Thursday, April 30, 2009

Highs and lows

Let's start with the lows, shall we? And by low I mean without a doubt *the* worst point of the year so far: without going into too much detail, Clubbie got massively smashed in the back while stationary in traffic on the way to work on Tuesday, and is currently in Mini hospital undergoing rather thorough repairs.

Beyond that I'd rather not, and probably shouldn't, go into any specifics.

*sigh*

And highs? Well, my subsequent utterly foul mood was lifted for a couple of hours the day after the accident by a wonderful performance from Priscilla Ahn. I got tickets to go see her headlining gig at Bush Hall after seeing her support Jason Mraz at the beginning of the month (where I was won over by her boob song) - and I was not disappointed by her full-length show. First of all, not only were the tickets an absolute steal for 12 of your English squids, but she is a supremely talented singer - a beautiful voice, wonderful songs, some lush acoustic guitar goodness, and a brilliant thing where she records her voice on stage and loops it back to make it sound like she's got a whole bunch of backing singers on stage with her. She had to cut her first song short a few seconds in after breathing in some dust, and swiftly apologised for being "unprofessional"; unprofessional? Far from it - it was actually a rather endearing moment from a performer who engaged wonderfully with the tiny audience (around a 100, I'd guess), and appeared somewhat humbled by the fact that we'd actually bothered to go see her.

I didn't get too many photos, but here's a couple.

Here's Priscilla with her guitar

…And here she is with her ukulele.

I really recommend you go check out her Myspace page, and may I be so bold as to suggest you get her album in your life? I bought it off iTunes at the weekend and it's fantastic - perfect for sunny, chilled-out summer days. And just to encourage you, here's The Boob Song (which sadly isn't on the album).


Secondly, Bush Hall - awesome venue! I'd never been before, and was stunned to find that it is located in startingly close proximity to the Nandos I've frequented rather too much over the last six years or so. It's an old Edwardian dance hall (a phrase which makes me imagine a crowd of people in their Sunday finest rather sedately doing the ol' 'big fish, little fish, cardboard box' dance routine) hidden behind a rather innocuous-looking shopfront, and there are proper tables and chairs for you to sit at while you watch the performance. It was well sophisticated.

Check out the chandeliers. There are even cherubs above the stage if you look closely!

If you're interested, you can check out some more information about the venue and its history, and see some better photos, HERE. I definitely want to go see some more gigs there - and next time I'd be tempted to wear a jaunty hat, a cravat, and a monocle so I appear as sophisticated and upper-class as the venue itself.

13 comments:

Tara said...

I'm really sorry about your Mini. What's the prognosis, is it going to cost you an arm and a leg?

And how are you doing, are you recovering?

missyandchrissy said...

i'm sorry about clubbie! hopefully you weren't hurt, and she's on the mend already.

and i'll definitely check priscilla's music out now that i know she can play the ukelele! (not that your recommendation alone isn't enough...but a ukelele makes everything even better)

CyberPete said...

Sorry about Mini! Hope you slipped by unscathed.

Sounds like a great gig. The best shows are the more intimate ones.

Ponita in Real Life said...

Oh, poor Clubbie!

I hope you don't need massive repairs too... other than to your pocket book. But if you were stationary, is the other driver at fault and having to pay?

Glad you enjoyed the concert so much. She's got a lovely voice. Thanks for the recommendation.

Inexplicable DeVice said...

Oh, poor Clubbie. Hopefully she'll be OK after a spell in drydock (at the other person's expense, of course).
Would you like a neck/back massage just in case you have whiplash?

* readies scented oils and cracks knuckles *


Your imagining of the poshos 'big fish, little fish' dancing made me titter behind my fan!

Tim said...

Tara - It should be all on the insurance… As for me, well, I hurt, put it that way!

MissyandChrissy - Do check Priscilla out - ukulele or not, she's awesome!

Cyberpete - Not quite!

Ponita - A good question, and one that I'm waiting on an answer about…

Inexplicable Device - Unless you're an authorised osteopath or chiropractor I'll have to pass - just in case you do more damage than good. Oh, wait, I'd pass anyway - I don't want your wandering hands trying to fix anything else!

CyberPete said...

I'm sorry to hear that.

I hope you'll be back to normal soon. And you may ask, when is soon?

That's when the little hand is on S and the big hand on Oon..

In all seriousness I hope it's nothing that can be fixed with a little bit of time on the sofa with a cup of Starbucks instant coffee and chocolate scones.

iPandah said...

Ooh I can't wait to hear the boob song, can't listen right now but I'm most intrigued!

Anonymous said...

I think you mean jessica! ha!

and yes, the gig was most splendid but you're on your own with the cravat wearing!

Yazzle (did you guess that? hmm....)

Tim said...

Cyberpete - It'll take a little more than coffee and scones, but they'd definitely help!

iPandah - It's *awesome*

Anonymous Yazzle - Jaunty hats ahoy though!

CyberPete said...

I'm sorry to hear that but take it easy.

jt said...

I'm so sorry about your mini and about your being hurt! Cars can be replaced, even those well loved, but spines, necks, heads, shoulders... eh, not so much. Take care of yourself!!! I hope you get Clubbie back soon and all is well with both of you.

Tim said...

Cyberpete - I am, don't you worry!

JT - Thank you - I will do! I think I'll be feeling a lot better when Clubbie returns!!