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Doritos Binge Forthcoming
Just a day prior to Wilco, Sleater-Kinney will be performing at the 9:30 Club on Saturday, June 25th. Dead Meadow will be opening that evening according to Pollstar. TUL is definitely looking forward to Sunday evening for two distinct reasons. The first is the return of Family Guy, obvs. Secondly, Passover will be also be concluding that night, signaling a return to carb heaven, aka Chipotle. Oh, how The Upstate Life yearns for your delicious but currently forbidden tortilla and rice right now. These Tam Tams just aren't cutting it.
Via Columbia
Just four months after their two day stint at the 9:30 Club, Wilco will be returning to the area for a show at Merriweather on Sunday evening, June 26th. Tickets for the general public will go sale through Ticketmaster at 10am on Wednesday, May 4th. Looks like another Family Guy episode will have to get the Tivo treatment that evening.
Petey Pablo Knows His Shit
In the sprit of Passover, The Upstate Life took it upon himself to conduct some intensive research as to what kind of alcohol is kosher for the holiday since PBR, High Life, and every other kind of beer is not acceptable for consumption during these eight days. Why investigate, you ask? Maybe because Manischewitz wine is not the wisest of choice for one to get their drink on, but then again, that's just TUL's opinion (though NM seems to enjoy it). Anyways, it turns out you don't even have to venture out to a specialty store to find some overpriced Israeli liqueur that you'll use once or twice for the entire week and never touch again (I'm looking at you, Sabra!). According to the Orthodox Union, Seagram's Gin and Vodka are Kosher for Passover spirits, just make sure you see the certification on the label if you're hardcore about it. Freek-a-leek!
Out With The Sonic, In With The Bloc
It appears that Sonic Youth has pulled out of their Merriweather Post Pavilion date for the much anticipated Pixies concert in Columbia on June 13th. SY's Steve Shelley verified this on the band's forum: sonic youth will not be appearing june 13 + 14 with the pixies at jones beach in nyc and merriweather post in maryland. we apologize for any problems this change of schedule may cause. thanks to everyone who came to our northeast dates last week. we hope to see you all sometime soon. ss However, it has been confirmed that a replacement for Sonic Youth has already been selected. Just three days prior to their own headlining show at the 9:30 Club, the non-stop hype machine known as Bloc Party will be opening for the Pixies according to Ticketmaster and Merriweather. Tickets for the general public will be going on sale this Saturday at 10am with prices ranging from $25 to $40. This one is sure to be a sell-out, so TUL advises you to keep your 43 Firefox browser windows refreshed come 9:59am Saturday morning.
Weekend Wrapup: Unleavened Edition
 That's right everyone, after a few days away from Maryland (and a computer), The Upstate Life has returned. Commence rejoicing. I woke up early on Saturday to buy McCartney tickets since they were originally scheduled to go on sale that morning at 10am (as falsely reported here), but for one ridiculous reason or another, it was postponed for today instead. Thankfully, I was able to buy a pair for Sir Paul's lowest price offering, that being $49.50 'natch, at 10 this morning on the dot. Even though we're at the extremely high level of the 400s, at least they're located in the second row. They seem to be much better seats than the time we were at the Wizards/Celtics game two weeks ago. The tickets for that game were in the third to last row, but then again, I guess that's why they only cost ten bucks. In other ticket purchasing news, thanks in part to one of TUL's closest confidants (that and a lack of broadband internet access), I was able to secure some seats for Modest Mouse's upcoming show at DAR. What's binoculars about this whole deal my friends is that The Upstate Life will be standing (but not sitting, obvs) in Row D! Hell, it almost cancels out the fact that I'm going to see a show at Constitution Hall. I didn't even realize until today that it's the same day as Bloc Party's concert at the 9:30 Club. Since I already have the oh-so-hip bragging rights of having seen them perform at the Black Cat, I'm not too apprehensive about missing that show. Speaking of Bloc Party, it appears that the 9:30 Club has caved into The DCeiver's demands after a series of hostile negotiations. For those that frequent our website, we are letting you know about this show before it goes into advertising: BLOC PARTY 9:30 Club June 16 DCeiever: 1 DCist comment/9:30 Forum Haters: 0
One Big Holiday
The Upstate Life ventured into the hotly-debated territory of the 9:30 Club Event Schedule over at Tickets.com this morning for his daily inspection of concert announcements. What he found, however, was a sole event going on sale in the near future, mysteriously labeled "TBA". Hopefully, nine out of ten people who saw this were able to figure out this wasn't the name of a band (as for the remaining 10% of you out there, the last letter of the acronym for Taking Back Sunday is shockingly an S). Anyways, this mysterious concert that is yet to be announced by the club is scheduled for Sunday, June 12th. It didn't take TUL long to realize that he had posted a bit a few weeks ago about an upcoming show at the 9:30 Club that would be featuring the likes of LCD Soundsystem and M.I.A. on this very same date. So there you have it kids, do the math if you must. And oh yeah, tickets for this double main event won't be going on sale until Saturday, May 5th. In other words, that will be four days after the Family Guy premiere. NOTE - The Upstate Life will be heading out of town the rest of the week as he is in desperate need of some time off from his grueling blogging duties. TUL will return back to its normal schedule on Monday, April 25th. All hate mail during this time will be forwarded to The DCeiver since he one-upped us about that upcoming Ted Leo show.
