The Decemberists at Radio City Music Hall
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH 2009
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The Hazards of Love, the fifth full length album by The Decemberists, is the only album that Justin and I have simultaneously enjoyed out of every artist either of us have listened to in the past three years. Thus, it was imperative that we went to the concert in NYC, as it may be the only concert we ever see together.

Our seats were awesome, period. We were directly center stage in the first row of the first mezzanine. I was jealous only of the VIP pit in front of the stage. We had no heads in our way, ample legroom and an elevated view of the stage - and of Colin Meloy, swoon.

The Decemberists played the entire Hazards of Love in one continuous breath, and it was soft and heavy and consuming. My photographs follow the narrative of the album (listed below), although I was unable to capture an image for every song. The simplicity of the set design catered to the audience's imagination, like a Rorschach inkblot test lends itself to the subconscious of the tested. The billowing fabric transitioned from thick forests to starry skies to hazardous waters.

SET 1: Prelude, The Hazards Of Love 1, Won't Want For Love/The Hazards Of Love 2, Isn't It A Lovely Night?
SET 2: The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid, An Interlude, The Rake's Song, The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing
SET 3: Annan Water, Margaret In Captivity, The Hazards Of Love 3 (Revenge!)
SET 4: The Wanting Comes In Waves (Reprise), The Hazards Of Love 4 (The Drowned)

The last two photographs are from their second set, which included Billy Liar, July, July!, The Crane Wife 3, O Valencia, Sons and Daughters (shown), a cover of Crazy On You and a few others. And alas, Colin bidding us adieu!

Aspen Social Club
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH 2009
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Before our incredible concert, Justin and I had a delicious dinner at Aspen Social Club, located slightly off the beaten path of Times Square on West 47th Street. I selected the restaurant for its interior design; antlers and aspen trees were plentiful, and I couldn't be happier.

The first three photographs are from the restaurant's website, detailing the illuminated forest backdrop, the rustic wood paneling, and the cluster of antler chandeliers on the ceiling. And yes, a faux fireplace near the bar!

The atmosphere was much darker when we visited, and the forest was lit deep red. The trees are a wonderful optical illusion using one-way mirrors. We feasted on pan-seared tuna salad, chicken quesadillas, macaroni with four cheeses and virgin mojitos.

Union Square Market
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH 2009
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I awoke relatively early and headed down to Union Square, a small public park where every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday there is a farmers market. The selection varies each day, but generally includes locally grown/made vegetables, fruits, plants, breads, eggs, cheese, honey and occasionally meats and fish.

Unlike the West Side Market, the Union Square Greenmarket has temporary booths that are entirely outdoors, much like an arts and crafts festival. It becomes very crowded by a plethora of people; tourists with cameras, nannies with strollers, people on bikes, elementary school tours and weekly shoppers.

I was overwhelmed by the food and the people, and I took very few photographs. I did, however, walk away with a fair amount of tasty goods, including pumpkin raisin bread and a lemon basil plant!