Living in one place for a while, it’s easy to get into a routine.  You visit the same coffee shops, go to the same restaurant, take the same walk, work on that butt imprint in your couch.  You find favorites and stop messing with a good thing. I’ll admit, in the winter months, that is 100% ok with me.  I’m not up for exploring or trying new things when it’s 5 degrees and icy.  No thanks. But come Spring and Summer, I’m itching for a change of scenery and fun excursions.

(Get ready, I’m about to plug my own work)

(Here it comes)

This is part of the reason why I started contributing over at The Boston Day Book. Have you checked it out? Get on it! By committing to sharing my favorite cheap date ideas, I’ve actually had to, you know, go on those dates. (You don’t need a Dr. Fiance or Significant Other to enjoy any of the dates I share, though.  They’re all enjoyable with friends or even alone!)

It’s also why I started looking for Boston experiences that I haven’t…experienced…yet. (I’m only one sip into my ice coffee right now, bare with my lack of vocabulary).

I had heard of Goldstar for a while but hadn’t ever used the service, which sells tickets online for events, shows, and attractions at a discount. I liked to keep my eye on the emails from Goldstar to see what was going on and a few weeks ago a show caught my eye – Great Gatsby Night with the Boston Pops.  I’ve only seen the Boston Pops perform during their Christmas season and was eager to see one of their summertime shows (except not the concert on the 4th. You would need to pay me a large sum to sit out on the Esplanade all dang day with a bunch of patriotic hooligans. I mean…I’m sure it’s a lovely event…)

I got tickets for the way-back of Symphony Hall for $12 each (half off the regular price).

Boston Pops Concert Symphony Hall

The first half was what I expected, with the Pops playing pieces from the 1920s and Keith Lockhart being adorbs.

But then! The second half! New York based band The Hot Sardines shared the stage with the Pops.  They describe themselves as “Liquor-Drinking Jazz” and it’s appropriate.  They’re boozey and blustery and SO MUCH FUN. The set started with “Paris In The Springtime” and the energy during the break down was infectious. Mine weren’t the only toes a-tapping – part of their rhythm section is a tap dancer! I repeat, SO MUCH FUN.

This is what can happen when you decide to do something just-slightly-different.  You can pay $12 to watch a world class orchestra play with an amazing jazz band that makes you want to wear bejeweled suspenders (did I mention the singer, Miz Elizabeth wore bejeweled suspenders?) and learn to tap dance.

By the way, this isn’t a sponsored post and I’m not working with Goldstar (or the Pops…or the Hot Sardines….BUT I WOULD).