I just got back from a trip to Boston with my friends, Mitch and Gary. Aside from spending an inordinate amount of time in what is probably my favorite bar anywhere, Bukowski Tavern, we managed to fit in some other activities. Things kicked off Wednesday night with a performance by Wayne Shorter at the Berklee College of Music. While we were left scratching our heads afterward, the rest of the audience seemed very impressed. There was a lot of musical dexterity going on, but to the point that there seemed to be little structure or melody left. I can take some improvisational jazz, but throw me a melodic bone now and then. The drummer was fun to watch.

Thursday we visited the Boston Museum and Fine art to admire some Sargent paintings. From there we went to the new Institute of Art on the Bay where I thoroughly enjoyed an exhibit by Tara Donovan. I think i was alone in my appreciation. That night we bowled a few frames at Lucky Strike and finished at Bukowski.

Bukowski Tavern

Lucky Strike

Friday was the event we traveled to Boston for: the Boston symphony doing Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring.’ The whole program was great including a very interesting piece by Elliott Carter. The Stravinsky did not disappoint. It was big, loud and powerful.

Symphony Hall, Boston

I just bought the near brilliant (in my opinion) new record from Mercury Rev the week before heading to Boston. I noticed in the local paper they were playing that Friday night at Paradise Rock Club. Since the Symphony was a matinee, that worked out perfect. We could hit Bukowski, buy some LPs at Newberry Comics have dinner at Sonsie and head to Paradise. They put on a great show at skull splitting volume and threw in some retina burning multi-colored strobes for good measure.

Mercury Rev at Paradise Rock Club

We wrapped things up at Petite Robert Bistro for a light lunch of seared foie gras, lobster mac and cheese, braised lamb shank and crepes suzette. Then more LP shopping.

Oh, Bukowski. How I miss you.