Apr 3, 2014

After covering meetings at Lakeside for the day, I was more than ready to get outside. I went over to the park and practiced putting a little before dropping my discs and going for a walk around the longest path to kill time before Ryan got there to play a round. I went home for a while before heading up to Philly for the show.

I got to the Troc shortly before Four Year Strong hit the stage. They had some technical problems getting started as they always seem to in Philly, but once it was resolved they kicked off a great set playing mostly older songs. Their set was fast and full of energy, which is what it was lacking last time I saw them. I was happy to see them back at what they do best, and the crowd was into it too.

Speaking of the crowd, this was the tamest crowd I've seen at a Bayside show as long as I can remember. Their set was fantastic, with four songs from the new album and all of them songs I wanted to hear. I'm sure it gets harder to decide which newer vs. older songs to play as their list of songs grows longer, but I really love seeing them play the new stuff. It's just so good.

Oct 9, 2013

I worked at Lakeside in a Gifted & Talented class. The best part of those classes is that I only have about 3 classes all day since the others are all special groups that come in when they're called. So I had a lot of time to watch Burn Notice and look up photo jobs online. After work, I spent some time lounging at home before I had to head to Baltimore. The sunset on the drive down was gorgeous, reflecting off the clouds and setting the sky on fire. It seemed like such a crazy, mundane thing to be driving on highway when such amazing beauty was burning overhead.

When I got to the show I stood outside trying to sell the extra ticket, but I went inside to see What's Eating Gilbert. They are pretty good, but I'm not their biggest fan. Not at Ram's Head anyway. I went back outside after they finished, coming back in for Bayside, who played their usual great set. A few songs were left out that I wanted to hear, but they still have such a fun energy that it didn't matter. Justin Pierre came out to sing Megan, which was a sweet surprise.

I went to the bar next door and had a Resurrection by Brewer's Art between bands. It was pretty good but overpriced. I went in to see Motion City Soundtrack play a really different and awesome set. It seemed like the crowd wasn't as into them, but after Bayside it's hard to get that energy back I suppose. They played a few songs I haven't heard in a while so that was cool. While I do love this band, it was a bit of a lackluster ending to the show. Still very enjoyable, but it just lost something after the switch. The drive home was long, dark, and sleepy. I saw strange things like a family walking along a dark two lane road by the river. It was weird. But I got home and in bed.

Sep 15, 2013

After a breakfast at Chicago Diner we drove to Humboldt Park and found a parking spot a block away for free all day. Funny how we've been getting closer each day with the car. It was raining and chilly out so I wasn't looking forward to a day in shorts and a t-shirt, but I also didn't want to bring a hoodie that would just get heavy and wet, so I went with the possibly uncomfortably cold choice. 

When we got to the gate we witnessed a girl casually walk past the ticket-takers, one of whom called to her and started to go up behind her. She noticed and she began to run (very slowly. very. slowly.) prompting a "security guard" to run after her for all of about 10 seconds. At that point they threw up their hands and said "I guess she got away." I was tempted to chase her myself as it wouldn't have taken much effort. The rest of walked on saying, "Oh that was all we had to do to get in for free? Shit. I wasted a hundred bucks!"

We got to the Rock Stage shortly before Hostage Calm came on. There were very few people there, partially because it was early and probably because of the rain. A handful of people knew their songs and were getting into. I was just standing in between people to stay warm. I would repeat this technique for the rest of the day.

We stayed at the Rock Stage near the front for the half hour between bands so we would be close for The Wonder Years. They came out and played an awesome, energetic set including new songs. I hadn't heard them play anything off the new album yet and the songs work very well live in their set. I love that album. Soupy ran off the stage and climbed a tree as we sang along and then did a front flip into the crowd and they surfed him back up front. I really love this band more every time I see them.

Next we had to run the straight line to the Rise Stage way at the other end of the street through crowded, muddy grass and dirt. We got there before Bayside started somehow and caught their whole set. Of course they were awesome. I was right up front, which was better than being along the curb last night at this stage. I felt very packed in at that point and had a hard time enjoying it at times when people around me weren't getting into it much. After that we went back to the other stage to watch Bad Books, which is Kevin Devine and Andy Hull's project. I don't know their music really, but seeing them was great. I think I'll be listening soon.

