Located cliffside in the Pacific Palisades, the stunning Terranea Resort was an unusual venue for my favorite band, the Old 97's. It's definitely the fanciest place that I've seen a concert for any type of band.
We bought the VIP tickets for 75.00 each, which gave us access to a rope off section with alcohol and hors d'oeuvres. After drinking mimosas and eating lots of artisan cheese, pizza on skewers and brownie bites, we met the band.
I'm terrible at meet and greets. I freeze and it's awkward. Really awkward. I babble. It's not pretty.
If the band happens to come across this little blog of mine, I apologize, especially to Phil. Yes, I know, that you know, that I know your name, but I didn't need to make it uncomfortable. Sorry Phil.
Awkward aside, it was a wonderful moment to shake the hands of the guys in my fav band and get a picture. We asked fellow fans to take our picture and the best shot wasn't very straight. I'm just going to chalk it up to an awkward picture to match the moment.
After the VIP area, we had general admission for the concert, which took place on the meadows, a giant lawn overlooking the ocean. The June gloom cleared by the early afternoon and it was perfect. The sun was shining and a flock of pelicans kept flying over the stage. Unfortunately, we didn't bring lawn chairs or even blankets for the grass. We grabbed a good spot on the back of the hill and watched the opening bands.
Tyler Hilton was fantastic. His music is very Americana, right up my alley.
We were so impressed with Tyler Hilton, that we went to his merch booth and bought his album. Next, we have to buy a record player. Not kidding.
The other openers were Dustbowl Revival. Wow. Loved them! As their name replies, they do a modern twist on music from or inspired by the 1930's. A great live band. Apparently they have been named "Best LA Live Band" two years running.
We did our part for Terranea's social media and took some concert selfies.
Old 97's finally took the stage just after 4pm.
We abandoned our spot on the hill and went straight up to the stage, standing near Murry.
They played many of my favorites, like Roller Skate Skinny, Barrier Reef and Big Brown Eyes. Also my two favorite girls, Doreen and Victoria were in the set. There is no better "Scream at the Top of My Lungs in LA Traffic" song than Victoria. Love it! Murray did several numbers, including a cover of Mama Tried. A truly great set list, as always. The only missed opportunity is they didn't do The One. Maybe it was a bit too obvious for the venue.
After the concert, went to the hotel bar for a cheese plate and drinks. Killing two birds with one stone, we ate dinner and avoided the valet traffic. Plus, we had an amazing view of the ocean during sunset. Did I mention that this is a stunning hotel?
It was the perfect spring day in Southern California.