Well, after finding out Chrissie Hynde's restaurant in Akron, VegiTerranean, wasn't open on Sundays I have to say I was feeling somewhat deflated about the 'good time' I had planned for Sunday, taking my friend Mary out to dinner and The Pretenders concert as a late-birthday gift. However, I needn't have worried.

I picked up Mary in the late afternoon and took her to Cap City Diner for her "birthday dinner." Her birthday was actually 5 weeks ago, July 7, when I was in Michigan. Afterwards we went to Lifestyles Community Pavillion (note to LCP: please change your name!), lucked out on a very close parking spot, and quickly settled in for the concert. It had been 91 degrees yesterday and was unbelievably humid. Even at 10pm Chrissie Hynde commented on how hot it was!

The first opening act was Julliette Lewis, the prolific actress who is now a rock singer. I have not been a fan - she's always seemed crass and affected - so I was pleasantly surprised when she performed a rather entertaining, Steven-Tyler-inspired set with fairly skilled vocals. Though I couldn't help wondering if Chrissie Hynde approved those shoulder-feathers she was wearing.

Next was Cat Power. Wow. She took the term low-key to a whole another level. I was vaguely familiar with her as a former co-worker's husband was obsessed with her, but I still don't get it. Several people who I spoke about her to today acted as though I'd insulted a holy diety! I agreed to listen to a few whole albums before spreading any more apparently-blasphamous Chan-Marshall hate.

The Pretenders were great! Lots of Ohio references and all the hits. They didn't do my favorite - their cover of Stop Your Sobbing, but did do Middle of the Road which is a close second for me. Chrissie Hynde is SO TINY! She wore high heeled boots and a cute jeans/t-shirt/vest/tie ensemble. And announced that with her next restaurant opening near the venue she would be around a lot over the next couple years.

The concert ended at 11:30pm, so by the time I drove Mary home and got back to my apartment it was LATE. And I was wound-up so I couldn't sleep. So I crashed when I got home from work today and so probably won't sleep well tonight. Note to self: concerts on a Sunday night require Monday off from work. Plan ahead!