We went back to the Rise Stage yet again to see Best Coast. I don't know their music at all, but I figured I'd give them a shot. I squeezed up front to steal warmth from people, but no one was moving or really showing any recognition or interest in the band at all, so I decided it was time to go to my apartment. Yes, I did spent about a half hour alone in a porta-potty. No, I do not feel bad about this. It was warm-ish, not windy, and I could still hear the music. All wins for me.

I begrudgingly exited my warm little personal space and went back to the Rock Stage for Saves the Day. I was happy to see that the crowd was very into them. They played a fast and fan-pleasing set as they always do. I never leave a Saves the Day show thinking, "I wish they played this song," because they always play all of those songs. The new songs were fun and sound really good live as well.

I headed over to the mud pit formerly known as the Roots Stage and squirmed my way forward waiting for Brand New. There was this really perfect line of people that were standing on the edge of the grass, staying out of the muddy gravel area of the baseball diamond so when I got to this point I broke through like an event horizon and popped out on the other side mildly confused. Once my shoes were muddy it really didn't matter anymore so I trudged on. Brand New played songs. They played "Tommy Gun" of course but also "Quiet Things," which I would never expect. It was an okay set but much too Daisy-heavy for my taste. Not to mention the huge sea of people between myself and the stage really took away from some of the fun and energy I enjoy. I did have fun shooting photos of hundreds of cell phones taking video of the video monitor though. Ah, proof that they saw Jesse on a big TV in a park in Chicago. They will be the talk of their respective towns.

I ran away during the last song of Brand New to get to the Riot Stage in time to hear the opening guitar riff to "The Leaving Song pt. 2" which got me excited for AFI's set. I rushed up to the front of the crowd the best I could as they screamed through songs from Sing the Sorrow, my favorite album. They played some older songs that seemed to please the pit crowd and some newer songs that I almost didn't remember that I knew so well. They were, above all else, entertaining and fun. I was happy at this point that I bought tickets to see them in New Jersey next month.

After the awesome finish of AFI we walked the one block back to our car and then went back to, you guessed it, Chicago Diner. This was after a quick change out of wet, gross clothes in the car. I mean we really couldn't leave without one more visit. I decided to go for the Rodenbach flemish ale. It was quite tasty but not exactly what I'd wanted it to be. I got a reuben of course because I knew I would never regret that decision. I was right. I mean, just look at it. I thought about another milkshake, but I decided against that one as I might regret that.

With full bellies we hit the road heading back east into Indiana. We drove for a while until we were getting tired and then pulled over and set up camp for the night.

Dec 29, 2011

I slept in for the early part of the day then Kate and I tried to find things to do early. We fail so I went out to get a new desk chair. It was long overdue. I picked out this nice "executive" leather chair and came home to put it together. Then I sat in it for a little while. I like it.

Later, we headed to AC to Tun Tavern to try all of their beers in the sampler. They have a lot of good ones, including the Maple Black Walnut Brown Ale. That and the pale ale are my favorites.

We got some food that was presented nice and fancy-like. It was all quite good. I'd go back. We had to catch the Jitney and rush back to the House of Blues to get to the show on time.

We came in while Bayside was on their second song. They played a set with very little talking and all music. It was good stuff. They played a lot of new songs, which I'm always excited to hear from them. The old ones kind of got old, honestly. Their set was great.

Taking Back Sunday was up next and we had to push through the boring crowd of people to get closer. They were really great musically and Adam was entertaining as ever.

They played all but three songs off of of Tell All Your Friends and they played a lot of new stuff. Their oldest and newest stuff is my favorite so that worked out nicely. "Existentialism on Prom Night" wasn't even so bad this time around. I was kind of excited to hear it. Adam ran off through the crowd for the last two songs, singing to the crowd from atop the bar. It was hilarious.

After a great night out we headed home. Dinner and a great show were definitely a great birthday gift from Kate. Thanks!

