Friday November 21, 1997.

I had waited *years* for this day. Over my years of going to shows I managed to see every single one of my all time favorite bands except for one - Helium. I did see a Mary Timony solo show last May. That does not count for the intensity of 'Helium.' When the plan came into being that I would be going along with the Florida Caravan to Georgia I was excited only about Bunnygrunt. Apples In Stereo and Olivia Tremor Control were playing together the night before in Athens. Some were going to that. No big whoop I said then Andrew says "oh, Helium is in Atlanta. A couple were going to that instead..."

I did a dance (try not to picture that please!) cause Helium was what I was now going on this trip for! We got to Athens late.... as in maybe it is too late to jet over to Atlanta cause we'll miss not only Helium but the Elephant show as well.... Amanda was set to go.... Andrew was weary... I remained tensioned quiet, bursting inside like I was jet fuel for the car. We head out to Atlanta.

We got lost and had to stop at a redneck bar (on a Friday night now.....) to get directions. We get turned around and there was Atlanta! Whew! Finding the Cotton Club was easy once in town.

Blonde Redhead was just into their set as we walked in the doors. We made it!

Helium was super! Wow.. just wow. Mary is so bitchin'. It was just what i hoped it would have been. They played all the new material from the new CD The Magic City including a deaf-defying 'Revolution of Hearts!' The only older songs she played was 'Superball' and 'What Institution Are You From?' during the encore. Check out the setlist!

Photos and writing ©1997 by Jeffrey Howard.
Please don't display them elsewhere, k?