Unexpected Fun

Taking some time to reflect this morning, hard to believe it's already Friday! This week has just flown right by! I was anticipating a quiet week, but my plans changed on Monday when I heard that a friend from out of state was coming to visit. She asked if I was interested in attending a show in my neighboring state of Wisconsin on Wednesday and I said I did. We ended up having a lot of fun and it was a great chance for us to get to know each other better.

The first show was headlined by the masked metal band Mushroomhead at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN on a rainy Tuesday. My friend got to my house in the afternoon, and I drove us to the show. We got there in time to see the last couple of songs from a local band and a new band called Raven Black from Los Angeles. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I grew to enjoy their songs during their set. I bought their debut EP "Seven Sins" at the merch table afterwards and had some nice chats with them.

The next band was the Cleveland natives UnSaid Fate. I hadn't seen them since their show with Mushroomhead at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN last fall. Even though their bassist was absent (he was "detained" by the authorities), they still put on a great show. I also got to catch up with their singer Jackie LaPonza after the set. She was just as nice as ever, very friendly and we exchanged laughs, stories, and a couple of hugs.

Next up were national act Sunflower Dead. I'd heard their songs plenty of times before, but this was my first time seeing them live. They put on a great set, and I made sure to congratulate them after the show. The guys in the band were very humble, and insisted on posing for a photo with us too!

My friend and I had purchased the Mushroomhead package before their set, and were lined up to meet the band in the dressing room. We got individual and group pictures before their performance. It was a very cool experience, and our picture was also featured on their social media sites.

Mushroomhead's headlining set was impressive as always: I said that it's just not the same unless you're splashed with water from their drums that sit on the corners of the stage. I first heard of the band with their song "Sun Doesn't Rise" from the Freddy vs. Jason movie soundtrack and it was great to hear that song live again with a few classics and newer hits. Jackie LaPonza also joined the group onstage for a few songs.

My friend and I chatted with a few friends before calling it a night and heading back to my house. We were in for a long travel day to Stevens Point, WI the next day to see Another Lost Year and Saving Abel at Live on Main.

I found us a good deal on a hotel room and downloaded driving directions on Wednesday morning, and we were soon off on another rainy day. The hotel was better than expected, complete with a pool and hot tub that were perfect for relaxing in the next morning. We got to Live on Main in time to see several songs from Another Lost Year. This was my first time seeing them live, and I have to say they did a good job of keeping the crowd involved.

After a very quick set change, Saving Abel took to the stage. This was my first time seeing them with new frontman Scotty Austin, and he really had a great stage presence. He had good rapport with the audience and the crowd appreciated his enthusiasm and the band's support of the military.

Following the show, my friend and I were able to chat with both bands. All the musicians I talked to were very friendly. I've been Facebook friends with Saving Abel's lead guitarist Scott Bartlett and finally had a chance to talk with him in person. Very cool dude, but then their entire band is amazing! Very down to earth and appreciative people.

I drove my friend and I home last night after a good night's sleep and a good lunch. I wasn't expecting to go to any shows at all this week, but I'm sure glad I did. I had a lot of fun, heard some great music, made some new friends and got to know some current friends better.

Well, that's all for now-staying quiet until a few shows next week. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Live Music Therapy with VIA and Breaking Benjamin

I gotta admit, last week was rather challenging! It wasn't dealing with frustrations, but the week got better as it went on. A great stress reliever for me is music, and I went to my first concert of the month on Saturday night at the Myth in Maplewood, MN to see local favorites Via and Breaking Benjamin.

I got to Maplewood early enough to browse the nearest Half Price Books store for a few vintage CDs, grab a bite to eat and wander the Maplewood Mall. I decided to park there, knowing the line at the Myth would be rather large. I never stand in the line, however. Instead, I walked as close to the front doors as possible before the show.

Shortly before 7 pm, the doors opened and I found my spot along the front rail. This was my fifth  Breaking Benjamin show in a little over a year, and my first time seeing them front and center. About an hour later, my friends in Via kicked off the show with a half-dozen originals, including the song "Red Room," that they had just released a lyric video for. I've seen them plenty of times before, and they always put on a good set.

Just before 9 p.m. Breaking Benjamin took to the stage with their classic song "So Cold." Their set hasn't changed much during any of their shows that I've seen, but they have a great stage presence, and it's nice to see guitarist Keith Wallen and bassist Aaron Bruch take turns on lead vocals sometimes.

I was a little disappointed to see one of the pit security guards hand a Breaking Benjamin guitar pick to a skinny, annoying blonde who had pushed her way to my left in the front row before the set, but I would later be rewarded. After the song "Give Me a Sign," another security guard who I'd been chatting with before the show started gave me my first Breaking Ben guitar pick! Sometimes it pays to be nice, I guess!

Breaking Ben played for about 80 minutes, playing most of their hits and closing with the encore song "The Diary of Jane." Afterwards, I hung out with some friends (because I knew with a full house there was no way I was leaving anytime soon), and got to chat with the guys in Via and bought a CD for them to sign. I could have done a meet & greet with Breaking Benjamin, but I'd already met frontman Ben Burnley at Rockfest in Cadott, WI on my birthday this summer, and I had my BB guitar pick, so I was satisfied.

