Hello (again) Wisconsin!

I just got back yesterday afternoon from a family wedding in Marshfield, Wisconsin, about a four hour drive from home. I hadn't been to my neighboring state since meeting up with a bunch of friends for a terrifice Sevendust concert experience in Madison in late April. Both trips have been very memorable!

I decided to play it safe and took last Friday off so I could take my time driving on a nice day. I joked with friends and family the next day about getting behind every semi truck and trailer imaginable on my way to the hotel, but it was a scenic drive, and I got to enjoy the fall colors while cranking some of my favorite rock songs on the way.

I decided to take a rest stop before checking into the hotel, so I pulled into the nearest Shopko for a bathroom break and to stretch my legs a bit. It soon became evident that I was in Green Bay Packers territory. Realizing I'd forgotten to pack my electric shaver, I shopped for some disposable razors and shaving cream when I turned the corner of an aisle and saw tissue dispensers shaped like cardboard cheeseheads!

Grabbing a quick dinner after checking into the hotel, I kicked off my shoes to relax a bit, taking in the World Series before unpacking and eventually calling it a night. I got up the next morning a little earlier than expected, but was still able to freshen up and enjoy a good breakfast before driving around the city a bit more.

I took a lunch break at a Subway inside the local Wal-Mart, perusing the shelves idly before going to the church for the wedding ceremony. I'd driven past the church on my way into town, so I knew it wouldn't take long to get there. I arrived in enough time to visit with my aunt and uncle, my cousin's siblings and a few of their friends from my hometown before the wedding.

My cousin's fiancee was obviously nervous beforehand, but it turned out to be a very nice ceremony, officiated by a pastor from my cousin's church. Afterwards I congratulated the new couple and caught up on the score of the Gophers football game before returning to the hotel to relax for a few hours before the reception at the nearby Elks club.

I got back to the hotel and struck up a conversation with a couple from Chicago on the groom's side of the family. I learned from them that he also had friends from Spain in the next room who traveled to Marshfield for the wedding.

Before I knew it, it was time to head over to the wedding reception. When I arrived, I noticed that each table had pictures of the happy couple from different locations. They had a nice slideshow of family photos before the meal, where I found myself seated next to people from my hometown as well as a few couples from northern Wisconsin.

As a single guy who's not much of a dancer, I tend not to participate in wedding dances. I was still able to enjoy myself by having good conversations with wedding guests and my cousin's family throughout the night. I get a little nostalgic at weddings at times, because they remind me of other family and friends' weddings I've attended over the years. No one at the reception asked me when I'm getting married yet, but I know it'll happen to me eventually when the right woman is in my life.

By the time my relatives and I left the Elks club at midnight, we were all happy but tired. I quickly undressed and crashed on the comfy hotel bed when I got back to my room, eager to give my aching feet a rest.

The next morning, I took my time getting packed and ready to go. Thankfully the traffic was much lighter, but I still found a little congestion when I stopped in the Twin Cities for lunch. I rolled home late yesterday afternoon, amazed by the wonderfully warm fall weather that continued all weekend. It was a great weekend that went by too fast, but was probably my longest road trip until next year. It was another great weekend in Wisconsin with great people - what more could I want?

That's all for now - have a Happy Halloween weekend, everyone!

All in All, It was...Another Floydian Slip at the Paramount Theatre

My tenth rock concert of 2014 last night was my first show at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown St. Cloud, MN. Several years ago, when I worked for a local non-profit arts magazine and website, I went to many shows at this classic venue. It seems like I've been in almost every corner of this building. Last night's show was my annual trek to see local favorites the Fabulous Armadillos perform their Pink Floyd tribute.

I also saw this show at the Paramount in August of 2013, and the setlist from last year's show remainded the same. I was surprised when I went to get a ticket last week how quickly the seats were being sold. I also remembered that the group packed Lake George for an annual summer concert in August with over 16,000 people estimated in attendance!

The show began shortly after 7:30 p.m. as the house lights went down and the familiar strains of "Welcome to the Machine" began playing. This was followed by a delightfully campy rendition of "Have a Cigar." The tune was highlighted by an amazing guitar performance by local guitar legend Paul "Stretch" Diethelm. Stretch and a couple other bandmates are also in the local group Slip Twister, hence the Floydian Slip show title.

The Armadillos then led into their full rendition of the classic album Dark Side of the Moon. At one point, during the song "Money," hundreds of play dollar bills floated down from the rafters. I grabbed a couple of them at the end of the set, and snagged three more before the night was over. I already had my show souvenirs before the night was halfway over!

The second half of the show featured choice cuts from the Pink Floyd classic "The Wall." Singer/actor/local coffee shop owner Jeff Engholm showcased his vocal and theatric abilities during this set. It was also nice to see local schoolchildren singing and marching onstage to the beat of "Another Brick in the Wall."

The show ended with the Floyd hits "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Comfortably Numb," which featured another one of Diethelm's impressive guitar solos. I'm glad I was able to chat with Stretch a bit after the show as the crowd exited to congratulate him on another great show!

If you've never seen the Fabulous Armadillos live in concert before, you don't know what you're missing! They have one more Pink Floyd show at the Paramount, but they also have a string of other concert series coming up at Pioneer Place on Fifth. Grab your tickets before they're gone - they have a tendency to sell out quickly!