Allie Moss, Bess Rogers, Ian Axel (Chad Vaccarino) at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA 9/17/11

I want to begin this first blog by prefacing that I have never really blogged before and this is truly new to me and that I am making the first blog about something that I truly am passionate about and live for in life: music. Prepare yourselves this is going to be a very long post, and before speaking about last night's show, I want to explain a little about how I discovered these amazing artists.

Back in January 2011, I had come home from a full day of work and classes and my sister immediately told me to come sit on the couch and watch a music video that it was going to blow my mind. This video was Ian Axel's "This is the New Year". She had seen Ian, along with Chad Vaccarino and bandmates Chris Kuffner, Adam Christgau, and Chris Anderson, on the Rachael Ray show that morning and fell in love with the song. From then on, we listened to that song pretty much for two months straight, along with whatever other songs we could find since Ian hadn't re-released the CD yet. In March, we both attended our first show and it was an amazing experience and I have gone to every show I could from then on (totaling five physical shows plus a few online concerts). I expect to see much much more of them in the coming months and even after they are too famous to remember me.

I discovered Allie Moss and Bess Rogers through Ingrid Michaelson's music which I have been a fan of for awhile and discovered they were stepping out and pursuing their own music careers Bess with a new kickstarter (CD coming out in October...so excited!) and Allie just released her own CD "Late Bloomer" back in June I believe it was. I bought the CD right away and fell in love with Allie. Her voice is incredible, with a great depth and range and I love her writing abilities as an artist. Bess' music just brings a smile to my face no matter what it is because you can just tell she loves what she does and when you love what you do chances are others will love it too.

Coming back to last night, this was the fifth show (in person) seeing Ian and Chad, second for Bess, and the very first for Allie. I had shared with Ian and Chad both that they should not feel offended but the real reason we came was to see Allie (all jokes, because even if Allie wasn't there I know I still would've been there). For this tour in particular, they had a contest which I had won for this particular show and I was very excited about that. One of the prizes was being able to attend the soundcheck and another gift which I will get to later.

First, I want to describe the venue because it is a pretty incredible place. For those that have not attended World Cafe Live, there is an upstairs and a downstairs. Upstairs is mainly used for lunch and dinner and is a restaurant with a very small stage for entertainment purposes, or in this case a concert. The Downstairs has a very large main room which is used for larger concerts as well as private parties such as wedding receptions. That being said, the upstairs is a very intimate restaurant with some good food. When we had come to the venue in March I was very ill at the time so I did not eat any of the food, but I wanted to come prepared so looking at the menu ahead of time I knew what was available which was nice. There is a wide variety of appetizers set up to be a larger meal and most of the menu consists of quickly put together finger foods. I chose a classic caesar salad to be on the safe side. The anchovy dressing is incredible, definitely recommended.

Before food arrived, Ian, Bess, and Allie had been setting up and running around getting everything in order. We ran into Allie at the counter (I also ran into her in the bathroom...no big deal) and she made it a point to mention she didn't work there but someone would be there to help soon and I just had to point out to her that we indeed knew who she was she wasn't fooling anyone and she just laughed. We headed in and wouldn't you know we were seated at the exact same table we were seated at back in March. I was surprised and kind of not too happy which I will explain at the end in my complaints of the night. As we sat down Ian was putting his keyboard into place and immediately waved. He eventually came over and gave hugs and said congratulations to me. At first I didn't know what he meant, I'm somewhat slow sometimes, until I realized he was talking about the soundcheck. He apologized that it couldn't be just us that everyone was going to hear it but said to me that it was all for me. Aw Ian, you really know how to make a girl feel special :) We ate during the soundcheck which had been our plan all along so we wouldn't be bothered with it during the show.

