Go for the guitar lessons! It's not that hard to learn to play and it's always good to learn something new. I found it relaxing to play too. Sounds like you could use a nice diversion like that.

Most of the larger venues here are like that. The closer seats always go to industry people and those with money. I stopped going to those kinds of concerts long ago because of that and there is always troublemakers. But it lead me to going to small local places so I got to hear a lot of good music that way. Although the Bowl is suppose to be great for classical so now I'm tempted to try that park and ride (picnic basket a must).

I'm glad your trip turned out well. I feel bad about not being well. Bad timing on that, totally unexpected and not wanted. If you come out again before I move I definitely would like to meet up. Did you get to Volks before the concert?

I'm going to have to check out Neko Case now. =)