Last Monday night while I was waiting inline outside of the Venue in Fargo before the Sevendust concert, I heard the news that comedian Robin Williams had passed away. At first, it seemed like just a rumor but as the minutes went by, more and more sources were confirming that he had taken his own life.
I was saddened, because I remembered enjoying his off-the-wall antics on the sitcom "Mork and Mindy," not knowing at the time that Williams was in the throes of drug addiction. I also remembered begging my mom to take me to see Wiliams in the live-action Popeye movie in 1980.
As the years went on, I grew to enjoy Robin's comedic and dramatic movie roles. He seemed like such a jovial, happy person that it was devastating to learn that he was going through depression in his final days.
If anything, Robin's tragic loss brought depression to the forefront of America's media. It's just as real an illness as cancer, heart disease, or any addiction. We all go through periods of depression or unhappiness, but how we deal with it and the help we get from others always varies.
If you know someone's who's been going through a hard time or you think may be suffering from depression, don't hesitate to help them or get them referred to a qualified professional. You never know when you might be saving a life!
Well, that's all for now, my friends - until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Lucky Sevendust Concert #13
Hey everyone,
I just got back home from my trek to Fargo, North Dakota for last night's Sevendust concert at the Venue. This was my third Sevendust concert in three different states so far this year. This was also my third concert in the last five days, and as far I'm concerned, the shows kept getting better and better!
I woke up yesterday morning and checked my email to find that the VIP meet and greet would be at 3 p.m. CST at the Venue. Good thing I had Monday and Tuesday off, I said to myself. That gave me plenty of time to make the two-plus hour drive to Fargo, have a nice lunch at the local Green Mill and drive around a bit before checking in at my hotel.
Shortly after 3 p.m., the handful of us VIP'ers were led to a side room inside the arena where the members of Sevendust soon arrived to chat, sign some items, take a few photos and have pizza with us. I was happy that I got to chat with all of the guys, and even got a Sevendust Sharpie from bass guitarist Vince Hornsby after I told him I liked the pen. I've talked to the guys enough times to be really comfortable with them, so it made for a good experience. My day was made before the show even began!
I got back to the hotel to relax for a couple of hours, noshing on a few slices of leftover pizza from the meet and greet before returning to the Venue for the evening's show. Shortly before 7 p.m., the first opening act, Crash Midnight, took the stage to begin the concert. The Boston-based quintet ran through about five original songs and a cover of the Rolling Stones' classic "Jumping Jack Flash." They had a raw sound, and seemed like a group just starting out. One of the guitarists broke a guitar string early in the set, but played on anyway, apparently not having another guitar as a replacement.
About a half-hour later, Gemini Syndrome took the stage, launching into songs from their new album Lux. I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the audience, and loved frontman Aaron Nordstrom's interactions with the crowd. After their set, drummer Brian Steele Medina went through the front row stamping everyone he met with a stamp of a Gemini symbol. I'd heard nothing but good things about this band, so I was glad to finally hear them live.
I'd heard how Sevendust had a run of bad luck on Saturday, with their bus breaking down and later getting pulled over by the authorities and then later getting rained out and having some of guitarist/singer Clint's Lowery equipment damaged during a sudden rainstorm in Sturgis, South Dakota. It didn't seem to faze the band too much, however, as they launched into their electric set with the song "Pieces." Having seen the band play acoustically at their last two concerts, it was good to see them return to form with a powerful opening song.
Surprisingly, the next words I heard were drummer Morgan Rose's opening chorus to the traditional encore song "Face to Face." When these guys wanted an electric, heavy show, they weren't kidding! This song really pumped up the audience!
As I was waiting outside the Venue for the doors to open, a local rock radio station was broadcasting the news about comedian Robin Williams' passing. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon mentioned the news before the song "Karma," saying that the band had the fortune to meet Robin several years ago and commented on the good person that he was. I later found myself saying a silent prayer to Robin during the ballad "Angel's Son."
It was good to finally hear "Karma" performed electrically, and I liked how the band mixed up the set again. I loved the performances of "Strong Arm Broken" and a bruising rendition of "Decay" before they closed with the Cold Day Memory song "Splinter." After the song as the band was saying their farewells for the evening, guitarist/singer John Connolly put a couple of his guitar picks in my hands. I thanked him graciously, flashing back to the great chats I'd just had with him during the meet and greet a few hours earlier.
