New photos :)

Some new pictures of Nikki's first overnight trip to Corvallis :)

RHCP Forever

Michael and I went to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers this past Friday at the Rose Quarter in Portland. It was an amazing concert, to say the least...
The night began with a ride on the MAX in from downtown where our car was practically filled with a group of giddy teenagers that rapped and sang their way to the venue (complete with a rendition of Dani California). The scene was alive with anticipation.
Once we got into our seats the music began. Mars Volta opened the show, and although I had to give them credit for being so excited about their music, the songs sounded a lot like a bunch of people playing every possible instrument in a garage band. Too loud - you lost touch with what their music was about. But once they were done with their set, the stage cleared. Michael told me that when RHCP performs, they remove almost every piece of equipment, save the microphones and drums.
When the lights went out the crowd went wild. I can't even really describe what it was like, but from Flea's first strum on the guitar to his last, people were on their feet. The crowd was pulsing, people were hugging eachother, waving their arms in the air, and for 2 sweet hours, you were lost in the music.
When we walked out, our ears were ringing and our hearts were pounding and everyone on the rail home was...happy. In our world today, I think that sometimes we forget about the simple joy of music - this concert was a nice reminder of that.
Anthony Kiedis belted out in Soul To Squeeze: "When I find my piece of mind, I'm gonna give you some of my good time." Thank you RHCP, for sharing some of that with us.