Next on the concert calendar: Mushroomhead and friends at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Worst. Twins Team. Ever!

Well, thankfully, the Minnesota Twins' 2016 campaign has come to an end. The team limped to a 53-109 won-lost record, one game worse than the 1982 team and the worst franchise record since the team moved to Minnesota in 1961.

While the team's offense was potent featuring 200 home runs, the obvious downfall was the pitching, spotlighted by the starting staff's 37-71 record and earned run average of 5.40, worst in the majors. This is a need that the front office will clearly need to address in the offseason.

There were some flashes of promise, highlighted by second baseman Brian Dozier's career year (.260 average, with career highs of 42 HRs and 99 runs batted in), and the late season emergence at the plate of young stars Miguel Sano (.236, 25 HR, 66 RBI), Byron Buxton (.225, 10 HR, 38 RBI) and Max Kepler (.235, 17 HR, 63 RBI).

However, the struggles of the pitching staff and some veterans like third baseman Trevor Plouffe (.260 average, 12 HR and 47 RBI in 84 games) and first baseman Joe Mauer (.261, 11 HR and 49 RBI for the former AL batting champion) and a lack of steady defense were just some of the reasons for diehard fans to stay away this season.

I haven't been to a Twins game in a couple of years, but I've followed the team for about 30 years, and this year's team was one of the most difficult to watch. The potential is there, but there are pieces of the puzzle that need to be filled. It'd also be nice to see some veteran leadership in the dugout to help teach and support the core of young players. Hopefully the team can make positive improvements in 2017.

Well, that's all for now until the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood in a few weeks. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Alter Bridge at the Skyway

Went to my first concert all month last night, and joined friends in seeing 3 Pill Morning, Adelitas Way and Alter Bridge. I wasn't feeling the best when I got up yesterday, but I started feeling better as the day went on. I got to the venue in time to join the growing line around the corner. There I caught up with a friend and we had to laugh at the honesty of a homeless person's sign stating that he was "too ugly to prostitute."

Shortly after 7 pm, we would our way upstairs to the venue. There I made my way to the stage where I met another friend who had never been to the Skyway Theater before. Shortly before 8pm, Minneapolis natives 3 Pill Morning took to the stage, launching an energetic half-hour set. This was my first time seeing the band since Rockfest in Cadott WI on my birthday in July. I've gotten to become friends with the band members, and was happy to catch up with them and share a few laughs after the show.

Next up were national artists Adelitas Way, who began their set with the single "Sick" from their album Homeschool Valedictorian. This was my first time seeing the band since they headlined the Park in Fridley this winter, and they really kept the growing crowd involved in the show. Shortly after they closed their set with their first hit song "Invincible," the crowd rushed up to the stage, making it impossible to track down some friends who arrived after I did.

Fortunately, the set change wait wasn't long, and Alter Bridge started their set before 10 pm. They always sound rather polished, but they are human, and aren't afraid to admit it. Frontman Myles Kennedy admitted to being a little nervous before the band launched into their first-ever electric live performance of their new song "My Champion" from their upcoming album, and realized drummer Scott "Flip" Phillips was trying to slow him down and keep him on pace during the song.

This was my first time seeing Alter Bridge headline a show, and my first time seeing the band in five years. Their musicianship always amazes me, and watching Mark Tremonti perform live anytime is something nt to miss! They put on a great set, closing their regular set with my favorite AB track "Rise Today" before a two-song encore of the new song "Show Me a Leader" and the classic track "Open Your Eyes."

After the encore, I found more friends, one of whom had just scored a Mark Tremonti guitar pick! We made our way to the merch table to catch up. While at the merch table, another friend told me a cool Sevendust story. Long story short, I learned that drummer Morgan Rose knows me by name! That fact just made a great evening even better.

Next show for me isn't until Breaking Benjamin in October, although I may be back blogging if the MN Twins break their record for having their worst season ever. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Fine Line Tunes or Bucky's 3rd Gemini Syndrome Show

Just got home in the wee hours of the morning from seeing newer metal band Gemini Syndrome with special guests Saul, Antistar and 9Electric at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis. This was my third consecutive year seeing Gemini Syndrome, in 3 different states (Fargo, ND in 2014 and Eau Claire, WI in 2015). I decided to go to the show after seeing lead singer Aaron Nordstrom's YouRock Foundation video on YouTube, and had a great time! My only regret is that more people weren't there to experience the fun!

I got to the show and made my way to the front row in time to chat with fellow concertgoers and wonder why a telephone was attached to the mike stand. My question was soon answered as it would be used by the bassist/vocalist of Iowa natives Saul, whom I'd last seen on one of the side stages at Locofest in Algona a few weekends earlier. They played a handful of original songs and Pink Floyd and Tool covers before departing. The singer was really cool, he chatted with us in the front row for a bit and handed out guitar picks.

Next up were my friends in Antistar. They put on another great set, full of songs from their debut album. They were excited to be opening for Gemini Syndrome, and their enthusiasm was evident in their performance. I enjoyed the set and chatting with the guys after the show.