Start Dusting Off Your Wings Collection
According to sources at Pollstar (you know, that place where 43% of this website's content is derived from), Paul McCartney will be launching his first stateside tour in nearly four years this coming fall as the former Beatle will be performing at MCI Center on Saturday, October 8th. According to McCartney's site, tickets will go on sale this coming Saturday, April 23rd. TUL can easily vouch for the validity of this information this time around, though he was a bit surprised he didn't receive more flack regarding the Modest Mouse blunder. TUL is still convinced they'll be performing at DAR in June, though that ticket question is really up in the air at this point. Who knew concert information from a forum would actually turn out to be so wrong? At least the kids at the 9:30 boards are consistent.
DC Band Extravaganza
Washington Social Club, which was a terrific opener for the Hot Hot Heat show last month, will be headlining at the Black Cat on Friday, June 3rd. In fact, the entire show will be comprised of local DC bands as Army of Me and DCeiver fave, Exit Clov, will be supporting WSC for the $10 bill. That's only, like, four PBR drafts!
The Void Has Finally Been Filled
The Upstate Life's life has been renewed and soul rekindled last night as I, at long last, received my new iPod in the mail on Tuesday. TUL went all out this time around and splurged for the 30GB iPod Photo, a marvel of technology if you ask me. The color screen is great, especially how it brightly displays the album art of the MP3 that's currently playing. I really don't plan to use it for photos that much, though with the recent release of the Camera Connector, things may change down the road. Right now at my desk, I'm presently rocking out to Bloc Party's DC show with the Black Cat logo displaying as the album art. You may either find that really dorky or quite rad. I, obvs, am feeling the latter of the two.
Bloc Party Hearts DC
After Saturday's excellent Bloc Party show, questions arose of when the group would be in town next. Well it apparently won't take long for the band to return to the states as they'll be crossing the pond shortly for what appears to be a brief east coast jaunt. According to their website, you'll be able to shake it fast to Bloc Party once more as they'll be moving on up to the 9:30 Club on Thursday, June 16th. Engineers and Automato will be the openers this time around as indicated by The Windish Agency. Tickets will go on sale today at 10am at tickets.com and the box office. And who knows, maybe this time I'll be able to carry a bottle of Stella around without getting checked for my of-age hand stamp too!