The only blemish on the evening was what I'd call a bit of miscommunication during the post-show VIP arrangement. Otherwise, it was another great night of great music with great friends. I'm glad I was able to share another enjoyable Sevendust concert with my friend Frank. Even though he didn't get off work in time to join in the pre-show VIP gathering, I know he enjoyed the show and we both got to talk to Lajon before heading out.
Well that's all for now friends, until next time, have a great week!
Sevendust set list:
1. Pieces
2. Face to Face
3. Till Death
4. Denial
5. Praise
6. Karma
7. Enemy
8. Got A Feeling
9. Angel's Son
10. Trust
11. Strong Arm Broken
12. Decay
Encore:
1. Splinter
I just got back home from my trek to Fargo, North Dakota for last night's Sevendust concert at the Venue. This was my third Sevendust concert in three different states so far this year. This was also my third concert in the last five days, and as far I'm concerned, the shows kept getting better and better!
I woke up yesterday morning and checked my email to find that the VIP meet and greet would be at 3 p.m. CST at the Venue. Good thing I had Monday and Tuesday off, I said to myself. That gave me plenty of time to make the two-plus hour drive to Fargo, have a nice lunch at the local Green Mill and drive around a bit before checking in at my hotel.
Shortly after 3 p.m., the handful of us VIP'ers were led to a side room inside the arena where the members of Sevendust soon arrived to chat, sign some items, take a few photos and have pizza with us. I was happy that I got to chat with all of the guys, and even got a Sevendust Sharpie from bass guitarist Vince Hornsby after I told him I liked the pen. I've talked to the guys enough times to be really comfortable with them, so it made for a good experience. My day was made before the show even began!
I got back to the hotel to relax for a couple of hours, noshing on a few slices of leftover pizza from the meet and greet before returning to the Venue for the evening's show. Shortly before 7 p.m., the first opening act, Crash Midnight, took the stage to begin the concert. The Boston-based quintet ran through about five original songs and a cover of the Rolling Stones' classic "Jumping Jack Flash." They had a raw sound, and seemed like a group just starting out. One of the guitarists broke a guitar string early in the set, but played on anyway, apparently not having another guitar as a replacement.
About a half-hour later, Gemini Syndrome took the stage, launching into songs from their new album Lux. I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the audience, and loved frontman Aaron Nordstrom's interactions with the crowd. After their set, drummer Brian Steele Medina went through the front row stamping everyone he met with a stamp of a Gemini symbol. I'd heard nothing but good things about this band, so I was glad to finally hear them live.
I'd heard how Sevendust had a run of bad luck on Saturday, with their bus breaking down and later getting pulled over by the authorities and then later getting rained out and having some of guitarist/singer Clint's Lowery equipment damaged during a sudden rainstorm in Sturgis, South Dakota. It didn't seem to faze the band too much, however, as they launched into their electric set with the song "Pieces." Having seen the band play acoustically at their last two concerts, it was good to see them return to form with a powerful opening song.
Surprisingly, the next words I heard were drummer Morgan Rose's opening chorus to the traditional encore song "Face to Face." When these guys wanted an electric, heavy show, they weren't kidding! This song really pumped up the audience!
As I was waiting outside the Venue for the doors to open, a local rock radio station was broadcasting the news about comedian Robin Williams' passing. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon mentioned the news before the song "Karma," saying that the band had the fortune to meet Robin several years ago and commented on the good person that he was. I later found myself saying a silent prayer to Robin during the ballad "Angel's Son."
It was good to finally hear "Karma" performed electrically, and I liked how the band mixed up the set again. I loved the performances of "Strong Arm Broken" and a bruising rendition of "Decay" before they closed with the Cold Day Memory song "Splinter." After the song as the band was saying their farewells for the evening, guitarist/singer John Connolly put a couple of his guitar picks in my hands. I thanked him graciously, flashing back to the great chats I'd just had with him during the meet and greet a few hours earlier.
The only blemish on the evening was what I'd call a bit of miscommunication during the post-show VIP arrangement. Otherwise, it was another great night of great music with great friends. I'm glad I was able to share another enjoyable Sevendust concert with my friend Frank. Even though he didn't get off work in time to join in the pre-show VIP gathering, I know he enjoyed the show and we both got to talk to Lajon before heading out.
Well that's all for now friends, until next time, have a great week!
