File Under: Solid Sound, Day 2

Ok folks, we're prepping to hit the road, so this will be quick and dirty.

We finished our tour of the installations at Mass MoCA and came away with the general feeling that last summer's stuff was stronger.  Although some pieces did strike true like the one's by Kathrina Grosse (see photo).   I'm not sure if it's more that I'm less impressed with video pieces (there were so many of them) or that last year was so very much better in general.  Hard to say with art.

We enjoyed a couple hours of the John Hodgeman curated comedy.  John was of course hilarious, but Morgan Murphy and the "Artisinal Pencil Sharpener" were particularly hilarious.  I expected more from Eugene Mirman, though he tends to work more in the realm of smirk than actual laughing, I suppose.  We left before Wyatt Cenac and John's sets.  Our butt's were tired and we had to pee.  Once you leave, you really can't get back in.  The Hunter Center was too damn small.  I suggest you bring a cushion and a bottle to pee in, if you go next year.

Better armed against the rain, we settled in with our friends for Syl Johnson and The Sweet Devines, who turned out a great set.  However, I have no idea what he was on about in the interstisials, he kept mumbling something about Wu Tang.  He thought it was hilarious.

Finally, at 9:15ish, Wilco took the stage and brought forth two hours of Wilco goodness.  I can't recommend enough, seeing this band live.  Of particular musical serendipity, was when Sarah Lee Guthrie joined the band on stage to sing California Stars (her grandfather, Woody, wrote the lyrics).

Other things of note.  We were introduced to something called a Samosa.  YUM!

Time to finish packing and hit road.

Love, Peace and Chicken Grease