I drove down to Rochester, MN yesterday afternoon, on a brisk spring day. I was a little surprised to see snow in the fields as I drove to my hotel, forgetting that the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota had gotten a lot more snow than the paltry half-inch of snow we'd gotten in a couple of storms earlier in the week.
I made it to my hotel and was able to unpack and relax a bit before grabbing a quick bite to eat on my way to the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill for the show. I hadn't been to the venue since seeing Sevendust headline there a couple of summers ago, so I was looking forward to another great show and to meeting a few friends there.
Shortly after 7 p.m. the band room doors opened. An hour later, the first act, Minneapolis rockers Emergent, began their set. They put on a good show, and I found myself tracking singer Aaron Dahl as he moved from atop a high set of speakers during one song to running around singing in the crowd the next song. The band room was just starting to fill up as they finished their six song performance.
The next act, Scare Don't Fear, reminded me of Linkin Park with their singer/rapper dual vocalists. They ran through a half-dozen originals and an Eminem cover, leaving the anxious audience wanting more music. I was glad that I was able to talk to one of the singers a bit after the show and congratulate him on a great show.
I'd heard nothing but good things about the final opener, and I have to say I was impressed by Alaska natives 36 Crazyfists. Their high-energy songs and stage presence really kept the audience enthralled from the first note to the very last. I didn't know much about their music, but I made a mental note to check them out online afterwards.
During the opening acts, I met a few fellow Nonpoint fans as I kept my eyes open for my friends that were going to the show. I got a message afterwards from a friend who had to leave early, but I spotted another friend during the intermission before Nonpoint's set. We quickly made our way to the front of the pit, just in time for the band to kick off their 15 songs with the hit single "Mindtrip."
My friend and I and the rest of my fellow pit occupants were thrilled to hear the opening licks to the hit single "Breaking Skin" next, the first single off the band's 2014 album The Return. Frontman Elias Soriano, bassist Adam Woloszyn, guitarists BC Kochmit and Rasheed Thomas and drummer Robb Rivera kept the crowds happily jumping up and down throughout the evening to the new songs and Nonpoint classics.
At the end of the set, my friend grabbed a Nonpoint setlist that she later had the band autograph. While she was looking for a couple of other friends she arrived to the show with, I made my way to the merch table to have the band autograph my CD booklet from The Return. I was in line when Kochmit appeared to my left, and I joked with him a bit as he made his way to the merch table. Of course, I had to take a selfie with him afterwards too!
I rejoined my friend and her companions, and after her setlist got signed by Nonpoint, we all headed out to the North Star Bar in downtown Rochester to enjoy more live music by local cover band Gel. It was a great way to end an already great evening, by just listening to local musicians, talk, smile, laugh, dance and generally just have a great time.
I drove back to my hotel room late last night with a constant smile, reflecting on the terrific time I'd just had. Hard to believe I've been able to enjoy so much great music in just a few short weeks. Nonpoint always puts on a great show, and I've really been enjoying the newer local and national artists I've heard live in concert lately too. My friends and I already talking about going to more concerts in the next few months.
Well that's all for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
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