Sevendust set list:
1. Pieces
2. Face to Face
3. Till Death
4. Denial
5. Praise
6. Karma
7. Enemy
8. Got A Feeling
9. Angel's Son
10. Trust
11. Strong Arm Broken
12. Decay
Encore:
1. Splinter
Saturday, August 9, 2014
10 Years and more at Pov's in Spring Lake Park
For blog post #100, I have yet another concert review: this time it's from last night's show at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN featuring Crobot and 10 Years.
I got down to the Cities yesterday on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. I drove by Pov's and seeing the cars already parked outside, decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the show. The ticket I bought said that doors were opening at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. However, when I got in the venue, I was able to walk around a bit and even say hello to Jesse Hasek and guitarist "Tater" Johnson from the headlining band 10 Years before the first opener, Whither the Tide, began the show at a quarter to 7pm.
Mixing in pre-recorded sounds and visual images on a couple of flatscreen monitors, Whither the Tide reminded me of the band Live in their heyday. The local artists ran through a half-dozen songs before another local group, Fifth Hour, took to the small stage at Pov's. I laughed when the lead singer acknowledged that most of the group's formal attire was probably a mistake, especially on a warm August Minnesota night. They did a good job of entertaining the crowd, and I even noticed a few fans sporting their T-shirts in the audience.
The next group, Saint Ridley, was a Detroit-based harder edge metal band. They ran through seven songs before departing. It would have been nice to have chatted with them after the show, but they were heading back to Michigan for the outdoor Dirtfest event the next day.
The next act Crobot reminded me a lot of Monster Truck. Part of a resurgence of "new" classic rock, this quartet enthralled the crowd with their dozen songs of varying, unique subject matter. I was drawn to watching the lead singer seemingly hypnotize his microphone stand that was adorned with dreamcatchers. I was also able to talk a couple of the guys after the show and congratulate them on a good show.
Shortly before 10:30 pm, 10 Years took the stage, revving up the eager audience. Frontman Jesse Hasek is a firm believer in audience participation, as he jumped into the crowd several times during their set. At one point, he jumped from the stage to the front rail barrier right next to me, sharing his microphone with the crowd, and gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder before jumping back to the stage.
I had seen 10 Years open for Sevendust at the legendary First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis a couple of years ago, and I was glad to hear some of my favorite songs like "Fix Me" and "Shoot It Out" performed last night from their 2010 album Feeding the Wolves. They even launched into a couple of impromptu cover songs during the night, feeding off the vibe from the crowd.
After the show, I got to talk to Jesse again a few times, got a photo with him and bought an older album for him to sign. No wonder these guys toured with Sevendust I thought, they're just as down to earth and humble as they are! I left Pov's last night with another happy face, glad I got to hear five great bands for not a lot of money.
Well that's all for now - next blog will be after the Gemini Syndrome/Sevendust concert in Fargo on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
I got down to the Cities yesterday on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. I drove by Pov's and seeing the cars already parked outside, decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the show. The ticket I bought said that doors were opening at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. However, when I got in the venue, I was able to walk around a bit and even say hello to Jesse Hasek and guitarist "Tater" Johnson from the headlining band 10 Years before the first opener, Whither the Tide, began the show at a quarter to 7pm.
Mixing in pre-recorded sounds and visual images on a couple of flatscreen monitors, Whither the Tide reminded me of the band Live in their heyday. The local artists ran through a half-dozen songs before another local group, Fifth Hour, took to the small stage at Pov's. I laughed when the lead singer acknowledged that most of the group's formal attire was probably a mistake, especially on a warm August Minnesota night. They did a good job of entertaining the crowd, and I even noticed a few fans sporting their T-shirts in the audience.
The next group, Saint Ridley, was a Detroit-based harder edge metal band. They ran through seven songs before departing. It would have been nice to have chatted with them after the show, but they were heading back to Michigan for the outdoor Dirtfest event the next day.
The next act Crobot reminded me a lot of Monster Truck. Part of a resurgence of "new" classic rock, this quartet enthralled the crowd with their dozen songs of varying, unique subject matter. I was drawn to watching the lead singer seemingly hypnotize his microphone stand that was adorned with dreamcatchers. I was also able to talk a couple of the guys after the show and congratulate them on a good show.
Shortly before 10:30 pm, 10 Years took the stage, revving up the eager audience. Frontman Jesse Hasek is a firm believer in audience participation, as he jumped into the crowd several times during their set. At one point, he jumped from the stage to the front rail barrier right next to me, sharing his microphone with the crowd, and gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder before jumping back to the stage.
