Sunday, November 8, 2015

Sevendust and Breaking Benjamin in Lacrosse

This past Tuesday, I got to see my favorite band, Sevendust, perform for the 18th time in the last 13 years (and 5th time in the last six weeks) at the Lacrosse Center in Lacrosse, WI. I don't normally make such a long roadtrip in the middle of a busy workweek, but as you probably already know, I will definitely roadtrip for Sevendust!

I was bummed that some friends couldn't make the show, but I was happy to meet some other friends at the show. I got to the venue in time to find a parking spot in a nearby parking ramp, grab a quick bite to eat, and meet up with some associates before going in and making a beeline to the merch table. I bought a hoodie for a friend who couldn't make the show and a Sevendust VIP pass for myself, happy that I'd be able to catch up with the guys again for the first time since the studio hang at Architekt Studios in Butler, NJ in September.

Sevendust was opening for Breaking Benjamin, so I made a point to get as close to the front of the stage as possible. The band went on promptly at 8:00 p.m. with the song "Black," the first song from their first album. It was great to see the band's energy and enthusiasm at such a high level throughout their seven song set. I'm also glad that most of the fans who were there to see Breaking Benjamin were getting turned on to Sevendust's music. They closed with the song "Thank You," the first single from the new album Kill the Flaw. At the end of the set, I saw that one of the guitar picks rhythm guitarist John Connolly had thrown into the crowd had landed right at my feet. I quickly put my foot down on it and then picked it up-another trophy for my collection!

A little after 9 p.m., Ben Burnley and company launched into the song "Failure" from their new album Dark Before Dawn. They followed this up with one of my favorite BB tracks "Breath." This was my third time seeing Breaking Benjamin live in three different states this fall, so I knew to expect a good set. I didn't realize they'd be running late, however, as I made my way to the underhang of a balcony on the right-side of the arena for the Sevendust VIP bus hang. There, I caught up with a couple of friends as we waited for the show to end. I thought Breaking Benjamin put on another solid set, and I liked how Burnley hand-picked audience members to join the band onstage for the closing song "The Diary of Jane."

Shortly after 11 p.m. the show ended, and us VIP'ers were rounded up to meet the guys in Sevendust on their brand-new tour bus. It was a quick procession, and not enough time for more than a brief chat, group photo and having one item signed, but I was more than happy to spend time with my brothers in the band, some of the hardest-working and most down to earth people I've ever met.

I made the three and a half hour drive home that night tired but very happy. I never turn down an opportunity  to see my favorite band-it was definitely the highlight of a very busy workweek! The next show was a covers band with some good friends in the Cities yesterday, but the next major label artist's show probably won't be for a while. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Halloween Hellfest V at Pov's

This Halloween, I went out and celebrated at Pov's for the Halloween Hellfest V concert. I'd talked with some friends weeks before about going, and we excitedly discussed our costume ideas. I decided to go as Jedi Master Aaron Sevendust, in homage to my favorite band and the new Star Wars moving coming out this year.

Pulling my Jedi robes tightly around me, I got to Pov's just in time to see the first opener Piranha launch into a great cover of the Coal Chamber hit "Sway." Next up were local favorites Gabriel and the Apocalypse. I enjoyed their set, wandering around later to find my friends. Some of the costumes were so good I didn't recognize a couple of friends at first!

The third band, Dead Horse Trauma, was one I'd seen at the Skyway Theater in downtown Minneapolis this summer. They did a good job, but I didn't think they had quite the energy levels of what I'd seen in the past. The final opener was local pop rockers City of the Weak. I'm not a huge fan on this band, but I've seen them live enough times this year to recognize their songs and appreciate their stage presence.

The final band, Blue Felix, put on another killer set! I've been impressed with them since that show at the Skyway, and I soon joined a few friends near the front of the stage for their performance. I even joined several other fans on the stage with the band for their final song. I also grabbed a setlist hanging from a post on my way offstage.

While my friends and I didn't win the costume contest, I think it's safe to say that fun was had by all. I got home happy that night, getting ready for a family get-together the next day and excited to see my favorite band again on Tuesday!

Kill Bill: A Cancer Benefit

The Friday before Halloween, I attended a special show at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN: a benefit concert featuring all upper Midwest bands that were hand-picked by a local music fan who's been battling a very aggressive form of cancer. Even though I didn't know her that well, I wanted to join my friends in showing support for such a worthwhile cause.

I got to the show in time to see the first act, pop rockers Dividing Eden, kick off the evening's music. I've seen them at Pov's a few times before, and their loyal fans always flock to the front of the stage for their performances. Next up were the spacey sounds of Wisconsin natives Antistar. They have a bit of a Linkin Park/Limp Bizkit influence, and they did a good job of warming up the audience.

The next performance was bittersweet: the final performance by my friends in Fifth Hour. The guys are moving on to bigger and better things, and I'm glad I was there to send them off in style. Hearts were very heavy during their set, and I made a point to buy a couple of merch items after the show. Who knows, they may end up as collectors items someday!

The next act was the local band Cold Kingdom. I had to laugh, as I saw that all of the band members were dressed as senior citizens for Halloween. What impressed me besides the music was that they stayed in character for their entire set!

Before long, a hair metal band launched into a faithful cover of Bon Jovi's hit "Shot Through the Heart." They were my friends in the popular Twin Cities rock group Emergent. After that, they launched into a heavy group of songs from their debut album. I was hanging in the back for a while, catching up with a friend from out of state until the lead singer spotted me and called me out. I simply had to go to the front and rock out to the last couple of songs of the night.

In the end, everyone enjoyed a lot of great music for a great cause. I'm glad I could do my part. I stayed and chatted with friends until the wee hours of the morning. I was a little tired, but tried to take it easy during the day that Saturday, knowing I had another show coming up that night!