black_bird_777

Kane at Tractor Tavern in Seattle

This was the second time I saw Kane. The first was in Portland a couple years ago at Dante's. That concert differed in many ways. There were no other bands playing and it was Christian's home territory. It was also a sleazier location.

It was pouring rain last night, so traffic was impossible and parking in Ballard challenging. I was first in line at 6:09, the sign on the door said they'd open at 7:10. Another woman came into line right behind me, and it was nice to have someone to chat with. I ended up sitting with her and her friends, so we all had someone to watch our stuff if we wandered away.

Gwyn was supposed to come with, but she had problems that couldn't be avoided, and with all the standing, cold, rain, and traffic, it wasn't going to work. Massive bummer.

The Tractor Tavern, although apparently loved by the bands, was hated by me. There were approximately 15 stools around the periphery of the room, and one table with a wood booth around it, and a few more chairs. I nabbed the booth. I suppose it's just me, but after standing outside for an hour, then inside for 20 minutes before being let into the room, I'm done with the standing, especially when the band I paid to see didn't come on for another 2.5 hours. Most people, however, didn't seem to have that problem. Oh, and although the bathroom wasn't the worst I've been in there was no soap. Srsly? How hard is it to put soap in a bathroom where there's running water and paper towels? It's just not that expensive.

Robbie Walden and the Gunslingers opened at 8:14, and while they were good, it was difficult for me to get involved. The rest of the crowd liked them, and they played for 45 minutes.

After a short break, Brian Nutter (guitarist for Keith Urban) (www.briannutter.com) played by himself for 25 minutes. I enjoyed his show - admittedly I rarely go to live shows so I'm not the best judge, but he's pretty impressive on the guitar - he managed to play the beat, rhythm, and solo all at once. And it was loud. Holy hannah (yes, I had kleenex in my ears the entire time) it was all so loud. He's also quite an attractive man, and was an enjoyable entertainer. His chatter was a lot less annoying than poor Robbie Walden. He played Pink Houses, and Christian came out to join him. He's apparently a good friend of Christian's - there were many hugs and declarations of friendship and support during the evening.

Finally at around 9:45, Kane took the stage. This was the first time they'd played Seattle, and more than once Christian expressed how much he appreciated that people came out to see them; that when they play a new city and location they never know what the reception will be. He told the crowd how much he loved them and appreciated them many times during the night. It would have gotten old if it wasn't so sincere and sweet.

The band was amazing as usual - huge energy, amazing songs, great music, and an entertaining Christian. Apparently he hasn't been accepted in Nashville because he's an actor - I really have no idea where he hasn't been accepted - but he was clearly pissed at Nashville and said he's done with them. He used the F word many times in relation to them.

He also expressed how proud he was that Leverage is filming its 5th season - how rare that is, and that it's a landmark to be proud of. He also attributed much of its success to the fans.

There were other entertaining moments - someone shouted out something from the crowd and he asked a girl if she'd just said she wanted his sperm in her pants. This went on for a while - pretty funny.

Kane played House Rules, Let It Go, and 7 days among many others. Brian Nutter joined the band for one song - it was even more rocking with the extra guitarist and energy.

The table & bench were at the back of the room, right in front of the sound booth. I decided that the bench (which only had me and two others on the other side on it) was my best vantage point for taking photos, as the room was full of standing people, most were tall - men or women in outrageous heels, and I am short. When Kane came out, I took off my sneakers, and stood on the bench right in front of the sound booth. I stayed there, bopping to the music, and shooting stills and hi-def video during the entire concert. It was perfect, except for the lighting, of course. Let's put it this way, I'll have to do some work on the photos. No idea how I'll be able to fix the videos, but I have friends who may be able to help me with After Effects.

I haven't downloaded the ton of data I took yet, but I know they saw me shooting them - I actually would have been hard to miss - I know Steve looked at me many times while I was shooting photos and video. I'm a huge fan of his as well, so that was a little extra fun. I have an active fantasy of being Steve and Christians' official photographer. ;-) (Speaking of photogs, did you guys notice that Beth Riesgraf did the photos for Christian's latest record? Real nice photos, too.)

At one point the keyboardist for the Gunslingers sat down next to me asked if I'd taken photos of them - unfortunately I had not. Hated to disappoint him, but... no.

Despite waiting for bloody ever, much of it extremely bored (and wondering what the hell I was doing this for), Kane was worth the wet, cold, and the wait. They are an amazing band, a ton of fun to watch, and their music is the best. I ended up having a great time.