TUL's Take: Bloc Party @ Black Cat
The Upstate Life and company arrived in front of the Black Cat around 10:30 and were greeted by a somewhat long line from the club's entrance. I was a bit surprised by the amount of people waiting given that the venue opened its doors an hour prior to our arrival. Upon making our ways upstairs, roadies were prepping the stage for The Ponys set. We missed opening band Pony Up!, but since I haven't heard any of their material, I wasn't too disappointed. The Ponys started their set around 11 and we were underway. They were a decent act and I'll definitely have to check out some of their records. At around midnight, Bloc Party took the stage to a huge ovation. I couldn't believe the amount of X's marked on people's hands around us. Though not as bad as the Hot Hot Heat show, I was still surprised by the number of under 21ers in attendance for a band that hasn't treaded water in the mainstream that much. I can't remember the setlist off hand, nor what song they actually started off, though I believe it was "Like Eating Glass". Nonetheless, they were great, especially with their sound varying from what it sounds like on Silent Alarm. That's a good thing, since the last show I attended was Interpol (and no, that bitterness is not derived from the events that followed after that particular concert). Their performance was a little more loose and sloppy at times (could barely hear the vocals half the time), but was still very enjoyable (especially the drumming, dude was insane!). It was the last date of their stateside tour and you could tell that the band was very enthusiastic about performing up there Saturday night. They also had a crew filming throughout the entire night, even interviewing people leaving the show on the street as well. TUL was about five rows back from the stage, though I should've invested in some ear plugs this time around as I was directly in front of one of the PA speakers. As a result, I encountered some nice ear ringing during the cab ride back. It was a great show, not anything of stellar quality (Arcade Fire still holds that crown), but great nonetheless. Half a point taken off for the dude pogoing next to me throughout every song, and another for a bouncer checking my over 21 stamp as a result of beer in hand in the middle of the concert. For a second, it made me feel 19 all over again. UPDATED - Setlist: Like Eating Glass Positive Tension Banquet This Modern Love The Marshalls Are Dead / Plans Blue Light She's Hearing Voices Helicopter Little Thoughts So Here We Are Price of Gas Tulips Pioneers
Modest News
The Upstate Life has just received word (give or take a few days, 'natch) that Modest Mouse will be playing at DAR Constitution Hall on Friday, June 17th. According to the "HFStival Guru" (whatever that means) that posted this incredibly juicy piece of information, tickets apparently go on sale this Saturday through Ticketmaster. TUL admits he rather much see the band at a smaller place such as 9:30 rather than at DAR, though their recent mainstream success may allow them to possibly sellout the venue. The only other time I've been to DAR was for the amazing Pixies concert, thought TUL hopes The Bennies won't be opening this time around when Modest Mouse rolls into town. Jeez were they awful.
Music and Loathing in DC
According to Pitchfork, Kaiser Chiefs will be making an appearance at the 9:30 Club on Wednesday, July 20th, in an effort to support their recently released debut LP, Employment. Speaking of Pitchfork, the online publication's favorite artist to hate on, that being Ryan Adams obvs, will also be performing at the 9:30 next month. The well-informed Pollstar states that Mr. Adams will be hitting up DC on Saturday, May 21st. Though he maybe one of the Fork's "Most Loathsome People", he unfortunately did not quality for the hysterical DC cut.
Back for the First Time
As of today, it's been exactly two weeks since that ill-fated day when The Upstate Life's iPod and several other of his belongings were stolen from his car during a middling Interpol concert at the 9:30 Club. For fourteen long, long days, TUL was iPod-less, stuck listening to burnt CD's in his car stereo en route to and from work instead of anxiously awaiting the next MP3 selection, on shuffle mode ?natch. Well, those days will soon be numbered as The Upstate Life has had enough. Last night, at approximately 6pm, TUL purchased himself a 30GB iPod Photo from the online Apple Store. It was a difficult decision at first, debating whether to buy the 20GB iPod or a 30GB Photo, but with the latter only costing $50 more over the former and containing ten more gigs, a vivid color screen, and better battery life, it immediately became a no-brainer. Upon checking my order status today, it appears they have already shipped it out along with the Agent 18 Case that I liked so much on my old iPod, so it may even arrive by tomorrow hopefully. And to those who are actually curious, no, I will not be taking it with me to the Bloc Party show tomorrow. I also think I'll take the Metro this time around too.
Bloc of Tickets
If you weren't keeping score, we're only two days away from Saturday night's highly anticipated (and sold-out) Bloc Party show at the Black Cat. If by chance you couldn't afford/refuse to pay the ridiculous asking prices on Craigslist, Music for Robots is giving away a pair of tix to the concert. The catch? Simply prove how oh so hip you are by filling out a questionnaire to the blog of why you are the most deserving (despite the fact you literally had the chance to buy tickets weeks before they ran out). Just be sure to submit your answers by midnight tomorrow since punctuality is like, the coolest. Then again, The Upstate Life is a bit skeptical if that will be the case about six months from now. Got to stay up on top of my shit, you know?
TCBY's Got Nothing On This
Much to the chagrin of the IJC, the New York City phenomenon known as Tasti D-Lite invaded the DC Metro area last week as it opened its first store in the state of Maryland right in downtown College Park. The Upstate Life decided to venture out there over the weekend to finally taste what so many claimed to label amazing, delicious, or at least better than starving yourself. The appeal of Tasti D-Lite is that its product, a frozen dessert concoction (but not ice cream or frozen yogurt mind you), is supposedly only a mere 40 calories per serving, 99% Fat Free, and all natural (though the ingredients of Carrageenan and Cellulose don't sound remotely as wholesome as something like, I don't know, milk or sugar). Hell, it's even Kosher (how could Chocolate Macaroon not be the Passover flavor of the month?). Due to the store's recent opening, Tasti D-Lite only had its trademark product available in four flavors while other menu items such as shakes and smoothies couldn't be sold due to the lack of equipment that had yet to be delivered. TUL ordered a large size combination of Angel Food Cake and Strawberry Shortcake and began to go to work. It was refreshingly light, most likely due to the amount of air they inject into the product, but was able to deliver in terms of taste and quality. The flavor wasn't too rich but at least you could make out the titles of the varieties served in the blue and pink paper cup. Overall, I enjoyed it, but then again, this is coming from the same person who still hasn't ventured out to Cold Stone yet. That might have to change today given the ridiculous summer weather we're experiencing today. The gym is overrated anyways.
Werk It
Despite The Upstate Life's busy schedule as of late, he somehow manages to fill some time in during this hectic yet warm spring day to inform the awaiting public (or 36 individuals, whichever is greater) of the latest round of shows heading to our area. Though these were all previously announced on TUL earlier this year, we have finally received word of when tickets will be made available for Kasabian (5/12), Built to Spill (5/16), and The Futureheads (6/4). You'll be able to go buck wild with your cash or credit at 10am on Thursday, April 7th either at Tickets.com or in person at the 9:30 Box Office. Additionally, The Upstate Life has discovered that Kraftwerk will be going on sale this coming Thursday as well for two back to back shows on May 30th and 31st. Again, TUL would like to thank the Tickets.com page for this information as I doubt no one would've been able to gather this information from Kraftwerk's bizarrely designed website without dedicating at least half an hour navigating throughout its Tron-like but still pretty damn cool pages.
Why I'll Never Park at the 9:30 Club Again
Or at least on the street... 
April's Fool Joke or Not, Gilchrist is Likely to be Parting Ways
John Gilchrist, who was basically the sole man responsible in many people's eyes as to capturing the 2004 ACC Title for the Terps last year, is on the verge of declaring himself for this year's upcoming NBA Draft. According to the Baltimore Sun: Rumors of the departures of Ibekwe, Nik Caner-Medley and Mike Jones are apparently false, as all three have said they'll be returning. Gilchrist, however, almost definitely will not be back. He has said, at the very least, he will go to NBA pre-draft camps and gauge his status. Mr. Gilchrist is in a bit of a quandary if you ask The Upstate Life. His stock plummeted this season as he was unable to harness the skill he brought forth to the table last year, not to mention his publicized emotional outbursts rampant throughout the Terps most inconsistent season this year, most notably at a road game against Wake Forest where he and Gary exchanged heated words in front of the bench. If Gilchrist does decide to declare himself, TUL honestly can't see the man claim a higher spot than a low second round draft choice. There are much more talented players right now entering the draft than a point guard who ended his season on the bench with a supposed injured ankle and wrist while watching his team lose in the semifinals of the 2005 NIT Tournament. If Gilchrist were to decide to stay with Maryland, he'll not only have to deal with the Terps fans frustrated with his performance and attitude as of late, but the players he basically turned his back against to in order to make himself look more valuable for the NBA scouts. It's really a lose-lose situation for Gilchrist, but he could be able to redeem himself if he decides to stay and starts becoming more unselfish with the ball and actually plays with his team rather than for himself. Ledbetter, the point guard reserve and Gilchrist's replacement, demonstrated he could literally carry the ball during the end of the season when Gilchrist was on the bench, but is still sloppy at times and needs more time to develop. Gilchrist is a talented player, but he needs to dispose of the emotional baggage and focus on playing good basketball rather than determining if he can go pro. Next year, Maryland will be in better if not excellent shape, comparable to the 2002 National Championship team, with the amount of experience and talent this team truly possesses. All they need to do is next season is work as a team, and the success (and W's) will ultimately follow.
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