Me and Mates of State were totally on a Date.

Saturday night was my second one-on-one date with the Black Kids and Mates of State. Well I guess it's on-on-two. Well it's literally one-on-seven. The first time I saw them was in NYC at Joe's Pub in 2007. That time, I just randomly decided to go alone-- which can be an intimidating prospect, especially as a woman. You go to a concert alone and immediately weird dudes are talking to you and you're faking that you're engaged or deaf or just a total bitch. But I went ahead and took the risk, ready to act like one or all of the above.

When I got there it was sold out but, feeling lucky, I waited in line anyway. A Brit guy behind me, Glenn, had decided to do the same. At first I pulled the "I'm a total bitch" shtick, but after an hour waiting in line I realized he was totally harmless. Bummer of bummers, when the doors opened, there were no tickets. But lo and behold, the show was 21 and up and a couple of 18 year olds were denied entrance. They were devastated of course. But I asked them if I could buy their tickets off of them. Bad form?? Maybe. But I did offer them more than face value for their tickets. Just to be less of an asshole. So harmless Brit Glenn and I got in.

Since this night I've learned that sometimes the best things happen when you go places by yourself. I had never heard of Black Kids. During the opening, opening band a cute and charismatic kid with a fro sat beside me. We started chit-chatting and it came up that he was in the opening band that was to play next. "What are you called?" I asked. "Black kids." He said. "Back Skids?!" It was noisy in there. "No. BLACK! KIDS!" "Oh!!" I felt a little uncomfortable for a moment....thinking...should i say African American Kids?? They took the stage and it was awesome. It felt like a younger hipper version of The Cure. Afterwards I was in the restroom and the male bass player accidentally walked in. Washing my hands I said, "Hey, really nice set." He said, "Is this the girls bathroom?" I nodded. He awkwardly left.

Mates of State played an amazing show. It was the first time I had ever seen them and I was blown away by how two people could create so much energy and sound. Plus, I was also totally in love with the fact that they are married and have babies. You can tell. Knowing glances are definitely exchanged. I am a sucker for love, babies and music. Not necessarily in that order.

They did an encore was a cover of "These Days" by Nico Case. It was beautiful. Afterward the show was over and everyone was dispersing; Glenn and I decided to hang around for one more drink. On our way out we ran into Kori and Jason standing with a few folks outside. Humble folks that they are, they stood and chatted with us for a bit. I told them that I thought it was inspiring that they were doing the parent thing and the music thing simultaneously. They laughingly said thank you. I am sure they hear that all the time. And I'm sure it doesn't always feel inspiring for them. But it was awesome for me to get the chance to say that. To their faces.

So last Saturday when my sister (who was supposed to be my date) found herself stuck in the suburbs and unable to make it to the Metro, I was was super disappointed at first-- but then I remembered my nyc night in 07 and decided I'm due for another one-on-one (two) date with Mates of State anyway. The show topped the super exciting show of 2007...Black Kids and Mates of State are like yin and yang. During both sets there were dance moves, tons of singing along and even confetti. A very satisfying experience.

The Metro had a time cap on the show. So they cut the encore. But Jason and Kori made sure we were not cheated. a made sure we were not cheated. As swarms of audience came down the stairs to the left, the two of them and a bassist, percussionist and trombone player came down the stairs to the right and played an unplugged version of "Long Way Home" by Tom Waits. I was about one or 2 feet away from Kori and Jason, singing every word (which earned me one of those knowing glances!)

After two dates and a lot of listening on my end, I have to say... Mates of State-- I Like U Crazy.