Friday, December 18, 2015 found me back at Largo at the Coronet for the last Jon Brion show of the year. Surprise opener was actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis, who delivered a short, yet hilarious, set of new jokes. As usual, Jon started off the show by playing a couple instrumental pieces on the piano. He began slowly with chords alternating between the treble and bass until he created a full sound; it was reminiscent to me of something from a Rachmaninoff concerto. The second piece felt like it could be the accompaniment to an old-fashioned murder mystery, perhaps a
Tag: Largo at the Coronet
Memories Come Back to You
On Wednesday, November 18 I was back at Largo at the Coronet for actor Rainn Wilson’s book tour of his memoir “The Bassoon King.” Old 97’s front man Rhett Miller took the part of interviewer or perhaps, discussion instigator. While not exactly a concert, there was enough crossover interest in music and a few songs played, so that I decided it was worth while to write a post about the event. The discussion began with Rainn explaining his association with the bassoon, which he referred to as his “nerd crucifix,” and how he got started playing the instrument as a
I’ll Be Doing the Same Things
Friday, November 13 was a heart-wrenching day in the world as we learned of the terrorist attacks in Paris, but particularly for music lovers who sadly learned that one of the attacks took place at an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Bataclan. One of my friends had attended an Eagles of Death Metal concert in California only a couple weeks earlier, so this made it feel even more unreal. I was greatly disturbed and angered by these attacks, but already planned for the evening was Jon Brion‘s monthly show at Largo. I had mixed feelings about attending a
As Strange As You Are
This is a recap covers Jon Brion’s show at Largo on October 30, 2015. It was the day before Halloween and Jon noted that the iconic helmet that sits on top of the piano originally came from the Halloween costume of a guy who used to work at the door of Largo. As often happens, Jon started off at the piano. He played a song recorded by Billie Holiday in the 1930s called “I Must Have That Man!” He followed this by playing and singing David Bowie’s “Lady Stardust” from the album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. He
Reality Calls and I Just Let It Ring
On Friday, October 2, I attended the latest monthly installment of the Watkins Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet. Special guest for the evening was Paul F. Tompkins, who has his own regular show at Largo titled “Spontaneation.” Sean and Sara Watkins were soon on stage and the three warmed up the crowd with a discussion of bug boxes, as Sara recalled a time she had a bug box when they played at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri when she was about 10 years old. This eventually morphed into the idea that the audience should identify the spirit