Getting pumped for Albany!

MarkAss wrote:

Seriously psyched to see Pearl Jam. Just thought I'd pass along a few pieces of info for those out-of-towners......Yeah, unfortunately, it looks like non stop rain for Friday, Friday night, and all day Saturday. We'll just have to make the best of it. The good news is that there are a dozen (at least) bars within walking distance to the Pepsi Arena. The Bayou Cafe is real close and has an incredible amount of beers to choose from. There's also a bar in the arena, one directly across from the arena, and Jillian's.....a sports bar/arcade/pool hall/dance club which holds about 2,000 people a few blocks down ,across State Street. The Skyline, Victory Cafe, Blue 82, Mad River Bar, McGeary's Irish Bar, the Albany Pump Station (brewery), just to name a few- are all right there too.

Lark Street, which is several blocks west of the arena (cab ride) has some very cool places like Bombers Burrito Bar, a sushi place, a wine bar, coffee bars, el Loco Mexican restaurant (around the corner on Madison) and art galleries & a liquor store, etc. The Tulip festival is also this weekend which usually rocks (and rains) and is in Washington Park. There's tons of food and vendors, crafts, and bands (They Might be Giants is scheduled).

The three of us also got a room at the brand new Hampton Inn, which is right there like a block off of Pearl Street. I'm shocked they had a room. I don't think the Albany police will hastle you too much if you tailgate in one of the many parking garages next to the arena, if you're not into the bar thing. The Grateful Dead used to love playing the Pepsi Arena (put out a double-live album recorded here) and always gave praise to the Albany police dept. for letting fans have fun, but you never know.

I've been waiting over 10 years to finally see PJ (we are all pushing 40 years old!). You think we'll stand out too much at the show? Should we blow off the opening band (I heard they suck)? PJ will probably hit the stage around 8:30 I would guess... I hope they don't concentrate too much on their new CD, although I realize that's why they're touring. Having never seen them, I just would be bummed if they didn't play Jeremy, Even Flow, Once, Breath, Dissident, Daughter, Black, and Alive.