3dotmag November 2012

52 B

WRITER | Michael Wood PHOTOGRAPHY | Scott Smallin

h, I love Ethiopian food!” were the five words directed at me from the one and only Fred Schneider, co-founder of infamous new wave party rockers, B-52s. I was working my day job in the kitchen at local health food store, Bay Naturals, and we were closing up. I noticed a group of four men talking to a fellow employee, politely being thrown out due to the fact we had already closed. They were asking about other healthy eating options around town so I interjected to help. I then looked up in shock to see that I was talking to the male portion of the B-52s! I told them how to get to a restaurant, and politely sent them on their way. Then I said to myself, “Wait! I could have just re-opened the kitchen! After all, it is the B-freaking-52s!” But they were long gone. Not only that, I realized I sent them to a place that was a good 20 miles away from the venue they were playing, and it was only about two hours before show time. Duh! I got off work soon after and headed to the show, while kicking myself for not engaging more and thinking: I should have pitched him my television show idea, ‘Hangin’ With Fred.’ I should have asked them to hang out after the show. I should have cooked them food, etc. Even though I was too star-struck to converse, I was still very happy to see the show. I arrived at the House of Blues and there was already a good crowd there. Minutes later the opening band, IAMDYNAMITE, a power pop two-piece from Cary, North Carolina ( originally from Detroit) took the stage. They were surprisingly heavy for a two-piece, but catchy and quirky enough to feel at home playing with the B-52s. IAMDYNAMITE is definitely enjoying some success, having done tours with Bush and Blue October, but this seemed to be a better setting for them. Their

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