The Swell Season @ Memandi Hall May 15th Raleigh,NC

[jim]

Totally surprised the wife with a trip downtown to see Swell Season.These are the folks from the movie"Once".They also received an Oscar at this years Academy Awards for best song.We started out the night at Pooles Diner,which is a spin-off of Enoteca Vin.Ashley Christianson is owner chef.The food was very good especially the Buttermilk Fried Shrimp w/ Local Frise on Sunburst Tomatoes.An Arugula Salad w/ Grapefruit Avocado and a light and creamy Buttermilk Dressing followed.i had Pan Roasted Poisson & Mashed Potatoes while Lorrie had Seared Halibut w/ Tomato Jus.LiCIOUS!!!The show started promptly at 9pm with Glen Taking the stage solo and doing an acoustic number all while testing out the halls acoustics.(Best Place in NC to see a live show)Marketa joined him for the next number and they ran through a bunch of songs off there debut album as well as the movie.They did cover a Pixiessong which I did not know.There tour manager came out and played a Steve Earl song,which was fantastic.The evening came to an end with a Van Morrison cover and won last Swell Season song.They were backed all night by three members of Glens main band The Frames.All in all a very good Irish type of night!