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!
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