Set listed.

I answered Gotham Casting’s call for audience members. And then I enlisted my friends to do the same. Out of all the concerts they’ve offered, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ taping was the one I wanted to go to most. I’ve been a fan of Grace for a while now, and I don’t think there will be many opportunities to see the band in such an intimate venue anymore.

I already had a ticket to see The Shins at Terminal 5 that night, but if I got the call, there was no question as to which I would go to. While I was in LA, I got the e-mail and immediately confirmed. I was beyond excited and asked my friend Paul to go with me. He’s a great friend and music fan, and I knew he would appreciate the opportunity.

After hanging out in Harlem (“What are you guys waiting for?” “Grace WHO?” was a pretty consistent conversation between us and passersby), they let us in to the studio, which was beautifully lit. We were ushered to our second row spot in the center, which I was psyched about. First row will constantly have a camera in their face, but second will be undeterred from enjoying the show without distraction. While taking in the space, I caught the stage manager Joey noshing on some pizza. I laughed, but next thing I knew, two bags of chips and a water from the green room landed in my lap! He said he was sorry for his bad manners. (And that I looked like a baked chip kinda girl. Thanks, Joey.) What service! Could it get better?

And then Elvis Costello sat right behind me. Elvis Freakin’ Costello.

Grace split her gorgeous white Pucci pants so emergency repair was needed before the THREE HOUR SET. Grace and the band were so relaxed and casual, we could have stayed there for three more. We heard some incredible stories about how the band came together, where certain songs originated from, and how they related to the band’s growth. George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” somehow became a recurring theme. There were tears, there were a lot of laughs, but mostly there was some kick-ass rock and roll.

I learned a lot about one of my favorite bands: Benny has a special relationship with Knocked Up, Scotty used to have a soul patch AND play in a band called Soul Patch, and Grace is as vulgar as they come (it’s awesome — and NOT going to make it on TV). Grace also said some really fantastic things about sexuality and music. The woman is a goddess who OWNS it, and she’s not apologizing. She also didn’t apologize for those mushrooms she took with her while writing the new album. And there’s a whole album that exists out there…produced by T-Bone Burnett!

It was an incredible show, and I can’t wait to see what it looks like in edited form. It’ll be amazing to have a record of it (and then remember all the juicy little tidbits that got left out)! 

Songs That I Can Remember:
Stop the Bus
Paris (Ooh La La)
Apologies
Never Go Back
Nothing But the Water
Ragged Company
Big White Gate