What was your first concert?
The first concert I ever went to was — surprise! — a radio show. It was a holiday show back in my hometown of Detroit, mid 90s, with Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Duncan Sheik, and Dishwalla. And what’s sort of extra special about that now is that just a few weeks ago when Sarah McLachlan played The Mann celebrating the 30th anniversary of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, every song that was on the setlist from the show she played — my first show! — was also on her setlist at The Mann. And it was sublime, so good, a very cool full circle kind of moment.
What was the first album you bought / downloaded / generally became obsessed with?
I still own it. Live, Throwing Copper, early 90s, produced by Jerry Harrison from the Talking Heads. And I don’t have any way to play this anymore. I don’t have a CD player anymore. But I couldn’t rid of it, too many memories.
Who is your all time favorite artist and why?
This hopefully will go on my gravestone or my headstone some day. [my all time favorite artist is] the sad dads of The National! Berninger and Dessner and Dessner and Devendorf and Devendorf. So the two sets of brothers, the rhythm section with the Devendorfs; I love Bryan’s drumming, and it has powered me through so many runs. The guitar wonder twins of Aaron and Bryce Dessner. And then Matt Berninger, and his voice, and his lyrics, and his onstage antics, throwing wine glasses up in the air. I’ve traveled everywhere to see them — that’s what you do when you’re obsessed, right? — Michigan, Boston, upstate New York, New York City. Their shows in Philly are always legendary, can’t wait for their co-headline with The War On Drugs at The Mann this September. And then I also hopped on a plane for Madrid, Spain, and saw them at Mad Cool Festival. And hopefully many more, many many more to come.
What artist are you super excited about right now?
That’s easy, that is Idles. Their album Tank, which came out at the top of the year, has been on constant repeat, gonna be one of my favorites of 2024 for sure. And somehow I’ve missed them live every time they’ve come through Philly. I am going to remedy not seeing them live previously with a trip to New York this fall to see them play with The Walkmen, and I am all sorts of fired up for that show.
Cats, dogs, birds, or other?
I love all animals but I am 100% a dog person. I have an almost twelve year old rescue pup, Matilda, I’ve had her since she was four months old. She’s like a shepherd hound mix, I think? (I don’t actually know, I haven’t done the test. Maybe I should do that.) But adopt, don’t shop, it’s so rewarding.
If you’re not out at a concert, what’s your favorite place in Philly?
I love the Magic Gardens and I do think there’s something so special and magical about them, and I love that Isaiah Zagar is still alive and creating. BUT I think I have to go with the Wissahickon Park. It’s right out my front door, it’s a gem with all these wooded trails, and the paved trail of Forbidden Drive. Again with the running, I make a lot of great use of that with my dog, and hiking…it’s such a nice getaway to nature. You’d never know you’re in the city, except for you’re so conveniently close.
