Grand Duchy, San Diego, 5.9.09

I’d noticed that Frank Black’s (the Pixies, Black Francis) new band, Grand Duchy was going to be playing the Casbah on Saturday night. Having been scheduled to work at both my jobs that day and since I didn’t have much personal history with his previous bands; I pretty much thought I’d be doing something else or sleeping soundly early that night. Besides, I was more focused on riot grrrl music when they were really popular (after they “disbanded”) but definitely understand what the Pixies did (and inspired) for music in general. So when Rosey from sddialedin.com mentioned on her facebook that there were still some tickets left for the show around 10:30 p.m., I was an unlikely candidate for the Casbah red carpet. (Did I really just say that? I’m new to blogging and trying to make it colorful, I guess. Cut me some slack.) But something inside me was stirring. I wasn’t *really* ready for bed, it just had seemed like I would be! I checked the band out on myspace and heard passion and female vocals. Female musicians pique my interest. Being female is no shoe-in, but being a musician myself, I perk my ears up a little more. I decided to go! Alone!
So I headed down Florida Canyon to the 5 and breezed down the highway. The curved street behind the Casbah was full, (love that spot!) but I managed to find parking close-by, even though it was 10:45 by then. After the door guy checked my I.D., commented on my birthday (New Year’s Day), and exchanged some strange, but playful energy with me, I proceeded through the door to get my Bay Breeze.
After finding a place to the left of the stage, I realized that I don’t mind going to shows alone... I just mind the standing there and doing nothing part... (Trying to engage my brain with personal silence.) I noticed a man who works at a local, popular taco shop just up ahead! He is the same man I noticed while walking my dog before the show near my home. I had seem him in the neighborhood before, but never really ran into him. So, after spending 5 minutes of awkward silence between myself and the other (seemingly accompanied) Casbah-goers, seeing a familiar face was a welcome situation. I walked over and tapped his shoulder, introduced myself and we got to chatting. (He had noticed me walking my dog, too.) Turns out he is/was a huge fan of riot grrrl music and listed more bands than I could even think of at the time. He’d even seen Heavens to Betsy back in the day! Chatting with him really helped the half hour go by before the band played.
Anyhow... the band took stage and there was Frank, his wife, Violet, the drummer Jason, and a beautiful keyboardist whom I mistakenly thought Frank announced as a “Silversun Pickup” (anyone catch her name? I want to check out her other bands.) Though initially the band didn’t really excite me and something didn’t seem to coalesce for me, I began to watch the bands’ dynamics and appreciate their performance. The songs in which Violet sang or Frank and she sang together (which is probably almost all of them) were most engaging/interesting. If she was ever off-pitch or off-key, her confidence and personality made up for it. I could see her leading a riot-grrrl band. She is all spunk and decisiveness. The keyboard player had such a grounding presence but I really wish I could have heard her vocals more. I could tell she was slightly annoyed that they weren’t that audible, but she kept her grace (or place?) and just kept on going. I really thought they sounded best when she was harmonizing with Violet. Seriously. I can’t believe I thought she played in the Silversun Pickups. She clearly doesn’t. (Upon some serious internet research, I made this conclusion.) Honestly though, I feel like the history of Frank Black’s career, Violet’s confidence and passion, and the keyboardists’ “groundedness” were what made the performance. I didn’t find any of the parts to be that complex or that dynamic. There seemed to be some pre-programmed synth or keyboard samples that added to the depth, as well. It was an experiment for me and it was still inspiring.
Violet announced that the last song was to be the “encore,” after stating she didn’t “want to go!” Once the last song ended and they exited to the outdoors, the cheers and claps quickly subsided. I felt like maybe they would have done an encore if “lazy San Diego” didn’t give up and throw in the towel. Seriously, though. You know what I mean. They hardly dance and (I guess I should say we) would rather save face then be the first to yell for an encore! (Though I definitely do all the above if I am moved to do so. Usually dance, and if am super into a band, will clap and holler for an encore.)
When I went outside the band was hanging around, ladies sitting on the wall, guys standing... Frank posing for pictures... It’s hard for me after shows I don’t have much connection to. I want to hang around and absorb more artistic energy, but I also don’t know how to do it without thinking the whole time and having a slight anxious feeling. (This is why people drink. One or two drinks doesn’t have the same anxiety-relieving effect!) I knew I would feel regretful if I didn’t tell the keyboardist something. I loved her energy so I decided to tap her knee and tell her she had “great energy.” I’m not sure if she was used to that, she seemed slightly surprised but appreciative. Who knows, all I know is... it’s inspiring to see bands I know little of. Little expectations, always something to gain!