Monday, June 18, 2012

Barcelona in Bellingham...welcome to MY home!

Last night, I attended the last show of Barcelona's current tour promoting their new album, Not Quite Yours.  For me, it was nice not having to travel 180 miles round trip to Seattle for a Barcelona concert (see the two previous blog posts).  It took me about 20 minutes to drive from my house to The Wild Buffalo, THE place in Bellingham to listen to live music. 


When I got there, I noticed a large white van parked across the street from the venue.  My hunch later proved correct...this was the band's new touring van which was purchased using funds donated from last year's Kickstarter campaign.  Nice!


I invited my friend Tiffany, who had joined me for Barcelona's 2nd Seattle show last month.  As before, I was admitted to the club with my VIP guest list privileges...love that!  Ten minutes later, the Barcelona guys arrived.  After exchanging hugs with Brian Fennell and Rhett Stonelake, Brian introduced me to Josh Jeter, their backup guitarist since Chris Bristol stayed back in Seattle with his wife and new baby...congrats Chris!  I chatted with Brian and Rhett, until it was time for opening act, Jesse Morrow to take the stage.  I had never heard Jesse's music before, and I really enjoyed his stuff.


Jesse played for about a half hour, then I watched as he and the band removed their equipment from the stage.  When they were done, Barcelona quickly set up for their performance.  Then...showtime!


There was no set list in sight on the stage, but I was prepared...I made note of every song as they played it.  And, it all sounded fantastic!  Brian has an awesome voice.  Here is the set list for the night: 

Black Rain, Black Rain by A.A. Bondy (cover)
Hanging In A Void
Slipping Away
Slowly
Come Back When You Can
It's About Time
Less Than Two
All My Life by KC & JoJo (cover)
Til Death
The Takers
Falling Out Of Trees



After the show, while Rhett broke down everything on stage to prepare for their trip back to Seattle, Brian manned the merchandise booth.  To show my support for the band, I purchased the two T-shirts that I didn't get last time, including the mysterious white-on-white shirt.  Of course, my night wouldn't be complete without getting a photo with Brian and Rhett!



I told the guys that if Five For Fighting doesn't tour in October, I would follow THEIR tour...that is, if the logistics work out for me.  That got them excited, and it IS an exciting prospect.  After goodbye hugs, I went home happy.  I can't wait to see Barcelona again, which if not earlier, will be Seattle's Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival