Road Trip to Louisville
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I love taking one day road trips. So does Sara. And so we hit the road last Sunday with Bill and Ronee Power…destination Louisville, KY. The reason…a punk rock show. Ronee really wanted to see The Ataris and also on the tour was our friend Louis Defabrizio of Gasoline Heart performing solo. I wouldn’t drive 3 hours for any ‘ol small show in a punk rock club but a day trip with friends to see friends was more than enough reason.
Along the way we stopped at the Zappos Fulfillment Center/Outlet. I only wish it had been a weekday so we could have taken the tour. This company cares about their employee’s working environment. A putting green was centered in their outside picnic table break area. And after a few conversations with the staff I heard about the Wii, Guitar Hero, karaoke machine, and computers for gaming in the inside break area. I follow the CEO Tony Hsieh on Twitter but I really need to read his book.
The next stop was Lynn’s Paradise Cafe for a late brunch.
It had been 5 years since my last visit and the interior was just as fun and quirky as I remembered.
It was perfect for all the iPhone camera apps and all 4 of us were taking pictures constantly.
The 21c Museum Hotel was next. Sara had been before and we were really glad she took us here. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you’re a guy, be sure to check out the men’s bathroom. Not sure I can describe this hotel with a museum the best so I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
We grabbed a drink at their bar, Proof on Main, and then headed for Bardstown Road to hit up the mighty Ear X-Tacy and a few other shops. I randomly came across Cumberland Brewery and walked in for a a couple pints. The rest of the group soon followed for some pre-show food. I wasn’t expecting much from the food but I was extremely surprised and satisfied. I can’t wait to go back. We left Bardstown after grabbing some coffee at Highland. It wasn’t till later I found out that a friend of my late friend Aaron Marrs owns his own coffee shop called Quills Coffee. Had I known, it would have been there I got my java. Even their logo honors Aaron. So yet another reason to go back.
The show was cool. It was great to see Louis and catch up. He’s one of my favorite songwriters and I count it a privilege that I got to A&R his debut album. Not to mention I got to see so many friends of my late friend and co-worker Aaron Marrs at the show. Nathan Quillo, Lachlan Coffey, Bryan Todd, and Josh Inzer. The latter 2 were in Aaron’s band Forever Texas and Bryan is now playing in a band called Frontiers fronted by Chris of Elliott fame. I hadn’t seen those guys in 5 years and it really closed out the trip on an even higher note.
I love hanging with Bill & Ronee and for many reasons. One reason that surfaced on the trip was that they are one of few friends that we can spend time with that don’t have kids. And it’s not that I don’t like kids. I love my friends kids. It’s just that many of our friends that do have kids mostly end up hanging out with others that have kids. And I get it. It’s easier to hang with those people because the kids can play together. So I feel lucky to have the Powers as friends. We had left Nashville at 9:15am on Sunday and returned at 2:30am on Monday. In all it was simply a great road trip was great friends.
Who wants to be next?
Gotee Grillin’
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It’s summer and despite the heat it’s grillin’ time at Gotee. Actually any day in the year that’s half-decent out is reason enough to grill. Plus it helps me stay on a budget to grill out at work for lunch. And on top of that I’m always trying to find healthier options as well. Last summer it was Jennie-O frozen turkey burgers but I needed to find some newer things. Here are some items from Trader Joe’s that have been easy to grill and great to eat.
Grilled Chicken Burger Patties: On the box they only mention the microwave or skillet but they have been working just great on the grill. There’s some great seasoning already added and throw on a slice of smoked gouda cheese and these have been very tasty. Plus a box of 4 is only $3.99.
Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage: Started grillin’ these last summer. Chunks of apple in the sausage give it a light taste. A lot of flavor too. And the calories are a lot better for you than a Johnsonville braut.
Premium Salmon Patties: Only 80 calories each. Add some Old Bays during grillin’ and these are the perfect light sandwich for lunch.
Free Range Chicken Tenders: Enough said.
Fruit Frenzy Bar: Not for the grill obviously but perfect afterwards and especially on a hot summer day.
UPDATE 7/7/10 – Mango Chicken Sausage: AMAZING. The perfect amount of sweet.
Top 10 Albums So Far
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2010 is half over. Crazy. Here’s what I’ve been jammin’ the most so far this year.
Tuesday Tune: Something Good Coming by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
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I can’t express enough how excited I am for the new Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers album “MOJO” to be released next week. But if you follow me on Twitter then you might have an idea of how excited I am. It’s artists and albums like this that make me feel like a teenager again as I anticipate its release and eat up everything that is released in advance to promote it. It’s artists and albums like this that remove me from my job in the music industry but also help fuel the passion for my job in the music industry. This might be an early and bold statement but “Something Good Coming” might just be my song of the year. I love “I Should Have Known It” but I really connect with the lyrics and melody to this song. And if you haven’t seen the MOJO documentary directed by Sam Jones then please do below.
In case you don’t know who Sam Jones is, he is the guy who directed the Wilco documentary “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” and has numerous magazine covers to his resume including many kick ass covers for Rolling Stone.
Friday Faves
Posted by bradmoistdotcom | Filed under Friday Faves
We are Nashville: Inspired by this blog from a Nashville Predator cellblock 303 member after the damaging floods that hit Nashville, Franklin, and other areas the first weekend of May.
LOST Dharma campfire mug: My new way to enjoy my morning cup of coffee. And while I’m on this topic. Copco Eco-First Sierra Tumbler: My new way to enjoy my morning iced coffee. Just doing my part to save .10 at Starbucks. That plus being a Gold member adds to the overall savings.
Deftones “Diamond Eyes”: So glad to hear these guys again. It’s been 4 years since the last album. And songs like the title track and “Rocket Skates” do not disappoint.
Vans La Costa: I loved my black pair so much last year I went for the checkerboard this summer.
Hands on Nashville: The best organization to support the flood relief in Nashville. Your financial support here will go directly to people in need. Not to sound mean, but don’t give to the Red Cross, give to Hands on Nashville.
