Seeing Fountains of Wayne for free on 3/21/2007

I stayed in on Thursday night, although I'd planned on going out. It was raining out, and getting windy, so I decided I'd just stay in.

I occasionally listen to a radio station that has "private artists' showcases", meaning that the band or artist plays a special show for the station's listeners. You can't buy tickets; you have to win them by being the 10th caller.

I'd heard while station surfing a couple of weeks ago that Fountains of Wayne were going to be the next band featured, and to stay tuned to win tickets.

From then on, I made it my personal mission to win tickets. There was no way I wasn't gonna. Although I really only listen to the radio in my car, I decided--no, decreed--that I was going to win tickets to see this show.

There were a couple of times when I'd dialed in and got the dreaded busy signal. A bit frustrating, but I knew there were several more chances to win, and I also knew I'd be going somehow.

So, on Thursday night, I'd put the radio on when I came in. I was over by the phone--I can't even remember why--when the announcement came over the air to be the 10th caller. I began dialing--busy. I dialed again--busy. I dialed once again--ringing. No answer at first. I took this to be a good sign, as how long does it take to say, "Sorry, you're caller number seven," and move onto the next caller. The entire time I was saying, "I am caller number 10. I am caller number 10," as my mantra.

Finally, the DJ answered the phone. "Am I caller number 10?" "No, you're caller number 11..."
"OHNOOOOOOO!!!!" "...but caller number 10 can't make it." "OHHHYESSSSSSSS!!!!" "The show's in Rockville." "I don't care if it's in fucking Canada, I'm going!" "Oh, I love you!"

The show is actually at a recording studio, not a club, on Wednesday, late afternoon. I'm hoping that means a more intimate atmosphere than a club, where they usually have them. Fountains of Wayne had played a free show in Annapolis a couple of Octobers back, but I was in Atlantic City that weekend and unable to go.

I am so thrilled out of my mind. One of my all-time favorite bands, and I get to hear them play live to a smaller-than-average crowd before their new CD is released.

A wonderful way to start off the real New Year.