Safety in Sandwich

Stupid Judy.

It’s not often that I find occasion to quote Bruce Willis. Let alone Bruce in his non-action turn as the emotionally stunted image consultant who comes face to face with his childhood self in Disney’s The Kid. That was a lie. It is much more likely that I would quote non-action Bruce before action Bruce. Don’t tell Jake Peralta but I have never seen Die Hard. That said, I’ve ingested so much pop culture that movie, TV and even theme park quotes tumble from my mouth with regularity. My favorites:

“Stupid Judy” – Used to denote a person, place or thing that causes annoyance, from the pre-attraction film at EPCOT’s now defunct Universe of Energy attraction. Ellen DeGeneres, as a version of herself, is disgusted with her college roommate, Judy, played by Jamie Lee Curtis because Judy is wiping the floor with her on dream Jeopardy. Trust me, it all makes sense in context. Context that is now unattainable given the closure of the attraction. I’m sure there is something out there on the YouTube machine.

“Festivus Miracle” – To be exclaimed when joyfulness fills the air! It is rather remarkable the number of Seinfeld phrases that made their way into the pop culture lexicon. It is unlikely that any one show will ever again capture the zeitgeist so perfectly. Seinfeld is referenced in my daily life but Festivus Miracle gets used most often. Hit all the North/South lights green on the way through downtown? Festivus Miracle.

“Have a good trip, bring me back something French” – Can mean everything from goodbye, see you later or talk to you later to, actually, have a good time in France. What’s not to love about Home Alone? A classic good v. evil story: child takes on Wetbandits. Give it a whirl.

“Well, but she can’t work” – Usually meant to denote a situation in which I/you/we are not interested. Must be spoken with the pale, English sensibility of Matt Lucas. Bridesmaids stands out as one of the few movie experiences in which I truly laughed out loud, repeatedly, uncontrollably. An honorable mention to all of the lines from the airplane scene - because it’s civil rights.

"You’re covered in nuts" – Fits any and all situations. In The Heat, Paul Feig paired Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock to immense comedic success. Some of the scenes go on a little long or are completely unnecessary (did Sandra really need to perform a tracheotomy in a diner? Probably not), but there are plethora of amazing lines in this one. Just watch:

Where Will You Stand

The plan for this week’s post was derailed. My intent was to write about the musical adaptation of the movie School of Rock, but then I went to see The Steel Wheels in concert at CSPS Hall. And it became crystal clear. Why write about a mediocre musical when I could implore all seven people that read this to listen to The Steel Wheels? 

Before last week, my most recent Steel Wheels experience was at the Walnut Valley Festival last September. I was devastated to learn I was out of town later in the fall when they stopped in Ames. Of late, some of my family members are struggling to find good health inside bodies that have walked the earth for ninety-five years. Though my health remains intact, watching aging before your eyes is draining in more ways than one. A Steel Wheels concert is exactly what my soul needed. Not all musicians or bands are as good live as they are recorded. Fewer still are better. The Steel Wheels are in this select group. Their live performances pulsate with an energy that cannot be captured on a recording. One cannot help but be swept up.

The Steel Wheels give the impression that they never have an off night. This night was no exception. Trent Wagler, Jay Lapp, Brian Dickel and Kevin Garcia are uncommonly talented musicians and singers. In fact, even if they fumbled, the audience would never know and they would still be playing better than most musicians. Filling in for Eric Brubaker is Oliver Craven. Craven fits in perfectly; to the uninitiated he would never seem a substitute. One of the most touching moments of the evening came when the group dedicated “The Race” to absent member Eric Brubaker, who is taking time off to mourn the loss of his daughter. The sense of hopefulness and healing in the room was palpable.

The evening was a pretty typical Steel Wheels set: a mix of positivity and lamentation. Fast, driving songs alternate with slower more deliberate melodies. The Steel Wheels played a few songs from their upcoming summer release. “Under” drew me in. I can’t wait to listen to it again. The new songs they performed are distinctly Steel Wheels, but with a looser, relaxed quality that belies how hard they are working.

My favorite moment of the evening was the performance of “With It All Stripped Away.” Performed early in the set, this was the moment when The Steel Wheels grabbed hold of the audience and did not let go. Sung a cappella, the song is a call for reflection and action:

With no status, no power, no women, no men
With it all stripped away, where will you stand

With no profit, no weapons, no money in your hand
With it all stripped away, where will you stand

Stand up, in the early morning
(stand up) Stand up when there is no warning
(stand up) Stand up when the storm is rising, all around

With no color, no creed, no bible to defend
With it all stripped away, where will you stand

When this world (this whole world) turns violent, when there's no side left to win
With it all stripped away, where will you stand

Stand up when the wind is blowing
(stand up) Stand up when the tears are flowing
(stand up) Stand up when justice calls and you hear the sound

So when your quiet, alone, and this day has met its end
With it all stripped away, where will you stand
With it all stripped away, where will you stand

My opinion is abundantly clear. The more Steel Wheels in my life the better. Make your life better, too. Click Play. Oh, and School of Rock? You can skip it.