Josh Orchard aka Go See Live Music Guy at Bonnaroo |
Tipped off by a friend, JamBase learned of a fine individual from Portland, Oregon
who was attempting to Go See Live Music! every day for a full year! And
you know what? HE DID IT! He kept a descriptive blog to chart his musical journey
- check
it out here.
When we heard of Josh Orchard, we were absolutely thrilled and decided to give
him the title "Go See Live Music Guy!" There is going
to be a party thrown in his honor this Saturday, March 5th at Imbibe
in Portland with three of Josh's favorite bands: Sweet
Juice, Buds of May, and Higher Ground.
So intrigued by his motives and ability, we asked Josh a few questions about
his experiences:
When and how did you decide you were going to attempt seeing music every
day for a year?
A friend of mine proclaimed that I had been out for 11 days in a row and by
St. Patrick's Day it was 16. Telling a co-worker, he told me in his normal smart-ass
remark that the record was 64. Ok. A Challenge. I told him I'd do 128 days.
Well, that would come and go. Then I would decide on 143. Then 180 followed
by 200. After which I just decided to go for the year. I tell most it started
out as a challenge, then it was an obsession, turning into insanity.
Was there ever a day where you almost couldn't see music?
Yes, a few.
What happened that day?
One day I drove up for Thanksgiving in Seattle then tried to go out to music
that night. Nothing in Seattle was showing that I could find. Most were closed.
I then decide to drive back to Portland and arriving at 12 a.m. I still found music
to see. I don't think there is a day of the year where you can't see something
in Portland.
Another time I was up on the Olympic Peninsula looking for a bar to see music
on December 26th. I couldn't find anything so I took a ferry over to Seattle
and saw Two Scoops More. Someone I want to go back and see again.
What was the best week of music you saw?
This would have to be the time from High Sierra to Oregon Country Fair. I would
see four 20 hour days of music at High Sierra, drive back to Portland, work three
days then go to the Oregon Country Fair which had a great lineup of music for
another three days.
What band did you see the most?
I just added these up and it is a local band the Buds
of May with 21 shows. It should be, as they call me their number one fan.
I'm always happy when I see the Buds. (www.budsofmay.com)
What kind of shoes do you wear to shows?
When I started out it was sandals - Tevas. I had also started running again
and would get Plantar Fasciitis from running and being on my feet all day/night.
So, I switched to wearing either my tennis shoes with Superfeet insoles or day
hikers for Superfeet during the weekdays. I need the support and I studied up
on stretching my feet. I still wore sandals most weekends. All better now. :-)
Some Fun Facts:
- Saw 520+ shows
- of 247+ Bands
- at 108+ venues
- Biggest show: Bonnaroo
- Most visited venue: Rock Creek Tavern (28 times)
Rock on Go See Live Music Guy!
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