Day 6: PGH/the burgh/Pitt

The consensus was Pittsburgh (PGH to the locals and on t-shirts) was 'rad' (Alex), 'rad' (Eli), and 'fun' (Crawford).

Alex is awed by the Cathedral of Learning

We woke up late and then parted ways to do real person things. I sent emails and Facebook messages, Alex wandered, Crawford read Montesquieu, and Eli read esoteric philosophy. We rendezvoused and got Chipotle, a American delicacy which does not exist in Montreal. Then the fellowship broke apart. 

Eli is the pope of the Cathedral of Learning. Crawford is a cardinal. 

GIRL ARM stayed with Meghan, a friend from school who was super awesome about hosting them. Apparently some GIRL ARM members got tattoos? Equipment was dropped off at Area 52, several 5 dollar pizza pies were eaten, and then music was played.

The flyers were posted all around the city

Stephen Lin opened with poetry. I was eating a pizza pie so I missed some of his set however the ending I caught was wonderful. I love readings at shows because it opens up venues to alternative forms of expression! Check out Stephen's stuff, all you alt-lit people you will enjoy it.

The Fledglings were up next! I could tell by their warm-up bass riffs (American Football and Weezer) that I was going to like them. Post-rock slash indie rock I guess would describe them not that well. They are opening for Speedy Ortiz and were both fun to listen to and nice dudes.

Crawford makes an intense face while singing but the lighting was bad-2014

The Notta and GIRL ARM set was the final proof Pittsburgh was awesome. Tons of people came out on a Tuesday night to catch the show and were really into it throughout. I think it helped that we were exotic and Canadian.

After Notta Comet and GIRL ARM was The American Classics. I overheard a story about how they got their name but I am not sure I believe it. Garage slash psych slash surf rock! I have loved all the garage/psych/surf bands Notta Comet has played with and this was no exception! Exclamation point!

The one set of the night I totally missed was TH0USANDZZ of BEEZ. Dreamy smoky vocals over minimal arrangements mmmmmm. I needed a set like that last night and was sorry I missed it.

Tomorrow we are going to Philly where we will eat cheese-steaks and vegetarian lasagna!

Tonight I rest,

Dan

P.S 

Here is the evacuation plan for the Cathedral of Learning, a really tall Pittsburgh landmark which is part of the U of Pitt campus. The plan involves going down a bunch of stairs a bunch of times.

Here is the Cathedral from the outside for context.