Double shot of acoustic music

Saturday night was particularly music filled, as I checked out a couple of sets by two favorites. First up was my buddy Erik’s set at Kaffa Krossing in West Philly. Turns out it’s an Ethiopian restaurant, and the place was packed with diners.

Erik played two 40 minute sets, both filled with some world debuts:

Man Of The Sea
Permanent Reaction
Going Sailing
Elderly Woman Behind The Counter
Earlene
Dirt*
Storefront Surprise
I Gave Her A Ring, She Gave Me The Finger

I Spent A Thought On You Tonight
Easy To Love You
The House Of Osiris
Bakerloo
Rodeo Clowns
Pepper’s Ghost
Honor Among Thieves*
Saint Patrick’s Day*
The Story Of Lester*
Baba Dochia

*first time played

“St. Patrick’s Day” featured full audience participation, and Erik seemed to be enjoying himself. However, while he knew that he’d be sharing the bill with Irene Molloy, another artist arrived unannounced, forcing him to make some late changes to the setlist, which I could tell frustrated him.

I’ll be seeing Erik again this Saturday when he plays with a full band, including Dave from Zogworld on bass. It’s at some place in Jersey that I don’t feel like looking up just now.

Erik finished his set around 10 PM, and we headed back towards South Philly to catch Don McCloskey at the Tin Angel.

“Big D in the motherf***er” indeed.

Before the show, Don came back to the bar, where we had initially set up shop, and Wooly introduced me. I asked if he had any more of the “Che McCloskey” t-shirts that I had failed to pick up last time. Unfortunately, they’re all out, but I insisted that he make more.

The place was packed when we arrived, so for the show, we were forced to find spots against the wall, just to the side of the stage. D quickly began referring to us as “the guys in the cheap seats.”

He put on a great show, playing tracks off his album, “Bombs Over Bristol”, as well as some new material.

After the show, since I only had the album on my iPod (thanks to Erik), I decided to buy my own copy. D signed it, but for some reason the “Mike” looks like “More”. Works either way, I guess.

Got in at 4 AM, and after such a great night, I wouldn’t have it any other way.