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Maria's #9: Finally a show tune I can relate to

Row Your Boat

Spent the day on the St. Croix with a large group in canoes and kayaks, paddling and lounging on sandbars. Lovely day for it. I think I might need a kayak now. I guess I should get into one at least once first, but still.

Should These People Procreate?

Too late! In addition to lovely Ayla and glamorous Lily, they are anticipating a new little bundle next January. Congratulations, you crazy kids! Couldn't be happier for ya.

Yum

Such an appropriate picture for the guy who was directing our every move yesterday and well into today. He looks like such a puppetmaster.

The show was fantastic. We cabbed it downtown and were in line to get into the club before midnight. Doors were supposed to open at 11 p.m., but the Target Center show went late and for some reason we were left standing on the sidewalk, AGAIN, instead of inside spending money on booze. WTF First Ave.?

We got in close to 1:00 a.m. and he went on at about 2:30 and played until almost 4:00. So good, you guys. Everyone was predicting this early '80s/Purple Rain retrospective but we got none of that. Instead some gorgeous ballads, some new stuff, and covers of Chaka Khan and Sly and the Family Stone.

I have never gotten to know so many people so well without conversation. It felt like being in a sweaty, fleshy tortilla press most of the night, but folks were pretty genial and filled with the Prince love, so it was all right. He hasn't played First Ave. since 1987, and everyone was just so damn excited to be there. As he left the stage, he yelled, "Is this my hometown?" and we screamed the house down.

I'm IN

I got the wristband. I'm totally going to the show! Thanks for the encouragement y'all.

I've never worked harder for a show -- I got in line at 1:30 and paid for my ticket at 5:30. And friggin' hot, DAMN! Now to rehydrate, take a nap, and party like it's 1999.

Dude!

OMG!

You guys, Prince is playing at First Ave. tomorrow night after his show at the Target Center. Tickets go on sale at 3 p.m. tomorrow (for $31.21, natch). But it's supposed to be 95 degrees with humidity tomorrow, and you know people will start lining up insanely early. Should I go for it or will I end up with sunstroke?

Also, it would be no fun alone. Who's coming with me?

Letters to Songwriters

Dear Young M.C.,

Love you, love your tunes. What are you up to these days? If you get around to it, I think the world could use another Principal's Office. That tune is super funky.

Bust a Move is also an obvious classic, but I'm concerned about some its more unlikely scenarios. Perhaps you haven't spent much time as a single person (Why should you? You're Young M.C.!), but dating most often begins with getting someone's attention. They don't just "sit down next to you and start talkin'," at least not in this jerkwater burg.

Well, maybe sometimes they do, but it usually turns out that they are either unbalanced or only interested in monologue. In your song, though, gorgeous people are always accosting your protagonist. Like that woman at the movies: "She's dressed in yellow, she says 'Hello, come sit next to me you fine fellow'." Seriously? In a darkened movie theater? That seems a little weird.

And what about the girl on the beach who "runs up with somethin' to prove?" I mean, if eligible singles are just falling into this guy's lap, what does "bust a move" even mean? He doesn't have to do anything!! At least the bridesmaid thought he was winking. Aside from that accidental opening, your guy isn't bustin' any moves at all. Unless, I've completely misread the meaning of that phrase.

These concerns do not prevent me from digging your scene on my headphones as I bike to work. I just wanted to help you "keep it real."

Sincerely,

Sassmaster