Rochester, New York: Water Front Music Hall

Two words for you: Dinosaur Bar-b-que. Who would have thought that Rochester, New York would have the most delicious Texas-style barbecue I've ever had. I could smell the food two blocks away and getting stronger as we approached. Out front of the restaurant, four large smokers pushed the deliciously sweet and smokey flavors out into the air and what a joyous smell it was. Daniel and I split the "Extreme Sampler," a great choice, but I knew after my first bite of the mouth-watering pork ribs, that I should have gotten that and only that. Don't get me wrong, the brisket, chicken and mashed potatoes were phenomenal but the ribs were life changing.

After our stomachs were full of meat, we waddled the ten blocks back to the venue so the band could play an acoustic show for a local radio station and a meet and greet with fans.

As the band sound checked, I walked over to the Eastman School of Music, thinking it would be a good way to see something new. Behind the counter of the school's coffee shop, was a kind-eyed petite girl, pierced and tattooed from head to toe. I noticed the shape of an Audrey Hepburn "Breakfast at Tiffany's" tattoo the length of her entire lower leg. I told her it was my favorite movie, she informed me it was her third favorite  and quickly suggested two other Audrey films that I should watch immediately. We talked about movies, ourselves and Rochester for a long while and I decided if I ever were to move here, that this kindred spirit would be my dear friend.

I like to get the best feel I can for each town we visit, taking in as much as the city can offer me in a couple hours I have to explore. Most the knowledge I gain is superficial but I at least try to take in the pace and energy of the city around me. In Rochester, I decided to go for a walk along the water to really take in the cityscape from the outside. It has a larger downtown than I expected and the architecture is eclectic in time period and color scheme. Coming from Hartford, the city felt slightly dirty and unsafe but I may be paranoid.

The audience at the Waterfront Music Hall was loud and I mean blow your eardrums loud.  I stood near the bathroom, watching intoxicated twenty-somethings' stumble in and out. The crowd danced, partied and socialized like they were all close friends. Before the band played "It's Time," Dan spoke to the audience saying, "Help me out with this one." A kid behind me shouted back, "I won't be able to," then telling his friend he doesn't know any of their songs. As the mandolin began to play, the same kid shouted back, "Wait, I love this song!"