One of my favorite musicians, Envelope, has a song “I Am Not Poor (Just Broke)” where he states he isn’t poor in that he has a house to live in, isn’t starving and even can afford to buy some PBR now and again. That is how I feel. I am not poor, I got a house and running water, and electricity sure I don’t have health care but I’ve got enough to buy my mocha.
That said if I did have money I wouldn’t mind spending it on going out, but since I don’t , I hate spending money on shows.
For example, last week, my mami, Olga and I went to see the Ballet Folklórico at the Palace Theater. It was awesome, as it always is. My mother and Olga loved it. I loved seeing Olga dance in her seat or her mouth drop open with awe and joy. But I refuse to pay for that stuff unless it is absolutely necessary. We stood outside of the show with a sign “We Need 2 Tickets”. I don’t know why we used a sign that said 2 when we needed 3 but that isn’t the point. We were going to try and get cheap or free tickets. If we had bought tickets it would have totaled a minimum of $75.00. I just can’t do that. We were able to get three tickets together from a wonderful man, whom I need to send a thank you note to.
It is easy to get into big shows for free. For example if you are going to a crew game, especially by yourself, stand near will call. People always pick up tickets for a party of four when only three of them showed up. You can ask them if you can have their ticket. Someone is bound to say yes. I am hoping to do this again October 12th when David Sedaris preforms with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (this group is fantastic—I love going to their shows). Cheapest tickets are 32.50 before the additional fees, and I am not poor but I am broke. If you see me standing outside of the Palace Theater and you have an extra ticket, think of me.
I will gladly stand outside with you.