Pistachios, Pickles and Pils

It’s already Sunday. The last day of Solid Sound. Noooooooo!!!!

We headed down as early as we could as there was a talk Steve wanted to go to at midday.

When we got in we walked to Joes Field and Jeff Tweedy and band were sound checking. A decent sized crowd had gathered to watch. We got to see about 4 songs.

I bought some merch after the sound check ended.

Then we headed off to the galleries, as we walked through we saw a pop up show starting up – Official Clare and her guitarist was Leroy Bach – one time Wilco member.

I ended up staying to watch her set and Steve went off to his talk.

The set was great. After it finished I tried to get in to the talk Steve went to but it was at capacity, so I went out to the courtyard to see The Expandards. I watched them for a bit and enjoyed them but it was so hot in the courtyard I couldn’t stay.

So I went back to the galleries to cool off, wandered around a bit, then decided what I really needed was a beer. So I got myself a can of Pils and sat down in the shade of Courtyard C and enjoyed my beer and some pickles that I had snuck in. Living the dream right here.

I waited in the courtyard until Sam and Louise Sullivan played. I was looking forward to seeing them and they did not disappoint. I really loved their set. Amazing harmonies.

By this stage, Steve’s talk was finished and he joined me in the courtyard. His talk was about the art and design around Wilco – the speakers were all designers and creative types who have designed Wilco albums, posters etc etc Right up Steve’s alley. And let’s just say – he go some Wilcards to the right people. Need more information? Ask him next time you see him. Way too much to explain here.

Oh I also went an asked Sam and Louise Sullivan if they could record an ID for my radio show – yknow “hi my name is…and you’re listening to…” they were kind enough to do it so that was cool.

After all that I went and lined up for the Wilco garage sale. The line was long but I normally buy all my tee shirt here for the next 2 years. Unfortunately it was a bit of a bust but I did get a cool poster and I did have some good chats with some people in line while I was waiting. Meanwhile Steve watched Hannah Cohen – which I was a bit disappointed to miss, but you can’t do everything.

By now the day was getting on and it was time to go and get a spot for The Autumn Defense. My favourite. Last time their set got rained out so our fingers were crossed that it wouldn’t happen again.

It was damn hot waiting but just as they started the clouds rolled in and it cooled down a bit.

After their set finished they were doing a signing – and I wanted to get my vinyl record signed so I raced over to line up.

And then it decided to rain. I had been carrying ponchos and jackets around for days. Today I decided not to bring them. So I was standing in line getting drenched and trying to protect my record.

Steve came by and found some free ponchos that were being handed out so that saved me a bit. I chatted to the guy next to me who was from Alabama. He was nice but then when we got up to the Autumn Defense to get our records signed he just hogged the conversation with them and I didn’t even get to say anything to them. They signed my album and almost handed it to him! I mean, it’s not like I have never spoken to them before but still…

The rain eased and we went to get a spot for the Tweedy and friends set. The closer for the weekend.

Tweedy and co were great obviously and it was a great ending to an amazing weekend with lots of special guests – and an amazing version of Country Roads, Take Me Home.