Monday, June 11, 2012

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

So as I previously mentioned, if I were a good Clevelander I would have stayed in town for the Weapons of Mass Creation Fest.  However I didn't want to break a three year tradition of visiting friends and participating in the Pittsburgh Pride festivities.  This year's headliner was Melissa Etheridge, who surprisingly was performing at her first Pride (of probably of many).  I used to be a huge fan, but I didn't have high expectations for this performance.  It's been a long time, and I've gotten bored with Melissa: the "professional out musician."  I miss the early, gritty, rocking Melissa.

On the ride over, Matt had me run through the Greatest Hits to review his Melissa knowledge.  That experience really took me back and bumped up my excitement level a couple notches - especially those tracks from her first three albums (before Yes I Am).

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

The festival was an awesome experience as usual, with the Saturday night event being the main stage performance.  Melissa played a lengthy 2 1/2 hour set, but I would almost guess that an hour of it were talking about being gay.  It was exhausting.  Maybe being her first pride, she wanted to pull out every pro-gay comment/insight/battle cry that she could imagine - but seriously.  But you know what, the crowd was really into her and I ended up having a good time.

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

Afterward, DJ Tracy Young took the stage and stirred up an incredible dance party.  She was just oozing good vibes and great smiles.  Total win in my book.

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

Melissa Etheridge (6/9/12)

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