Chad eventually spotted us and chatted for a few minutes as well. This particular day hadn't been too good for me. I was in a weird kind of mood despite the fact that I was incredibly excited to see some of my favorite people. It had been a very tough week with an even tougher week coming up and I just knew this night was going to lift my spirits. And Chad immediately did so. Without going into too much detail, Chad Vaccarino gives the most amazing hugs. I was never given a more bone crushing, almost being knocked to the floor hug in my life and I loved it because it feels awesome. I'm pretty sure an involuntary "ow" got blurted out even though I didn't mean it at all. We chatted for a few minutes especially about the infamous beard and how he just wanted to rip it off his face.

The show was set to begin at 7:30 but didn't truly start til about 7:50. A lot of people trickled in pretty late so we were glad we got there early, had a reservation, and were able to eat before it started.

Opening the show was Allie starting out with both Ian and Bess singing "Passerby". This is probably my favorite song on Allie's record and if it's possible Allie sounds even better live. The artists that are able to sound so much better live are true artists. There was just the right element of harmony in that song and so much passion and it was a great start to the show. I honestly couldn't memorize the order of the sets but I do know that Allie and Bess sang quite a few songs together and sound absolutely amazing. My sister, cousin, and I just kept looking at each other with a "this is absolutely amazing" look on our face. Another thing about Allie is that she is incredibly funny and I imagine without really trying. She said she just kind of babbles and whatever comes out just comes. Before she sang the song "Leave it All Behind" she said she had her "make out" kits in the back and it would be a great idea to purchase if you were on a date and looking to get a little kissing action. She also said that it was a great opener to this song which if you knew the lyrics, the "make out" joke makes sense and is very funny I couldn't help giggling through the song.

Bess was up next and she and Allie sang a few of her songs but Bess held her own incredibly well. With the same type of whit and humor as Allie, it made for very good laughs. We heard stories from Bess about a documentary on love (in other words, love is about holding sh** for others), an embarrassing story from the road, and a few "that's what she saids" worked their way into the set. The songs that most stood out to me were new songs and I was so happy to hear them, making me even more eager for her CD release. Two in particular are Anchor and In My Life. Anchor was played with both Ian and Allie and was absolutely amazing. Again, harmonies. So beautifully sung all together I can't even put together the correct words to describe it. In My Life is a cover of a Beatles song and you could tell that it held special relevance to Bess and her voice drew all of us into her and the song. Even though I'm not a huge fan of covers, this one is amazing and I feel priviledged to have heard this particular cover.

Ian came on last and didn't come on until well after 9, which was fine except for the fact that we had only paid to park until about 10 and secretly praying we weren't going to get a ticket (I haven't had much luck with parking lately and didn't need another ticket). Ian came on and of course started with "Leave Me Alone" which is one of my favorites to watch him perform because he performs it differently every time I see him, which I love. Depending on what mood he's in, he bases the entire set and playing technique on that mood and I love that versatility. This was more playful yet still angry and I loved it as always. I don't know how you can not laugh at some of the lyrics or just smile watching him play it no matter how many times you have heard that song. He also played Gone, Say Something, and Waltz before bringing up Chad and Allie for Shorty. Before continuing, I want to say that Ian and Chad do write all the songs together so I don't want to short change either of them. Their songs carry so much meaning and the listener is open to interpretation. There are subtle messages in each song and I think the thing I find most interesting is that I crave this music. I'm drawn to it which is why I go to see them whenever I can. Since the first show I have been through quite a lot in my life, trying to figure things out and getting through some very tough experiences and I cannot even say how much this music has had an impact on my life. For example, the song "You'll Be Okay" has been my "go to" song whenever things just seem to be unraveling and all I want to do is scream and cry and bury myself under the world and somehow I find what I need through their lyrics and last night was no exception. Their performance last night is going to stay with me for as long as I will be able to remember it and it will definitely bring me a peace as I go through this very difficult upcoming week. I found something different from the lyrics last night and I'm so grateful for the realization. Okay, moving past the angst and somewhat sad portion of this blog, I love the combination of Chad and Ian together. Something just meshes and it's not just the voices, but their souls are somehow joined and they share an incredible friendship and camaraderie that I really hope to find someday.

