small places

I'm probably supposed to tell you about Toronto. I have every intention of doing it, but might not do it today. The general summary: I had fun in Toronto.

This, instead, is about last night.

Last night I walked up to Blim for a rare live show. Blim is a small place at the best of times, often only holding 20 chairs or so. Seeing films there, I know it often isn't packed tight regardless of the event. Wasn't sure what to expect from this show. There wound up being a fair number of people, and some resorted to sitting on the floor. Not me, though; I'm efficient with time so got there early enough to get a real seat. I happened to sit beside my friend's old roommate and felt like a total dork when, after 10 minutes of me sitting in silence and oblivious, she started talking to me. I just wasn't thinking I knew anyone so didn't even pay attention to who was around me. The show was the Wintermitts, who are from here, and Laura Barrett, who is from Toronto.

I saw the Wintermitts last month when they opened for Julie Doiron, but it was kind of fun seeing them in such a tiny place. The acoustic version of their show suited the softer songs much better than I'd heard previously. There was one guy who played only on two songs, and I felt sort of bad for him that he had to sit awkwardly through the whole set despite having nothing to do. I appreciate accordions in music; especially charming is someone who can play the accordion while drinking beer.

TanPoh showed up during the break and I drank root beer, 'cause that's how I roll.

The whole reason I wanted to go to this show, though, was Laura Barrett. She used to play with the Hidden Cameras and CBC Radio 3 plays her quite a lot lately, and I like the idea of a soloist playing an unconventional instrument. She plays the kalimba and has a little machine that makes noises she adjusts with her bare feet. She has a lovely, smart-sounding voice and her songs are quirky and often funny. She's opening for Beirut next week at the Commodore, but I'm afraid her songs will be lost in the cavernous ballroom. But it would be fun to see her play again; she's fun. Too bad it's sold out and I'm broke.

Unrelated, the Japanese version of "The Office" on SNL is hilarious. I especially liked rajio taisō with a hot coffee can on a neck injury. I think Usher is channelling Terence Trent Darby. Actually, he absolutely is. Those moves are lifted from "Wishing Well."

I think I'm going to start applying for jobs this week, even though I'm not sure any of them are what I'm looking for or even qualified for. I have an interview on Tuesday for on-call at the library, so hopefully that goes well so I can start making some money again. I've decided to apply to a job in Chicago, not because I think I'll even be interviewed, but so I know I can't move to Chicago. Of course, if lightning struck and I got an interview, it would be fun to go back for a mini holiday. If I got the job... well, that would be almost hilarious. And wholly improbable.

Tomorrow is the first day of being sort of unemployed. My friend invited me to the track to bet on the ponies (which would be totally fun), but I think I'm meant to picnic in a park instead. I wonder how much I could win if I started off with $30...