Panoramic of BC Place and the Cambie Street Bridge that crosses False Creek. The view from Yaletown is breathtaking.
Can you see Science World?
Canadians Baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium vs the Eugene Emeralds (Oregon)!
(clockwise, starting top left) Aileen, Rob, Tiffani, Mark; Leo; Quinn & Janet!
My Frank Ocean concert footage is up on my YouTube Channel here.
The show on Saturday (July 14, 2012) was great but left a bit to be desired. In Vancouver, we’re pretty spoiled in that we usually end up being on the bill as one of the last few stops for a North American tour. By the time a show rolls around to us, its been “practiced” and is a lot more high energy, polished, and put together.
Frank was amazing. He sang his heart out and was better than the record stylistically. He moved around the stage and even jumped into the crowd during Novocane. What killed me was when he did his smirk… ooooh that half smile… he was so handsome, so cute. My friend Ashley and I swooned.
His sound, from what I could hear over the screaming young females, was not as clear and some of the levels were off. Often times the bass was cranked too high and the vocals too low. His backing band was incredible. They had great energy and the lead guitarist could solo all day if he wanted. The translation from album to live performance was what I looked forward to most and that portion did not disappoint. Great arrangements with a high level of musicianship from the band.
I personally loved the stage production. There was a lot of great lighting (Melissa, you would have appreciated shooting his stage) and the “tv” projection was interesting.
He played a lot from both albums… but was on stage for less than an hour… a bit of a bummer but I enjoyed what he did share. Some of the set list: Thinking About You, Novocane, Strawberry Swing, Sweet Life, Super Rich Kids, Made in America (chorus only from the JayZ & Kanye - Watch the Throne album), Bad Religion, Forrest Gump, Pyramids, Monks, and for the finale - I Miss You (song he wrote, recorded by Beyonce). I cried when he did I Miss You. The crowd was yelling for Swim Good and Pink Matter but he didn’t perform those. I was just hoping for him to perform - Lost.
Ok, so now for the negatives about this show…
Now, if you’re from Vancouver and attended the show, you may understand my concern here. It was a young crowd and it was full of obnoxious boys and girls… mostly around me to the right at the front of the stage. Some were intoxicated and beligerant, spilling drinks on my friend and I. Most were pushing to get an inch closer to the front where there was no space to be had. Just some crowd etiquette would have been nice Vancouver! It wasn’t a rock concert, but everyone was pushing like it was.
Note that the Vancity crowd tends to get overly pushy and somewhat “catty”, to the point where it was getting dangerous and unpleasant. I almost got into two fights with some drunk girls around me shoving their asses into my gutt as they pushed in front of me. If you wanted to be up front, you should have gotten there earlier… I also expect that you’re not going to be hugging me the whole show and that I shouldn’t be able to feel your privates on my back as you jump up and down behind me… (you didn’t even buy me a drink beforehand, wasn’t even cute or straight… so I did not enjoy that at all! LOL)
This is why I prefer travelling to Seattle to see shows. The crowds will give you your standing space where you can actually enjoy and jump up and down comfortably if you wanted to. Fans, be mindful and let’s all enjoy the show! [SIGH]
Anyways… LOVE FRANK and can’t wait to see him again!
You need to eat here if you’re ever in downtown Victoria!
Here happens to be The Jam Cafe just outside of Chinatown and two blocks away from Centennial Square/City Hall. It recently opened not that long ago and is amazing! The brunch culture in Victoria is huge and not that different from that in Vancouver. Lots of new and different spots have been opening up quite frequently to great applause from local foodies.
The Jam Cafe is a small little stop that serves you coffee if you’re outside in line waiting to come in. We had a party of four and had to wait for about 45 minutes this weekend. It wasn’t so bad with great company to stand with, a super sweet hostess, and a cup of coffee to quell the drool coming from looking at the menu posted by the front door and from looking at the food that was arriving at patron’s tables. We felt rude for staring as people ate but how could you not with such tasty items as red velvet pancakes, buttermilk fried chicken (which I had), and other tasty southern American inspired meals.
Here is a quick peek at the restaurant and our meals… but seriously, you need to eat here! By far, one of my all time favorite breakfast/brunch joints in BC.
