On Saturday evening, I drove up to San Francisco to see Maya Marin and Vienna Teng perform. It was the second time I had seen Vienna live.

Whenever I get into San Francisco, two thoughts cross my mind. First, I think of how I would love to live in the city with all of its culture, food and bustle. Second, I think of how I would last only three days with my current driving skills. There may have been one point where I assumed that a two-way street was really a one-way street. I quickly got over that misperception.

The house concert was being held at Eric's pad. It is a very cool place with high white walls tastefully covered by large photograph prints. I got there a little later than everybody else, so after putting down the cookies I brought, I took a seat up in the loft. A grand piano stood near the staircase with rows of chairs facing it in a recital-like formation. It was exceptionally intimate and comfortable with about fifty or sixty people there.

Maya was the first to perform. Most of the songs she played were from her new album, Waiting Here. She did perform one song called, "A Girl", that wasn't on the release. My other favorites from her set included "Do You Remember?" and "Words Like Rain".

At the break, I got her CD and complimented her on a wonderful performance. I often wonder how artists take such comments. Do they expect it? Do they grow tired of it and hope you say something meaningful or insightful? I would be a disappointing fan, since all that pops into my nervous head is the generic, "You were so great!" I did somehow manage to ask both women for their autographs. No wimping out this time.

After the break, Vienna performed. She played quite a few songs that were not from her album, Waking Hour. My favorites included "My Medea", "Gravity (Lake Version)" and "Green Island Serenade". Just so I won't forget the names of the other non-album songs, they were "Maya", "Mission Street", "Rain Walk Song" and "Boy At The Piano".

I left shortly after the encore performances. Everybody there seemed to know at least one other person and I was feeling out of place. It was an amazing night, seeing such talented people in action, and it made my whole weekend.