...has been rekindled.
I saw Jamie Cullum last night at the legendary venue The Fillmore of San Francisco. So nothing that a strong cup of coffee can jolt , I came to work this morning tired but basking in the warm fuzzy afterglow of Jamie Cullum's performance the night before.
I have almost forgotten what it is like to enjoy music in a smaller non-arena venue.
I've been to the Fillmore before (at least 5 times over the years) but I have never given myself the chance to explore their bar and restaurant area upstairs where they show case all of their concert photos of Bill Graham Production ( I could've sworn I've been to two that didn't give out posters).
The Fillmore of San Franciso is at the 1800 block of Geary. I remember how I would use to park my old 1994 Silver Toyota Tercel (with its big dimple for a dented fender and a quarter-sized rusted mark on one of its doors , but I've always called it my car's beauty mark, like the one Cindy Crawford has..anyway, I've donated my good old Tercel years ago) by Steiner and just walk the block to The Fillmore. Wow, I miss The City.
On the outside it is just an unsuspecting building - there is not a grand sign on the outside announcing the show . The only indicator that that there is band playing is a big tourbus parked out front.
Walking up the steps of the Fillmore and being greeted by...their host - a man probably in his 60s who I get a sense that he has witnessed alot of great shows in the venue - from the Greatful dead to Snoop Dogg.
Once you reach the top of the wooden stairs with its well-trodden carpet, you are greeted by a bucket of yummy juicy red apples - free. I took one and I sank my teeth into , with a little apple juice dribble finding its way out of my mouth as walked over to one wall to look at the posters and photos. I just was happy to back the Fillmore again. Being there is like being locked in an old friend's embrace, and I miss The Fillmore, and I get a sense that it missed me back :D . I think the last show I have seen here was Los Lonely Boys years ago. The walls seem to smile back me, showcasing the artists who has graced its stage - some from the 60s to the present day. Let's see, I see Jakob Dylan on one...Jefferson Airplane...Norah Jones...if you love the art of music , then I don't see why you would not enjoy this place.
The chandeliers on the Fillmore and the red stage curtains somewhat balances the almost groovy concert posters on its walls. On one side of the entrance , there is a white print out that states something in the likes of , " By attending this concert, you agree for us to videotape your likeness."...why use likeness? When I first came across this, I thought, are they going to like..use somebody else besides me? Oh, likeness..meaning ...me..moi..myself.
I was wondering why it was so bright even when Jamie was playing up on state, later I realized that it is used for filming purposes.
I will find out the other bands name in a bit because they so deserve a special mention. Their front woman is a very talented ...pin-up girl gorgeous vixen who owned the stage. Their sound is reminscent of big band and rockabilly...lindy hop era.
Jamie opened the show with his interpretation of Rihanna's Please Don't Stop the music. Walking on stage with a very nice charcoal-green tuxedo jacket, I don't know why I noticed it right away but I did.
I am so glad that Jamie shars his love for music and his talent to the world. When his fingers touch those keys, you can feel the intensity and passion in each key. You see it in his body language and the way he bangs his head.
His band members were of great support - they stood out on their own yet also came together in this beautiful synergy of music.
I was glad to be directly underneath a vent where I can feel the cool air blowing , because it gets hot easily in a crowded spot such as this. Although I was complaining a little , because I somehow manage to stand behind the tallest guy in the venue, all I need to do is tilt my head one side to see Jamie in between shoulders and heads lol.
I was smack in the middle of the floor.
I don't know why all of a sudden the audience parted like the Red Sea in the Exodus , and I was at the very outer edges, rolling and spraying like a happy wave. Could it be what I'm thinking.....I haven't even finished my thougth when I saw Mr. Cullum himself, all 5'0 or so of him walk up to where I was in the middle of the floor carrying his micstand and microphone and his good looking band members followed. I somehow ended up between his horn players (not fricking bad lol) with Jamie within spitting distance from me. I thanked God for having my camera and I was happilly taking photos away of everybody. Jamie would ask the crowd to shush as he sings...and I recognized the first ..melody of Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River" lol. I was so happy to be right then and there with Jamie and his band and his music that I hardly noticed the camera crew videotaping the whole thing. If there would be a DVD on this, they can edit me out LOL...how I wish I had make up on that night and had worn better clothes. I met with my friend after I changed into jeans, after work and then we drove to SF , I didn't have that much time to change and look ..presentable..:D but oh well..I don't mind...I was just so happy to be there just like everyone else.
Then Jamie asked the crowd to let the short people come to the front, I looked to my right and saw no short people (they were all my height or taller) then I looked to my left and almost missed this woman who probably stands less than 5 feet , she is not a child because ..well, she has a cup size that I wish I have ...and I pulled held out my hand and motioned her to stand in front of me . It was such an awesome feeling to do it too and then I felt someone hold my hand and I looked over to see her friend who is about my height thanking me with her eyes and I smiled back at her.
...and the poster, I should take a photos of it, I will soon. They are great souvenir I-was-there-bitches pieces hehehe...I will frame it one of these days. I wonder whatever happened to my other posters :(.
Jamie Cullum...you were worth the 3-4 hours of sleep that I should've had last night :D
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