I got down to the Cities in time to walk around outside an empty Target Field (the Minnesota Twins were on the road in Chicago) and snap a few photos of statues around the stadium before stopping in the nearby Hubert's Sports Bar and Grill for a burger and fries. I saw several people in the bar sporting Vikings and Packers jerseys as I settled down for my supper in front of a large flatscreen TV showing the Packers-Jets football game. I knew the Vikings had lost earlier, so I tuned into the Green Bay game, also watching the play of Jets receiver Eric Decker, a kid from my hometown.
Not long after the Jets lost the lead and Decker was sidelined by a hamstring injury, I decided to head over the concert venue, which was just three blocks down. Shortly after 7 p.m. the doors opened, and I made my way to the front of the stage, where I met a few fellow metalheads and my buddy Jeff, who I'd hung out with at a couple of Sevendust acoustic shows earlier this year.
At 7:30 p.m. locals Cold Kingdom took the stage to begin the show. I thought they did a good job of entertaining the crowd, playing well for what was only their third gig ever. The lead singer, a sly blue-haired gal, kept the crowd with her antics during the night as well.
The next act, MN natives Smiling Politely was one I'd seen before in May at Pov's in Spring Lake Park. They had a shorter set than Cold Kingdom, but they kept the energy going. Third opener, California based Letters From the Fire, brought the energy level up, despite having a few technical problems early in their set. By the time they finished their set with a metal cover of the Beatles' hit "Eleanor Rigby," the growing crowd was eagerly anticipating more rock!
The final opening act, Cody, Wyoming natives Righteous Vendetta was another band I was familiar with, having seen them open for American Head Charge in March. I'd also bought their full-length album and had the guys in the band sign it at the show, so I knew to expect some good energy on stage. I got to interact with the lead singer a bit during their songs, and caught a drumstick that rolled my way.
At about 10:30 p.m., Nonpoint hit the stage, launching into their new single "Breaking Skin" from their upcoming studio album The Return. Being at the front of the stage, I saw a copy of their set list before they entered, so I knew we were in for over a dozen great heavy songs!
I didn't know a lot about Nonpoint before seeing them live for the first time with Megadeth and Fear Factory at the Myth in Maplewood last November, but thanks to social media and recommendations from friends, I've been learning and getting to enjoy their music as time has gone on. It was great hearing classics like "What a Day," "Left for You" and their great cover of Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight." Drummer Robb "El Martillo" Rivera, vocalist Elias Soriano and guitarists Rasheed Thomas and BC Kochmit kept the momentum going all night, never stopping for a rest, except to switch out guitars briefly. I was standing in front of their bass guitarist Adam Woloszyn the entire time Nonpoint was onstage, and he put one of his guitar picks in my hand after they ended their blistering set with the fan favorite "Bullet With a Name."
After the show, I caught up with my friends, and wandered over to the merch tables. I bought an EP by Letters From the Fire, and turned to the next table to buy a Nonpoint CD when I found Elias standing right next to me! I chatted with him a bit and got him to sign my CD. After talking to Elias, I soon found Robb behind me as well! I talked with him about his playful gestures while drumming and got to thank him for a great show as he also signed my CD.
I got home in the wee hours of the morning today, tired of course but feeling energetic after another terrific show. I posted my photo of the setlist in a Nonpoint group on Facebook, and it ended up being posted on Nonpoint's Facebook page, where over 2,100 people have liked it so far! That made me feel very happy and humbled simultaneously. Nonpoint reminds me a lot of Sevendust: they're great bands that make great music and are very accessible and generous to their fans. This was just the 2nd date of their tour, so if they're going to be in your area, I'd definitely recommend checking them out. I'd also recommend picking up a copy of their new album The Return when it hits stores on September 30th.
Well, that's all for now. Think it's time for me to take a rest and think about what my 10th concert this year might be. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
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