When you live in a state like Delaware, you learn to accept that you just won't be able to enjoy some of the same luxuries that people in other states do. For example, you'll never be able to go see a professional sporting event without crossing state lines. When you travel outside the country (and even to some parts in the country), you'll never be able to say you're from Delaware without then having to explain that it's north of Washington D.C. and south of New York City. And, sadly, 99.9% of the time, you'll never be able to see a band that you really like without taking a ride into Philadelphia.
Most of that doesn't bother me. We have a minor league baseball team (the Wilmington Blue Rocks) that my husband and I are really fond of. We get to watch the Phillies from home and then catch weekend Rocks games with free parking, cheap beer, and fun theme nights - this year they even had a Big Lebowski night. As far as explaining where our state is, I couldn't tell you the geographical difference between the Alberta and Saskatchewan territories, so I guess we're even. But - not being able to see music locally? That hurts.
That's why I was thrilled to find out that Wilco would be coming to Wilmington for the second year in a row, and this time playing a show at Frawley Stadium, home of our beloved Blue Rocks. A band I love, in a ballpark, on a summer evening? Heaven.
I had high expectations, and Wilco didn't disappoint. They played every song I was hoping to hear, and with twenty-three songs played over a set and two encores I went home happy and hoping they make it back next year. Although it was a little disconcerting to see my office building lit up in the background (who wants to think about work at a time like that?) being a local proved fortuitous when it came time to leave and I zipped out through a shortcut and made my way down the interstate.
Having this show in Wilmington was such a big deal that the mayor taped a welcome message that was shown prior to the band's performance. We often get bypassed due to the fact that we're so close to bigger cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, and even New York, but this is a city that is going through a serious revitilization. There is an effort to Light Up The Queen , the birth of The Riverfont is in full swing, and we're actually getting a Fringe Festival in the city, starting this fall.
But, enough about Delaware. More about Wilco. I wish I had brought my camera, but as luck would have it I was rushing out of the house and only had my cell phone. Here's a picture of the stage from where we were sitting, behind what would have been home plate. I'm sorry that it's granier than a rice field. Why can't I have an iPhone like the rest of you?
