Chris Does the Birchmere

Last night, Chris took in a performance by Yo La Tengo at the Birchmere in Alexandria, one of his favorite venues for live music. The big guy was accompanied by October-Friend-of-Chris Runner-Up and Two-Time FOC Nominee Tim H. and his strikingly adorable crush Bridie; and yours truly, of course, the ol' ball and chain. He spoke exclusively to Chris Weekly about the evening:

CW: You were spotted at the Birchmere in Alexandria last night for the Yo La Tengo show, although sources say your party arrived during Jack Rose's opening set and just barely found four seats together. Seat designation issues aside, what did you think of the show in general?

Chris: I thought the show, while entertaining, never really got off the ground. Maybe it was the format or maybe it was because it was at the [low-key] Birchmere on a Tuesday night. I do think the musicians in the band are very talented and pretty funny to boot!

CW: And the waitress? Were you happy with her performance? (Arguably the more important of the two.)

Chris: Didn't see much of her. This is unfortunate because I could have used another beer near the end.

CW: And the gumbo?

Chris: The gumbo was delish. I'm not saying it compares to the gumbo at RT's or anything you'll find down in New Orleans but it holds its own for that type of venue.

CW: For fans who aren't familiar with the Birchmere, why do you like this venue?

Chris: The room is small and you get to sit at a table and order dinner and drinks. Think of a cinema and draft house but for live music instead of movies.

CW: It seemed as though you were restless at times. Was the set list not "nearly fast enough for you?"

Chris: Yeah, it was kind of mellow. While this is no fault of the band, I'm not all that familiar with their catalog that goes back more than 20 years. They are obviously very talented musically, but I think I'd prefer to see them plugged in. I've heard they can really turn the mother out.

CW: How many songs did they perform with which you were familiar?

Chris: I think it was just the one. Can't remember the name. Black something or other I think.

CW: You were out of there by 10:30. Would you say the show ended a little early for your taste?

Chris: I'm not even sure it made it to 10:30. I guess most of the audience had to get back in time to take the babysitter home.

CW: Would you go see YLT again, or are you happy with listening to them at home?

Chris: I would see them again. Like I said above, I'd like to see the full band plugged in and rockin' out.

CW: In other news, it's been reported that a dentist appointment, a standard 6-month cleaning, for which you are overdue, was made for you, two weeks from now. What will you do to psyche yourself up for this?

Chris: Two weeks from now?!?!?!?! This may not be a sufficient amount of time for me to prepare. My plan is to try and block it out until the day of.

[Editor's Note: The prohibition of cameras in the theater considerably hindered my goal of snapping a real photo of Chris at the show. So, here's a shot of the band performing at the Skirball Center at NYU. That's pretty much what they looked like last night. Minus the fake roaring fire.]