Archive for the ‘Ben Kweller’ Category

The facts:

• Ben Kweller headlined at the Exit/In last Friday night.
• Tim Fite opened.

The celebrity sightings:

• Again with the Brendan Benson!!! As I was pulling into the parking lot behind the Exit/In, I noticed ol’ Brendan parking his slick little scooter before hopping on to what I’m assuming was BK’s tour bus.

The observations:

• Tim Fite is another mad, mad man. Imagine Spanky (from Our Gang/The Little Rascals) in seersucker overalls, being backed by “his brother” (also in seersucker) on keyboard and himself (via a large video screen behind him) on a mean sounding resonator type instrument, rapping about “the system!” There was audience participation (eye exams!) and a power point introduction for each song by “the man with itchy legs.” Fite’s set was truly one of the strangest I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Very entertaining.

• It was hot in the ol’ Exit/In that night, but when BK took the stage, it only got hotter. The outstanding set included “Run,” “Penny on the Train Track” and “Sundress” as well as “Thirteen” and an incredible extended version of “Red Eye.” Brendan even got a shout out from his buddy before “Family Tree.” My only disappointment coming from the absence of “I Gotta Move” but BK totally made up for it by playing a new song called “Fight.” According to Ben, the tune will be appearing on his next album, one he called “country.” Check it out below. For more clips from the show (including a pretty sweet “Dueling Banjos” warm up, CLICK HERE.


The conclusion:

• Ben Kweller is a ultra-talented singer/songwriter who’s enthusiasm and passion for the music is so evident in his live show, it’s scary. I can’t wait until he comes back to Nashville. Long live BK.

The extra:

• After the show, I headed straight to my car that was parked right next to BK’s tour bus about 40 feet from the back door of the Exit/In. As I was getting into my car, I noticed Ben and his boys standing around the back door. I’ve never asked for an autograph in my entire life, but this was just too golden of an opportunity to pass up. I clicked my digital camera into the “on” position, sut my car door and headed towards Ben. As I approached him he looked up at me and I began my pitch: “Hey Ben, seriously, I’ve never done this in my entire life and I really hate to be ‘that guy’ (fully aware of the irony that’s taking shape) because I know you’re exhausted, but I’m a huge fan so is there any way I could get a quick picture with you?” Ben was extremely gracious but definitely let me know that it needed to be quick because he was indeed really tired. I handed the camera to lady who was hanging out with him and he put his arm around my shoulder. I saluted with the rock-common ‘devil horns’ (\../) as the lady raised my camera. “Say cheese!” she said right before she pushed the button down. It made a little noise and she quickly handed it back to me and said “Thanks a lot man. Have a good night.” I told Ben “Thanks” and headed to my car with a sick feeling in my stomach. I knew the picture hadn’t taken. No flash, no actual picture taking noises… just the very subtle noise that you hear when the camera is focusing. I prayed that somehow I was wrong and that the picture would miraculously be there despite my certainty that it wouldn’t. I got in my car and turned the camera on and… well, you know. It wasn’t there. He had been so gracious and I just didn’t have the heart to trouble him again. It’s totally my fault for assuming that all people know how to use my camera. Ben, if you happen to read this, please comment just to let people know that I’m not making this up. We shared a legit rock moment damnit!