The final opener was the only band I was unfamiliar with: Hollywood, CA natives 9Electric. They came out on stage with a kind of 80's swagger and tunes that reminded me a bit of Billy Idol in his heyday and pop-rockers like My Darkest Days. They got the crowd involved, and livestreamed their show. The lead singer even got out in the crowd a few times to keep them active. They finished with 9 originals and a faithful cover of AC/DC's hit "Dirty Deeds." After I snagged a guitar pick from the electric guitarist's pedal board, I made a mental note to check out their music at the merch table after the show.

Shortly before 10 pm, Gemini Syndrome took to the stage. Although it was a little difficult hearing Aaron's voice through the mike, the crowd didn't seem to mind. They put on a powerful set full of songs from their debut album "Lux" and the new release "Memento Mori." It was great to see the current lineup rockin' out! They finished with the new single "Remember We Die" and fan favorite "Stardust."

After the show, I chatted with friends new and old, bought a few discs from 9Electric, and some of the guys in Gemini Syndrome. I got a photo with their friendly drummer Brian Steele Medina before heading outside on a beautiful night.

Just to the left of the doors outside, I saw a few people chatting with Aaron Nordstrom. I took the opportunity to get another photo with him, and chatted with him about a new tattoo a friend of mine had recently done for him. I left the venue with a smile on my face after another great show!

Next show probably won't be until Alter Bridge at the Skyway Theater in Minneapolis next month. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Rockin' Roadtrip Weekend!

I finally got to rest my head on my own pillows on my own bed early this morning for the first time in over 36 hours, having endured a rock & roll roadtrip weekend. I drove about 10 hours round trip for a couple of shows, got to see several dozen bands and also support a good cause in the meantime.

Friday morning, I got up and made the 3 1/2 hour drive to Algona, Iowa and checked into my hotel before heading to the nearby Kossuth County Fairgrounds for the first-ever Locofest. I was only there for a few minutes when I ran into my friend who was also staying at the same hotel and our mutual friend from Screaming for Silence, one of the many artists who would be playing that day.

Because this was a first-time festival (and my first trip to Iowa in many years), I didn't really know what to expect. There were three stages for live music, with most of the early sets only lasting about 20 minutes each. Thankfully the weather cooperated, and any rain ended early. I ran into a few more friends, but mainly spent the entire day enjoying the festivities with my friends who were staying at the same hotel.

It was good to hear both MN favorites like Vaudeville and City of the Weak, as well as hear national bands like Scattered Hamlet, Another Lost Year, Elisium, Saul, Shallow Side and Smile Empty Soul live for the first time. When it came time for our friends in Screaming for Silence to hit the main stage, we were there proudly showing our support. Couldn't be happier for them as they fly to the West Coast this week to start work on their next album!

We stayed around for part of headliner Eve 6's set before calling it a night. Even though there could have been more people there, I have to say it worked very well for a debut event.

My friends and I checked out of the hotel yesterday morning with smiles still on our faces from the night before. I decided to go to a benefit event at a friend's house in Cambridge-a benefit concert that was accepting cash and food donations for the local food shelf.

 I got there mid-afternoon in time to help out where I could. Although I could count more mosquito bites on me than people who attended, it was another good first-time show, this one for a worthy cause. It was also good to see Midwest bands like Splitdriven, Fixated, Apathy Syndrome and my friend Cory's band Sin7 rockin' out to support the effort.

I woke up this morning tired but happy, only distracted by the news that Emperors & Elephants guitarist Jeff Windisch had passed away after an accident at a show in Savage, MN. My friends and I had just seen their band play the main stage at Locofest on Friday, and of course had his family and friends in our thoughts.

Not sure when the next concert is, but I know that enjoying live music with great friends always invigorates me. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!

A Concert in a Bowling Alley

Last night, I went to my sixth Nonpoint show. I'm not a huge fan of the band, but I've gotten to enjoy their music at some great local shows with some of my fellow music friends. This show was at a new venue: Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN.

The venue used to be a bowling alley, and the stage was set up where the pins would normally be. I got there in time to hear the first opening act, Sin City Escape, and catch up with a few friends. The next act was another local act, power-pop rockers City of the Weak.

I hadn't heard the third opener, Through Fire, live since winter, but it was good to hear their songs from their debut album. After their set, I picked up a copy of their new album, had the guys sign the CD for me, and chat with them for a bit.

I was really looking forward to hearing the final opener Failure Anthem for the first time in concert. I've been enjoying their album, and it was great to finally hear some of their songs live. I also took the opportunity to talk with the band members after the show and get a photo with them.

Finally, it was time for Nonpoint to take the stage. I had a perfect spot, right in front of guitarist BC Kochmit. The band played about a dozen hits and songs from their new album The Poison Red. After they closed with the hits "In the Air Tonight" and "Bullet (With a Name)," I wandered over to their merch table and had them sign the CD booklet for their new disc that I had just purchased a few hours earlier.

I made my way home on a rainy early Thursday morning happy to have enjoyed some great live music with great friends. Next show will be different: my first trip to Iowa in many years for the first annual Locofest. Until then, have a great week, everyone!