When Commerce Meets Concerts

I've got Railroad Revival Tour fever.  I was one of the lucky 8,000 people who saw the first show of the tour this past week in Oakland.  The tour is a genius idea - 3 great bands, touring the west and southwest by rail car.  Why aren't more bands this creative?  Isn't that their job?  I realize it's an expensive undertaking and relies on a staff of people who can make your vision a reality, but these 3 bands sure have people excited!  One quick look at their Face book page and you'll get the fever too.

Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show
West Oakland, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

I can't do the bands justice in my musical review (they were incredible) so I'm going to stick to what I know best - parks. 

When I think of West Oakland, I think of the Bart stop I have to pass to get to San Francisco and the huge port that meets the bay. Myself and at least 7,500 other people were exposed to a new side of West Oakland when we arrived at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. 

I've always said that I have no qualms about living in the East Bay since we see amazing views of San Francisco along with incredible sunsets over the Golden Gate bridge.  Now the rest of the world knows!  The park is situated in the middle of the Port of Oakland.  It's a grassy space that winds along the shoreline and has numerous spots for picnics, barbeques and short strolls.  This is my new go-to spot for late afternoon/early evening picnics.  Gentlmen, if you need to woo a young lady, this is where you should do it. 

It was one of the Mumfords who said that watching the sunset over the city while listening to Edward Sharpes & the Magnetic Zeros was a transcendental experience.  I couldn't agree more - it was nothing short of magical.

I'm excited!  About railroads, old train cars, great bands and a new park - all in my town.