I got to the Carpet in time to find my name on the will call list-for some reason, the venue won't let you print a paper ticket and puts your name on will call. I was talking with someone who had driven a few hours for the show, who was disappointed with a snafu on the will call list. I caught up with her later after the issue had been straightened out, not long after I caught up with a few other people in the front row who were filling me in on the recent Pop Evil show at the Myth in Maplewood, MN.
First on the bill were the Twin Cities rockers Lamp Shade Betty. One of the few Twin Cities acts I'd never heard of before, I was impressed by their energy and enthusiasm. They played 90 minutes of enthralling covers and original songs. They also hung out after the show, willing to chat with anyone who wanted to.
Shortly before 11 pm, Saliva took to the tiny Red Carpet stage, kicking off their set with the hit song "Black Sheep." I enjoyed their set, but remembered why I don't go to the venue very often: when a national band plays, shows can be kind of a contact sport! I kept my ground on the front row, but did get jostled around quite a bit. If someone pushes me in the pit, I'm going to push right back! A few times, lead singer Bobby Amaru noticed the commotion in the crowd and brought the security guards' attention, telling the audience to be respectful of their neighbors.
The band has a new album coming out next March, but they stuck to the familiar songs the crowd came to hear. I was standing in front of guitarist Wayne Swinny the entire set, and got a few guitar picks and fist bumps from him during the show. I gave a couple guitar picks to some of my front row survivors after the show, and chatted with drummer Paul Crosby and bassist Brad Stewart as they signed my setlist. I also got to talk to Amaru and pose for a picture with him after the show, not long after I caught up with an old classmate.
I survived night #1 of Saliva, and wondered how night #2 would be?
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