Last night I went to see The Presidents of the United States of America at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. The Presidents of the USA is a band I’ve listened to since I was about nine years old. Their first album was the third CD that I ever bought. The first two were the soundtrack to the Lion King and Michael Jackson’s greatest hits (Picture a lanky nine year-old with an over-bite trying to do Thriller in front his parents’ mirror.)

So when I heard The Presidents were coming to a close-enough city, I figured I would drag my friends along to see them. However, no dragging was necessary. It turns out that my friend Jordan had the same CD in his nine year-old collection that I had in mine. Apparently he got two CDs for his ninth birthday, Presidents of the USA and one of Salt-n-Peppa’s albums, both of which he still has. It’s painful to admit, but we listened to Salt-n-Peppa for part of the way to Providence. Jordan knows “Shoop” start to finish, and sadly, I know more of the lyrics than I would care to admit (I had an older sister.)

So, after a moderately eventful drive to Providence and a few adult beverages in the parking garage, we went in. The place was nearly empty and we got right up to the front, next to a man who appeared to be about 45. Normally I like old people at a concert. They make me seem less creepy by contrast. However, this old man was a little too aggressive. But, my friend Jordan put things nicely into perspective. He said, “The old guy got to push some kids around, probably made his week.”

The show itself was good and exactly what I expected. The band really seemed like they enjoyed what they were doing. They were really appreciative. They’ve been playing the same songs for fifteen years, but I don’t think they mind at all.

I’ve wanted to see them play since I was a little kid and now I have. Next on the list is Michael Jackson. Just kidding. Actually I’m not.

Side note: My favorite part of the concert was just before they came out on stage. Jordan turned to me and said, “I hope the lead singer is wearing crazy pants. He used to wear crazy pants.”

And if your wondering, when they came on stage, his pants weren’t crazy.