Last Saturday night I attended my first rock show of 2014 just minutes from home, my first time seeing Minnesota natives American Head Charge in concert. The show was at Bubba's Bar and Grill in Sauk Rapids. I hadn't been there in over a decade, so I thought it would be a great way to start a new month with some great music. I would not be disappointed!
When I saw the event on Facebook, it listed the duration from 7-10 p.m. Opening acts Cathercist and Righteous Vendetta were on the tour for AHC's "Shoot" EP which was wrapping up at Bubba's. I got to the venue just before 7pm in time to find a good parking place. I happened to meet my Facebook friend, Head Charge guitarist Ted Hallows and chat with him a bit before their soundcheck.
A half hour later, local band Straight Line Johnny began their short set. I wasn't expecting their set but they did a good job of getting the growing crowd interested in their music. The singer announced this was his last night with the band, and I thought they went out on top with a flourish.
I ended up sharing a table with some dedicated AHC fans. Some of them told me the last time they saw the band at First Avenue in Minneapolis there were 8 bands on stage that night. That bit of news came in handy as waves of bands ended up taking their spots on stage, moving equipment in front of AHC's set up.
I came into this show not knowing much about any of the bands that played, but that was OK in this case. It gave me a better appreciation of the hard work all the musicians put into their efforts on yet another brutally cold winter's night in Minnesota.
When it came time for AHC to hit the stage, some of my friends made their way to the front of the stage. A few of us like myself were a little sager, and enjoyed the industrial rock from the comfort of our table across from the bar. One friend even got up on stage with the band for part of one song. He lost his shoe somewhere along the way, but we all had a fun time nonetheless.
After the show, I bought a 3-song EP from thrash metallers Raising Asomedea and also bought a CD from Righteous Vendettta which the guys generously offered to sign for me right there.
I got home, plopping into bed shortly before 3pm, having experienced a kind of "metal marathon." I got to hear a bunch of music that was new to my ears, and meet some new friends in the process. Great way to start March!
That's all for now - I'm gonna go enjoy Sevendust's new rendition of their classic song "Black" from the upcoming release Time Travelers and Bonfires. Have a great week everyone!
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