September 9th. Madison, WI

I've been told that Madison is the Portland of the Midwest and so when we made the trip from Houghton to Madison I planned on investigating this claim and seeing where perceptions of cities changes and where they stay true. I discovered that Madison is very close to that 2nd distant cousin you see maybe once or twice a year at family reunions. The kind of relative that when you first meet things are slightly awkward and shy but by the time you parents drag you home your are the best of friends.

As a city Madison has characteristics very similar to Portland water borders the city and is the focal point of a very walkable downtown area, with a collection of your traditional mildly progressive cities, records stores, head shops, boutiques and bars...plenty and plenty of bars. Yet what struck me most about Madison was its residents kindness to strangers. Phil a member of the Madison band Sleeping the Aviary lead me around Madison on a brief tour of its sights and culture. We talked about people moving to Portland, pizza shops, rent, crime weather. I am left with the impression that Madison is not the Portland of the midwest but more like a cousin from across the country who shares a fundamentally similar experience in their town.
--Carlos

So I have known a few people who have lived in or currently live in Madison. I have heard it referenced as a similar city to Portland. Thats about all I know about it. Well that and what the travel book said which I don't really remember. I read that State street is where to go and check out. Well today in Madison the Ironman Triathlon is taking place. I have never watched or read about or maybe even heard of this event but this is what I gathered. You swim for 2.4 miles, then you bike for 112 miles, and then you run in circles for 26.2 miles while a million people crowd the streets and ring bells and wear stupid outfits. Does that sum it up? We played at the King Club with a band called Sleeping at the Aviary that I enjoyed very much. During the set I called out to the crowd and asked if anyone knew Andrew Glaza (someone did). Most the crowd didn't really seem like they were there. Granted it was Sunday and who the hell gets crazy on Sunday except church goers. But after the show we continued to drink with the other bands. Climb into boxes, put on used running shoes, drink more, watch Mr. Show. Etc. Etc. The next morning we were awoken by the gentle sounds of Chicago by Frank Sinatra.
Chicago, chicago that toddling town
Chicago, chicago Ill show you around - I love it
Bet your bottom dollar youll lose the blues in chicago
The town that billys sunday could not shut down

On state street that great street I just want to say
They do things that they dont do on broadway - say
They have the time the time of their life
I say a man and he danced with his wife
In chicago, my home town

Bold words my dead friend. We get to see balls is all I know!
-Aaron