Mickey Mouse, Bud Light and Some Guys From Rockville
Teresa really likes O.A.R. I can take’em or leave’em. “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” is an awesome song. Their first album, ‘The Wanderer’ is definitely fun. I remember many good afternoons partying to this disc (Yay Vince!). After college, I stopped paying attention to the band. I’d see them here and there as openers. Georgia Avenue opened for them at Everfine, and the guys were definitely cool and kind. All that being said, I’ve never gone to a O.A.R. headlining show until last Saturday.
O.A.R. was playing the House of Blues in Anaheim. Teresa was very excited to see the show, and I was up for a new experience. Anaheim is a bit inland and home to Disneyland. The venue is directly in the middle of Disneyland. I didn’t know what to expect; I’ve never been to Disney anything. I always thought it was a bad idea. I just don’t think a bunch of suburbanites is very magical. Again, I was up for giving it a shot. The venue seems to have a good schedule. Maybe I’d like to catch some other shows.
As we rode down Disneyland Drive, I couldn’t see much of the park. It was already dark, and the rides weren’t as lit as the hotels. The parking lot was the size of Wally World’s, and it was at least a mile from the venue. After driving aimlessly for about 15 minutes, I figured out there was no other option. We had to park and walk.
We wound our way through chain restaurants and shops. Everything was perfectly manicured. A latin band was performing in what appeared to be a main square. I even saw a monorail. I am not sure where it was coming from or going to, but I wanted out. A lot of people where wearing Disney gear like Mickey ears. To my dismay, Teresa didn’t want a pair for herself. No Fun!
We found the House of Blues entrance. Its situated on the second or third level of a building. It has a bunch of decks, so you could drink outside and watch the children walk by. Creepy. The venue was nice enough. I believe this is my third HOB after the Sunset Strip and Chicago. I think they’re designed with the same layout. Their large rectangles with three levels facing a stage. The middle level is parallel with the stage. The first level is an orchestra or pit. The third level is a balcony. The sound has been phenomenal at each, so no complaints there.
We found a spot to stand stage right next to the board on the second level. I didn’t like this position as much as stage left closer to the stage. That's where I stood for Xavier Rudd at the Sunset Strip HOB. From the second position, you can turn around and buy a drink. After your beer is replenished, you turn back around to enjoy the show. Simple! This show seemed more crowded than Xavier Rudd, which makes sense. The crowd was definitely weird. It ranged from middle age Mom chaperoning her 5th graders to completely drunk and slovenly frat dude. In between there was plenty of thugs. Coincidentally, I was surrounded by all these groups. The frat guy was so wasted, he tried to dance with all the dudes in a 20 foot radius. He scared away any normal people. This was a blessing and curse. I ran interference between him and Teresa, but he cleared out a ton of room to stand and dance. The fifth graders were hysterical. They keep jumping and hoisting each other up to see. Mom sipped her Bud Light and took video on her phone. Great parenting! The thugs pushed over everyone in their path to move closer to the railing. It was an interesting mix of human beings.
I’ll have to mention the music because it was a concert. Eric Hutchinson opened and was talented. However, he didn’t really have a musical trait that separated him from other singer-songwriters. O.A.R had OK stage presence. They played a modified jammy version of “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” If I remember correctly, they also rocked out “About an Hour Ago” or maybe it was “Hey Girl.” They just didn’t seem into the show. Maybe that is their style? I’m not sure. The music was made more enjoyable by the massive amounts of Bud Light consumed. There is no reason to purchase $6 Heineken when a $5 BL gets the job done. Its the Drinkability.
Somewhere in the evening, I vowed to not to return to the HOB Anaheim. I won’t say never. Saying never isn’t a good idea. Although, it would have to be DMB playing a surprise show for me and my closest 20 friends. I wish I made this decision on the way home, but it was made near the beginning of the evening. Its strange walking around Disneyland, just strange. Throw into the mix some alcohol and weird costumes and its just bad. At least, I can say I tried.
Postscript: O.A.R. are from Rockville, Maryland. Its in Montgomery County, Maryland. This is the same county where my Grandmother lives, and my Mom grew up. Georgia Avenue’s namesake is a road in Montgomery County. I bet they serve Bud Light in Montgomery County.
