Yesterday was one of the most incredible days of my life.

After not being able to go to sleep til about 3, and then waking up at 9 and not being able to sleep more, I lounged around a bit. Then, I met up with Bianca,  who gave me one of the nicest and most excited hugs I've had in a long time. We went to Panera, and lunched. It was lovely to see her again...especially amidst what I though were friendship-ending conditions, and have all be well.

I came back home, and left to go pick up Lorena from her bf's house in the beach. Drove her home so she could change, and went on our way. Passed by that new open air mall in Pembroke Pines to see if the Barnes and Noble was open...it wasn't. Then we went to the Goodwill on 595. THEN we made our way to this thrift store in the ghetto of David...it sucked.

At this point we were hungry so we made out way to Ft laud. We passed by Revolution, and then had dinner at Mango's. Then we parked, bought our tickets, and walked around a bit. I was going to show her the outside of the museum of discovery and science, but apparently "BEERFEST" was going on...so that was a no go.

Came back, waited, got into the club, and got some GREAT spots on the side near the front. That is, until the security came and pushed us back to the stairs. What really sucked was, later on we found out it was for some party for some 16 year olds....90% of which paid no attention to the show (one kid, in fact, had some dj headphones on and was listening to his ipod...I almost ripped that shit off his fucking head haha). The good thing about them not watching the show though, was that they stopped blocking my way...and in the end me and Lorena we able to get back onto the railing a bit.

The first band Caliphone, was ok. And adequate opening band...they didn't "suck" per say....but they were a bit boring. The highlight was the "misc objects guy." Some might have called him the "percussionist" but that, by no means, adequately described his role in the band. He had a table FULL of weird objects and knickknacks that he played...and every little piece, no matter how trivial and insignificant, he played with the determination and focus as if it were the lead guitar solo at a rock concert. It was perfect.

Then Sam came out with his sister (I believe it was his sister...if not, she looks identical to her). From that first note he sung, I was in a trance...his voice....my god. I'm not even going to TRY to describe it, it would be a pointless endeavor....but let's just say I was in vocal heaven.

After a few songs, he brought out the band...including the "misc objects guy" from the other band! It was an intense performance, to say the least. Automatically falls into my "top 5 shows ever" listing, without even thinking about it. His voice....her voice...the drums and percussion...the mallets...the upright bass...the rhodes piano...EVERYTHING was pefect.

The instrumentation and recomposition of the songs was spectacular...all of the faster songs from the new cd, were done super slow, and super reggae like. They would even go off and 'jam' a bit, at the end of some of the songs.

I was smiling the entire performance.

I also managed to take (I hope, I haven't looked at them yet!) a few good shots. AND....when he left the stage, I have NEVER heard so much applause (in a venue of that type/size) for an artist...it was so loud, enthusiastic, and genuine...not to mention, nonstop for almost 5 minutes. Then Sam came out solo and did "Naked As We Came." I know it's the cliche "hit" of Iron and Wine to like, but I don't care....it's such a perfect song, soaring above any old Paul Simon classic, and it's my favorite. He messed up twice, which was funny...but it was a perfect ending to a perfect show.

I've been getting a lot of real music and real musicanship lately, seeing Rachel and George play so much...but this was just the ultimate topper to that. Great songs and great players are one thing...but to be able to pull off what happened tonight, takes a whole 'nother level of musicianship and amazingness that I rarely see down here.

Perfect fucking day, full of perfect fucking people, and perfect fucking music.