GF23 - Manning Fireworks

Gut Feelings #23. It continues to be so depressing that Trump won the election in the US. I’m not American and have no skin in the game. Still, I live 3 kms from the river separating Ontario from Michigan and I go over there often to see shows, buy records, eat food, attend sporting events, go to galleries and museums, and buy snacks. Living in a border town has been an interesting experience over the past couple years. Canada has a reputation for being nice, but if you go over to America the people there are always a much better hang. Despite the politics, I often wish I could move there, but my lack of special skills keeps me trapped in Canada. Anyways, Tim and I recently found ourselves crossing the border once again to see MJ Lenderman and The Wind play at the El Club in Detroit. This show was booked before MJ popped off, and it was cool to see them in a small venue. The new album Manning Fireworks is an instant classic. We all deserve a little indie rock, as a treat. At the show, the fiddle broke in the intro to Riptorn. So the band stopped and said they might not be able to play this one, and someone in the audience yelled “You’re playing Riptorn!” and they did. Little moments like that at live shows are great because I’m gonna hear that guys voice from the crowd in my head every single time I hear that song. And as if seeing a great MJ show wasn’t enough, we also got to meet our friend Dan from Kin Ship Goods after years of online friendship/art admiration, and see his band Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band open up the show with a great set! As usual, another great night in America.