Busy week! July 4th weekend: Walnut Room, Byblos, Philadelphia Orchestra at Penn’s Landing, Tattooed Mom, learned about Franklin Mortgage and Investment, BBQ on Kelly Dr, BBQ in W Philly, fireworks on the Parkway…

1) The Roots, Goo Goo Dolls, Chrissette Michele: OK performance. For some reason, speakers did not seem loud enough. I could hear them, but it didn’t seem close at all. So, The Roots weren’t as amazing as they usually are, though I could hear them playing perfectly competently. Chrissette Michele didn’t do too much – guess she was guesting with The Roots. Goo Goo Dolls were all right. Since everyone was talking a lot (and I was hardly paying attention to the show anyways), the sounds just kind of passed over my head. I did notice that the lead singer didn’t take any risks – he skipped most of the high notes and changed songs to make the vocal line easier! I mean, understandable in a way… but not something I’d want if I paid for the concert.

2) Comedy Cellar in NY, plus more. Chris’s bachelor’s party was a great time. Comedians were hilarious (place gets a let’s-go-there-again star), evening entertainment was entertaining, drinks were drinkable, etc etc. Drunken shenanigans, Chris almost rolling off a roof. Raina…

3) Memphis. Hot. The actor playing Huey almost broke on a high note (but didn’t… I could tell it was a near miss though) and his voice was on and off annoying/effective. Loved the main girl… shoot, don’t remember her character name. Bobby stole the show for his quick solo and then crazy dance routine. Basically, the entire 2nd act is on the set of the TV show. Stuff happens but it felt a little enclosed, namean? Great dancing. By the way, the League of Extraordinary Dancers has started on Hulu, and there is some awesome dancing. I was looking for the Antigravity dudes to make an appearance on Memphis, but that would be anachronistic. Probably.