Rock N' Roll

First of all, the book I've been touting for weeks is now available. Buy it here. You'll love it.

Last night I did something that I've never done before in Ithaca. I attended a phenomenal rock concert. As you might imagine, Ithaca isn't exactly a haven for popular musicians (although it's artistic spirit does lend itself to local bands). For some unearthly reason, Josh Ritter hopped on his tour bus and traveled to Ithaca to play a show. In truth, he played a half a show--the other half was played by a British alternative band called Gomez. Fortunately for me, Josh played first, because I left after a few songs of Gomez' act.

Josh Ritter is brilliant. He's a poet and he writes about all the right things, like Van Morrison in his heyday. I think he too was surprised to find himself in Ithaca. He kept saying "why haven't I been here before?" I'm pretty sure I know why, but it was nice of him to say he'd come back. The show was supposed to be at State Theatre, a beautiful large theater with an orchestra and a balcony, but was moved to a place called the Haunt. I'd never been to the Haunt, but it was a very cool venue, which I'll definitely go back to. Ultimately, I was glad to see the show there. It was far more intimate than it would have otherwise been and I prefer concerts where people are standing (and drinking) and involved, over concerts where people are sitting. The symphony is for sitting; rock is for standing (and ideally, dancing). The disconcerting thing about the last minute change of venues is that I can only guess it was because they simply didn't sell enough tickets and State Theatre would have felt empty. If colleges are supposed to have the pulse on great music--and not just music with mass popular following--but great, less known, more talented artists, then Cornell (and Ithaca College) seems to have dropped the ball.

My suggestion is that it picks the ball back up, and as much as I hate to admit it, the undergrads have to lead the charge. MBAs are getting too old. And Jackie Greene, if you are reading this, please come to Ithaca and play a show!