OK, here's what...I am not a Tom Waits expert, and I would not insult those who are by claiming to be. However, I could probably write a small treatise on the show last night alone. I'll try and sum it up as much as possible. Of course, it was amaz-ing. I have never seen anything like this man, nor do I think I will again. Seriously, if you ever get the chance--go see him. It's worth whatever paper dollars you will have to pay.

So first, big long will-call line. Whew. Really, it seemed to be moving fairly quickly, but I had my ticket mailed, so I bypassed the standing and into the Fox I went. I love the Fox; we really are lucky in our city to have such a beautiful, old theatre around still. Lots o' people were in the lobby, but sometimes I don't do well with crowds, so I looked around for just a bit then went to my seat.

Everything got very dark, then happiness sprung up as the show began with much stomping and dust. (do they tote dirt around, or is it local? I couldn't help but ask myself.) We grooved in our seats to Mr. Waits and his band's bluesy goodness. Sitting in seats is hard at a concert, especially with such music as this that makes you want to move. I was amazed by the sounds coming from the stage, though. He can move from ballads that bring tears to the eyes to full-on carnival soundtracks. It's fantastic! His voice is so gritty it's almost unreal, and I believe this music to be perfect for seduction on a steamy June night. I wish I had had someone next to me to seduce.

Interlude in which Tom Waits plays piano-lovely songs and discusses with the audience such topics as not eating in restaurants that are on fire in Oklahoma and buying rare things on e-bay. I think I would like to be friends with this man. He seems like a nice guy, with a good sense of humor, and that's what every gal wants, right?

After the beautiful piano, we move back into groovin' circus-style and makin' it rain (not in the clubbing sense, thank you fat joe featuring lil' wayne). Amazing song and it came complete with glitter! so that pretty much made my night complete. For the rest of the night, Tom Waits had a slight golden sparkle in my eyes. He handled responding to nonsensical outbursts from the audience with class and provided us with an encore of goodness.

So really, he is not like anyone else I have ever heard. I marvel at how a mind comes up with this music. And in such variety, with such beauty, and with so many elements working together. It was an awesome, mind-blowing, earth-rocking show (literally. I thought the Fox was going to split in two at one point.) that I am glad I had the good fortune to see.

fin!