Maybe it’s being cautious, maybe it’s getting older (or just old!), but I don’t get out as much as I did in the Before Times. But when I had a chance to see Courtney Barnett in concert, in exchange for volunteering again with Headcount, a non-partisan organization dedicated to getting people to register to vote, it was a win-win situation.
Before the show, and during the opening act, me (in the middle) and my new mates asked people if they wanted to register, or update their info, or join the Save The Vote movement. There weren’t a lot of takers (DC is a pretty politically savvy city, full of voters) but we had a handful of takers, plus lots of “thanks for doing this” comments and support for the cause. (Find out more at Headcount.org and SaveTheVoteAmerica.org)
And then, when I was looking for a place to sit (the 9:30 Club is mostly GA standing), a kindly staff member saw my VOTE VOTE VOTE t-shirt and, as if thanking me for my service (or taking pity on the old lady), got me a seat in the VIP section, where I rested comfortably and was able to get some shots with my “non-professional” (as in no detachable lens) Lumix camera.
After the show, while waiting to buy Courtney’s new album – on vinyl! – I met a lucky young woman who got a setlist, which she kindly let me snap. I showed her – and will you, too – a list and some shots I got at a previous DC show.
I’m a happily married straight woman, but I’ve got a serious girl crush going here. CB creates the kind of sincere, smart and straight-forward guitar rock I love hearing, especially from women, who make those old favorite noises sound new again.
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