Are you Atlanta-based with a great ear?

Then you need to become my new best friend. Today.

I want to go see Tom Waits at the Tabernacle next Tuesday, August 1. But I can’t find anyone to go with me. Who wants to experience the rare opportunity of a live performance by one of our greatest songwriters and most distinctive voices? If you’re interested and you'll be in Atlanta next Tuesday evening, contact me. You can find my e-mail address on my profile, or you can leave a comment with your contact info. Now I'm off to Craigslist to find a ticket I can actually afford.

Can’t believe I had to resort to online solicitation …

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Craigslist Connects

The coolest thing happened today. I went on craigslist last night to look for some sold-out concert tickets. Saw the price I wanted, sent the e-mail, and waited. First thing this morning, I get an e-mail: sold. Damn. I then noticed from his e-mail address that he works in my industry. Ours is a little-known industry in the area; you almost have to work in it to know we exist. So I replied and told him where I work. We e-mailed back and forth today, talking about our industry (we’re both professional anomalies in our companies), music, where we grew up, things like that. And then I mentioned the great love of my life — which, dear readers, you know is R.E.M. — and damn if he doesn’t know someone who works for them! He sent me this photo as proof (I cropped out most of his face for this post):

Notice the engraving on the Grammy … the MTV Moon Man award in the background … the framed CDs … he’s in their freakin’ office, holding their Best Alternative Album Grammy for Out of Time!!!! So damn cool; he's my new hero. I may have to milk New Industry Buddy for all he’s worth so that he can help me fulfill my life’s dream to be Peter Buck’s best friend.

He seems like a pretty interesting guy. And you know I can never have too many male buddies for e-mail chatting (although you'll always be #1, Paulie).

Anyway, it was a great distraction on a crappy day. Damn, I love the Internet.

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