I apologize that I’m a day late with the scoop about the show, but I often find it difficult to keep up this blog on a daily basis.  Props to all of you bloggers who find time to write every day.

Sunday night at Masquerade, I witnessed more musical talent than I’ve ever before seen in one place.  Unfortunately, due to a line that wrapped around the block, Mick and I missed the opening act.  We got inside just in time to see Jean Grae, who headliner Talib Kweli claims is one of his favorite artists in the world.  That’s not too shabby for someone who isn’t well-known in the world of mainstream hip-hop.

Then Pharoahe Monch hit the stage.  I remember downloading Pharoahe’s debut album from Napster during the earliest days of music pirating, which should give you an idea of how much it meant for me to see him live.  It was a shame that he didn’t perform my favorite song, but he did sing his major hit “Simon Says” and his Lyricist Lounge hit song with Mos Def and Nate Dogg, “Oh No.” Between those two songs, the concert was entirely worth my money.

Madness ensued when Kweli hit the stage.  He performed every song that I hoped he would, including “Too Late,” which is one of the most engaging tracks I’ve ever heard.  At the end of the show, he invited the b-boys and b-girls of Tampa Bay onto the stage.  Some of them tore it up, like the short guy who twisted himself into positions that would cause most of us to have to go to the hospital.  It was a shame that Mos Def wasn’t there alongside Kweli, but the show was spectacular and I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

Tonight my boyfriend and I went to the mall to shop for Christmas and birthday presents.  Afterword, we were both hungry and looking forward to a steak dinner at home.  But then, Mick spontaneously decided to take me to Four Green Fields in South Tampa for shepard’s pie and beer-battered fish.  He had a couple of Smithwick’s and I drank Guinness.  It was kind of busy for a Tuesday night, and I was glad.  A place like Four Green Fields should be busy all of the time. 

We left after dinner and headed back to Wesley Chapel.  I might have the week off, but there’s still work to do around the house.  As most homeowners know, it never ends.

I think we may head to The Hub tomorrow for the pre-Thanksgiving gathering that it holds every year on the Wednesday night before turkey day.  If you’re still in town, then I’d love to see you there.