I heard through the grapevine that this show was supposed to have a full band which is didn't, which I'm sure influenced the song choices for the night and I had a sense that we weren't going to hear the new song "Amory" and I was so disappointed. To my surprise, after one song Ian began talking about a song and stopped himself saying "No, I want to bring Bess out." This could just have been a memory lapse or a complete surprise, but I knew what was coming, and I couldn't have been happier. We were getting "Amory"! Ian originally posted to a site a raw recording of the song with Chad and Mike Campbell, a somewhat new writing partner for Ian, but he has written several incredible songs with Chad. As soon as I heard the recording I was in love with another song. Other postings on youtube from tour showed them singing a third harmony with drummer Adam Christgau mentioned above. Bess had just very recently learned the song in between sets but you honestly could not tell. She had brought a paper out to the stage with her with the chords and I'm sure the lyrics, but it honestly didn't show that she had learned it in an hour or so. The third harmony when sang with Adam is sometimes hard to hear, but with Bess singing it an octave up you could hear it clearly and it was a new take on the song and that one is definitely going to become a favorite.

Of course, Ian could not go without mentioning the beard and the fact that Chad is single. Ian said he would only mention it because this particular crowd looked promising for Chad :) We all also got to be in a picture with Chad's beard but he didn't post it ... it probably didn't turn out very well at all, but I know I was still in there! When introducing himself and Chad, Ian mentions that Chad is often just known as Ian Axel because they haven't figured out a name yet. I said it once a few months ago and I will say it again "Vaxel" and I will take creative credit :) The funny moments continued until they came to the final song "This is the New Year" which is always the show stopper. Again, every time I hear this song I feel a renewed sense of something. I'm not quite sure what it is but it's the sense that I have full control over my life and I can choose to live it the way I want to and I know I can make decisions that will end in mistakes or failure or even complete bliss and still go on and continue having control and living for now. The clapping and cheers were so invigorating that they had to come back out to play an encore. They came back on stage and I don't think they were expecting to because Chad ran out to get his trumpet! I had to keep myself from "woo"ing because I love Chad's trumpet playing ... ... alot. Very talented. The last song of the night "Girl I Gotta Thing" is one of my ultimate favorites and just a fun song and a perfect way to end the night with everyone singing and clapping and laughing as Chad messed up his trumpet part, but we still love it. It's important to be able to laugh at yourself in front of a hundred or so people so kudos to Chad for being able to laugh and continue singing!

I knew this show was going to be special as well because there were going to be a few other fans that I have had the pleasure of getting to know through email and other discussions and one other fan from a house concert I had attended back in June. Alison, Lindsie, and Sasha are incredible people and I wish I had been able to talk with them more but there are major plans in the works to all attend another show together and actually be able to speak without running into each other in the bathroom or bumping into each other on the way out. But at least I had the pleasure of meeting them and it sounds somewhat creepy but if feels like we're good friends just bonding over music and being pen pals through emails.

Also for winning the contest I knew I was going to receive a tour poster which I always love to receive, but they put together a little goody bag for me. It looks similar to what you would receive at a child's birthday party. The plastic  bag has a rocket ship on it (for the intergalactic tour) and contains so many goodies that I was willing to purchase on my own but they were so willing to give. I was so surprised I think I forgot to say thank you which I'm sure came off as rude, but I wasn't expecting it and I was somewhat too stunned to say anything. I received my very own Allie Moss make out kit, along with several stickers, Bess' new EP which I was most excited about and some Ian Axel buttons that I'm super excited to have.

After getting signatures, another massive hug attack from Chad, and some quick chats it was time to leave and I was so sad :( I would have loved to stay a little longer just to be able to experience a few more minutes with these amazing creatures, but I was plagued with a migraine and two antsy/tired family members.