I had seen 10 Years open for Sevendust at the legendary First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis a couple of years ago, and I was glad to hear some of my favorite songs like "Fix Me" and "Shoot It Out" performed last night from their 2010 album Feeding the Wolves. They even launched into a couple of impromptu cover songs during the night, feeding off the vibe from the crowd.
After the show, I got to talk to Jesse again a few times, got a photo with him and bought an older album for him to sign. No wonder these guys toured with Sevendust I thought, they're just as down to earth and humble as they are! I left Pov's last night with another happy face, glad I got to hear five great bands for not a lot of money.
Well that's all for now - next blog will be after the Gemini Syndrome/Sevendust concert in Fargo on Monday. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Buckcherry at Mill City Nights
Hey blog fans, I'm back!
Been busy with work, vacation and enjoying another great Minnesota summer, so I haven't had time or content to blog about until now. Last week while I was having cable TV installed at home, I got an email from the Mill City Nights ticket service offering me free tickets to Thursday's Buckcherry concert. I didn't know about the concert until then, but it turned out to be a great kickoff to what's already been a fun weekend so far.
I got to downtown Minneapolis on Thursday night just in time to walk around a bit before the show. Shortly after 8 p.m. I made my way to the venue, finding a good vantage point on the corner of the railing closest to the stage. At 9 p.m. local rockers VIA hit the stage. They blasted through a half-dozen originals from their latest EP.
I enjoyed the sounds of VIA, but before I could try to remember all the song titles, the next group Pinwheel began their set. This group was kind of a mashup between classic rockers like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan with newer metal sounds harkening back to bands like Tool and early Alice in Chains. It was a good combination, one that left the crowd eagerly awaiting the headliner.
Before long, alternative rockers Buckcherry took the stage, starting off with the song "Lit Up" from their debut album. The group is releasing a new EP titled Fuck later this summer, so they also debuted several songs from that album - if you know the band's attitude, you can guess some of the song titles had to do with the EP's name.
I'd seen Buckcherry perform a few years ago at a casino in Walker, MN so I knew to expect an energetic, crowd-pleasing set and I was not disappointed. Before I knew it, an hour had elapsed and the band played an extended version of one of their biggest hits "Crazy Bitch." They came back for a two-song encore, capped off by the song "Too Drunk..." It was kind of amusing to see lead singer Josh Todd amble around the stage in mock drunkenness, knowing according to online articles that he's been clean and sober for several years now.
I was part of the crowd en masse departing the arena that night, happy I decided to go to the show. For a free show, I definitely got my money's worth!
Been busy with work, vacation and enjoying another great Minnesota summer, so I haven't had time or content to blog about until now. Last week while I was having cable TV installed at home, I got an email from the Mill City Nights ticket service offering me free tickets to Thursday's Buckcherry concert. I didn't know about the concert until then, but it turned out to be a great kickoff to what's already been a fun weekend so far.
I got to downtown Minneapolis on Thursday night just in time to walk around a bit before the show. Shortly after 8 p.m. I made my way to the venue, finding a good vantage point on the corner of the railing closest to the stage. At 9 p.m. local rockers VIA hit the stage. They blasted through a half-dozen originals from their latest EP.
I enjoyed the sounds of VIA, but before I could try to remember all the song titles, the next group Pinwheel began their set. This group was kind of a mashup between classic rockers like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan with newer metal sounds harkening back to bands like Tool and early Alice in Chains. It was a good combination, one that left the crowd eagerly awaiting the headliner.
Before long, alternative rockers Buckcherry took the stage, starting off with the song "Lit Up" from their debut album. The group is releasing a new EP titled Fuck later this summer, so they also debuted several songs from that album - if you know the band's attitude, you can guess some of the song titles had to do with the EP's name.
I'd seen Buckcherry perform a few years ago at a casino in Walker, MN so I knew to expect an energetic, crowd-pleasing set and I was not disappointed. Before I knew it, an hour had elapsed and the band played an extended version of one of their biggest hits "Crazy Bitch." They came back for a two-song encore, capped off by the song "Too Drunk..." It was kind of amusing to see lead singer Josh Todd amble around the stage in mock drunkenness, knowing according to online articles that he's been clean and sober for several years now.
I was part of the crowd en masse departing the arena that night, happy I decided to go to the show. For a free show, I definitely got my money's worth!
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