and my family…all 300 of us.
I genuinely did enjoy myself. I was also pleasantly surprised by Mut. I thought their rendition of “Wicked Game” was great. I think it was the first time I have ever heard that song without falling asleep. Also, I may have been a bit uncomfortable but I didn’t feel unwelcome. There is a difference. I have been places where I was the only non-white and felt my presence was unwelcome. Your family and friends have never made me feel that way. I think Larry and Bob are absolutely adorable…and Dawn and their mother are very sweet.
I’m sure there will be more opportunities for us to see the Man With the Screaming Brain…and if I hope you remember that I thought it would be a good idea for you to go support your friends. I mean, I have always supported you no matter what. Even if supporting you means going to a place that makes me feel uncomfortable. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but 9 times out of 10 I’m the only non-white at your gigs…or 1 of 2 non-whites. The other minority being the black guy selling crack in the corner…aswas the case the Okey Dokey. And why would I want to sit at home and watch Man With the Screaming Brain when I can be at an OV sports bar watching a crack whore dance and undress Bob with her sleepy eyes?