Those were all of my major pluses for the night which were many. Now onto the minuses as every venue has to have something. First, the upstairs to WCL is way too small. I'm not sure how many tickets were available for purchase, but the place was packed and then some. There were people sitting on the stage and sitting on the floor, leaning against walls and couple that with the bar and kitchen, it made for many distractions with people moving all around walking in and up to the stage and going in and out of the kitchen. Along with the fact that it is a restaurant, there are many tables which is great because I love not having to stand during a show it's my least favorite part of a concert, however, I think it would be best if they didn't serve anything during the show. This is of course just my opinion, I'm not sure if it bothered many other people but the constant coming and going of waitors and waitresses as well as table cleaners was incredibly distracting especially when they waited on the late-comers who sat right next to us and the waitress stood right in front of me when taking their order so not only could I not see well but I could hear what they were ordering. In the waitresses defense, it is of course her job and she was courteous enough to often kneel down and whisper, but it was still distracting. Closer to the end it was not as frequent, but then they started bringing out all of the checks which was also a major distraction trying to pay the bill and listening to awesome music all at the same time. That is one multi-tasking task I do not enjoy.  Along with the smallness of the venue, the tables were incredibly small it's great for two people but three was a crowd in this case and it was difficult to eat and very hard to angle yourself to see the stage without intruding upon others. I felt very close to those on my left and I wasn't sure if those behind me (of course Lindsie and Alison) could see well. I found myself constantly moving to be able to see and get comfortable, and to avoid getting stepped on by the waitress. If you were sitting up near the stage or up on the other level it was probably pretty enjoyable. I know I'm very small, only about 5' so when taller people sit in front of me it annoys and there's not much I can do except find an uncomfortable position in which there is a small hole to see.

Another thing to account for in lack of space was the ever popular merchandise table. There was a very nice lady doing merch for Ian, and I didn't catch her name but I thank her for allowing me to steal a sharpie for about 5-10 minutes so I could get the poster signed. Reminder, always come prepared with a sharpie to every concert. The table was incredibly crowded because it was pushed against the wall and was about another two feet away from a bench type table which made walking very difficult and I found myself pressed against others, which can be awkward at times. I knew I wouldn't be able to leave without receiving the poster and goody bag so I was trying to get to Bess but it took me a good 10 minutes to reach her that's how crowded it was. However, when you walk in the front entrance and see the front desk there is a whole lobby out there which was where Allie stood if people wanted CDs signed or to say hi, and I think that would have been a better option to have a table or two set up there so there was a tad bit more room. That will forever and always be my main complaint about WCL. I see it as a plus and minus. Good food, good concept, bad lay out.

Another minus, microphones. Given the lack of space, the room is very tiny and this is just my opinion I'm sure they would have been able to do without the mics which I love natural sound much more, but I'm sure the artists would prefer a mic so to not strain to be heard. The sound was good until around the start of Ian's set when you began to hear drumming through the speakers and we had no idea where it was coming from. I imagine it could have been coming from the downstairs but it threw me off when hearing the song and I'm sure it distracted Ian as well. Since the Upstairs isn't really separated from the downstairs, it's pretty much open, a lot of the noise from downstairs drifted up and although we weren't close to the stairwell we could still hear a lot of the noise, also distracting.

Although there were many things I did not appreciate about this venue, I've learned to accept it and am always willing to return because they do take good care of everyone in attendance. Nothing could have ruined this incredible night. So thank you to Alison, Lindsie, and Sasha for a new type of friendship I love having you guys as fellow - as my sister says "crazy Ian Axel fans" - and I can't wait to attend more shows together in the future. And to Allie, thank you for everything you are such an amazing individual with a caring heart and personality of gold. Bess, thank you for simply being you. You are not afraid to let yourself shine and it is so refreshing to witness. Thanks for the hug and goody bag! P.S. You're a winner too! Ian, as always, you seem to come waltzing (pun intended) into my life right when it's needed and I love coming to see you, which you know. Hopefully one day you will stop asking me if I enjoyed it because you know you never need to ask because every time I see you it's always incredible. Oh, and thanks for your smile and your blush when you get embarrassed, it always makes me smile! And to Chad (plus you're bad-a** beard) as I said you always seem to reach me in a way not many people can. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world because it is so needed. Thanks for your encouragement and everything including your bone-crushing hug attacks (I say that with love) because I love them. Never stop. I hope to see you all again soon! Thank you for an incredible night!