Wednesday I drove up to Michigan to meet some of my peeps up there and see a show. First order of business was seeing Imogen Heap at The Magic Bag outside of Detroit. I met Kara and Tobe in East Lansing and let Tobe do the driving.
The show was pretty sweet. Even though she seemed nervous on Letterman the other night, Imogen really knew how to work the crowd. It's interesting the way she's a gadget dork, a one-person show, but doesn't rely on the tech to perform. When it made sense, she was just as comfortable behind a piano as she was behind her computer and keyboards. She had a cellist open for her and play with her on a few songs, Zoe something or other, who was pretty awesome too (and had fabulous hair). I think it was a particularly cool experience for Kara, who had never been to a show in such a small venue. It's a lot of fun to share that kind of experience with people who haven't before.
The next day I got to have the Michigan State experience. I met Kara's roommate, Julie, who could be her twin (if she wasn't shorter and blonde, anyway). You wonder how the hell I could miss dorm life after having a house, but I kind of do. Their room is really cozy and comfortable. I took the girls out for dinner (because apparently dorm food is pretty bad there) and then watch The O.C. with some of their friends. To date I've refused to watch the show, but now I see it's a lot more interesting when it's with a big group of people.
Friday the girls were class-free, so while Julie went to lunch, Kara showed me around some of campus. I have to say that I was skeptical that a Big 10 school would be so nice (I've been to Ohio State and it's a dump). She took me to this little ice cream shop where the stuff is made totally local. It was awesome. I don't understand how ice cream can be made better, but right on.
Overall, I had a great time up there. I wasn't sure what to expect going to a strange place with lots of strange people (i.e., Michigan people ;)). It was a great escape and I look forward to visiting them again. Good times!
It was awesome to have you here!
I can't thank you enough for getting me into Imogen and persuading me to go to the concert with you, it was one of the best evenings of my life :o).
Yay for you coming to Michigan for once. Julie says next time we're going to have to invade your house!