…MRS. Rimkus was, along with the 13 year old Rimkus daughter and one of her BFF’s (the friend got Rimkus’ ticket – Rimkus MAD!). All reports are that it was a “f___ing awesome” concert. Enough so that the increasingly sullen early teen 13 year old Rimkus said “Thanks Mom – I really enjoyed it” (this is a major feat to coax such an admission from an early teen). It was relayed that Macklemore also included homey stories of hangin’ (or wanting to hang?) with Seahawk’s QB (and latest Seattle God in his own right), Russell Wilson and going to Mariah Carey’s house where she made hot dogs for lunch. I suspect they may have also headed to Prince’s house for pancakes and a game of pick-up basketball (cause, you know, the dude can ball!).
Rimkus himself had to settle for watching TV, alone – ONLY coincidentally the Victoria’s Secret runway show HAPPENED to be on, but instead of listening to Taylor Swift’s singing backdrop, Rimkus muted the TV and simultaneously ran through some Macklemore songs & videos on Youtube. What a wonderful juxtaposition of the VS show’s gaudy, glitzy excess against the message and rawness of “Thriftshop” – i.e., eschewing mindless fashion (the $50 T-shirt), and embracing THRIFT! The latter reminded one of Grandma Rimkus’ favorite sayings, and passed down through the family Rimkus: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!” (but unlike Macklemore’s version, Grandma’s was NOT bathed in obscenities…).
Talent, catchy songs, and an occasional homey message like Thriftshop, and the maybe the slight, friendly smirk of Macklemore (like a ‘tough’ kid down the block who still might help his own grandma out with chores – voluntarily), makes even an old guy like Rimkus see there’s something a bit different and Seattle-genuine about our newest musical, and long-awaited hometown hero. Let’s hope he can keep it coming.
