Practically in Geddy Lee’s Back Pocket

When Rush announced their 50 Something Tour, I knew Chuck would go. I appreciate Rush and can even sing along to a few of their more popular songs, but 2112 is completely foreign to me. So I didn’t see myself going until Chuck suggested we go to their show at Madison Square Garden.

I thought, “You’ve got my attention now.” I countered with, “Sure, how about making it a long weekend in the city?”

I figured Chuck would get “better” seats, but I didn’t see us getting front-row seats. Well, technically row two, but there wasn’t anyone in front of us.

I was practically Geddy Lee’s back pocket.

If you are hoping for more about the show, you’ll need to wait for Chuck’s review. All I can say is it was fucking amazing, and they are now officially one of my top five favorite bands.

If you are game for it, I’d love to hum a few bars about our long weekend in the city.

Our hotel wasn’t far from the “Garden” (or “MSG,” as one New Yorker referred to Madison Square Garden). Our first evening in the City was a blur. Or more precisely, I was on sensory overload, and my brain shut down. So much honking. So many electric bikes and scooters whizzing by. And so many people.

With true Midwestern caution, I’d perch on the curb, waiting patiently for the walk sign to flash. Annoyed New Yorkers rushed around me, eager to cross the street. I felt a dark sense of vindication whenever one of those impatient jaywalkers narrowly avoided being clipped by a turning car or a cyclist blowing through a red light. (I know not very Midwestern of me.)

Chuck said at one point, “You must develop a sixth sense for when to cross.”

I agreed, comparing it to a trail run where you just know where to step so you don’t end up face down in the dirt. As we got our bearings, the city buzzed around us with one-sided conversations: someone arguing, “You need to clean that mess up, and I’m not covering the expense.” Someone lost, “I have no idea where I am,” and one woman yelled, “I had a job once. I got paid.”

When we’d hear a particularly good snippet, we’d make eye contact to see if the other heard it. Then try to fill in the blanks to finish the conversations. Sort of a modified improv game.

I wasn’t just fascinated by the one-sided conversations, but also by the endless variety of languages swirling around us. Two women had a lively argument in French. Again, I tried to imagine what they could possibly be fighting about, carrying their bags from designer stores with flawless faces and awesome shoes.

On our first night, we walked a section of the High Line Park. It was such a treat to be away from the hustle of the streets. My frazzled brain got to relax.

We stumbled into Bryant Park to discover hundreds of yogis.

On our list was Central Park. Secretly, I planned to find the Ramble, which I’d learned about in Christian Cooper’s “Better Living Through Birding.” Chuck was quite impressed when I asked the friendly woman in the information booth for directions.

Something on Chuck’s list I’d forgotten about was the “clinamen” exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory. It is hard to explain. I’ll let you try to decipher what was happening here.

We checked off a number of tourist attractions too!

We even squeezed in a Broadway show, “The Book of Mormon.” I loved it, but it is irreverent. A bit vulgar but funny as hell. If that checks any boxes for you, consider getting tickets.

Did you know you can walk the Brooklyn Bridge? Yeah, me either. It is an Instagrammer’s paradise. So many were posing for the perfect shot. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who really wants to see you posing on this bridge?”

I often think about that when we are taking a selfie. Who is this picture for? Why am I taking it? What about you? Are you a selfie taker?

I’m curious. What was your favorite concert moment?

Every Sunday Sip is free and always will be.

If you have an idea for a guest, email me (info@lifeinmichigan.com). We are looking for anyone who is creative and passionate, and who has a story to share about their Life In Michigan. Don’t be shy. Looking for older episodes? I was hoping you would ask. The full catalog is on our YouTube Channel.

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🗓️ Never Miss an Event: Chuck has been hard at work on our public Google Events Calendar. From book launches to local gigs, it’s all there. Subscribe to the Calendar

You’ll find things like this on the calendar! (Click on image for more information.)

Join us!

I’ve got one fresh Substack post to entertain you this week!

I love a good French 75! What about you? If so, check out the David Lebovitz newsletter!

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore has been on my radar for a while. It was one of those books the algorithms kept suggesting. I finally pulled the trigger and bought it on Libro.fm, my new favorite listening platform, right behind Libby.com. I was intrigued by the plot and enjoyed the many twists, but it was a tad too long.

It flips between 1975, when Barbara Van Laar is discovered missing from a summer camp in the Adirondacks, and 16 years earlier, when her brother went missing. It was a who-done-it murder mystery with plenty of plot twists to keep you listening or turning the page.

Have a great week!