Oct 6, 2011

I spent the day working at the Senior High in an English class. It's always enjoyable having the nice classes. AP English classes always seem to fit the bill. The day went by pretty quickly being able to actually converse with people in class.

I went over to the course for a run after work. After a couple of laps in the nice weather I met Ryan at the gym for pull up, pull downs, and other pulling exercises.

I got ready quickly after the gym so I could get Joanna and head up to the Troc in time to see Transit open the show. They were amazing. From the moment they walked out on stage and turned their little lamp on it was all energy and fun, despite there only being a small crowd of people gathered inside at the time. They played a bunch of newer stuff that I love.

I Am the Avalanche came out next to a steadily growing crowd and pumped up the energy to the next level. They have some big fans here and Vinnie was crazy pumped to be on stage and playing new songs. They were really good. The old and new songs went over really well and they were lots of fun.

Saves the Day was up next, playing one song right into the next, stopping to take a breath every once in a while (mostly just to tune.) They ripped through an awesome set of old and new tunes, pulling out some gems that they never play. That seems like par for the course anymore as far as Chris Conley is concerned, but so are fantastic shows! They were so good. Be jealous you missed them.

Bayside headlined the evening, opening slowly with "They Looked Like Strong Hands" until the chorus when the drum fill brought the crowd to a moshing explosing. They played so much stuff and lots of great new songs, making me happy. The crowd was nuts for almost every song, including my favorite segue of "Already Gone" right into "They're NOT Horses.."

They slowed it down a bit and played the crowd-favorite "Don't Call Me Peanut" (which makes me want to watch Dead Like Me again everytime.) I always hope they'll play the acoustic song off of the new CD. Maybe at his acoustic dates. The set picked back up with some more bruisers before the punctuation of "Devotion and Desire."

Such an amazing lineup of bands and great energy from the crowd. It was a wonderful evening of music and fun. And with plenty of time to sleep before work!

Apr 23, 2011

I headed down to the waterfront about a half hour early to the Millville 5K. It was raining but a good temperature for running. I met up with Ryan and Erika a little before the race began and got psyched up for it.

The run took us around the neighborhood, basically the same run I do all the time past my house. We ran along the river trail and back to the park in a big loop. I came in a little over 24 minutes, which I was a little disappointed with but I know there are places I could have picked up my pace.

I grabbed a banana and a water and took a shot of Ryan coming in fast followed by Erika.

We walked around and cooled off a bit in the rain and got a post-race shot. It was a lot of fun; I need to do more races/run more in general again.

I hung around for a while to see the results and found that I was 35th overall and 4th in the male 20-29 age range. Not too bad I suppose. I was only thirty seconds from third though so I could have taken that.

After having a meal and showering I met Johanna at The Oarhouse for some drinks and to catch up. We really don't get together enough. At least we always have a bunch to talk about.

That really doesn't look good now, but I went with my grandmom to Saigon for dinner. I got tofu curry, which they actually made really spicy this time. It was great, as was the jackfruit smoothie I got on the way out.

Lindsey wanted to join me to go to the Bayside show in Philly so I picked her up and got some drinks then headed into the city. We did some tailgating (inside the car) before the show, including a much-needed trip to the diner to use the bathroom and then back to the car.

We went into the Electric Factory to find a very small crowd and watch the majority of Silverstein's set. They were actually really good. I guess I should listen to them.

Bayside came out playing "Already Gone" as I moved up in the still-too-small crowd. They ran through a bunch of great songs. They played older stuff and the new stuff I had been looking forward to hearing since I got the new album. It's so good live!

Anthony played "Don't Call Me Peanut," which is always a great sing-along. The set always goes by so fast when you love every song, but I had an awesome time in the crowd.

I took a shower when we got back and then met at Landmark for Kristin's birthday with Jess and Laura. They got a tower of Coors so I had a little bit. We spent most of our time taking stupid pictures of each other and trying to chug beers that were freezing cold. It didn't really work, but Laura powered through it somehow!

We went into The Spot after the tower and my mozzarella sticks were gone. We danced a bit and held Kristin up while she danced/fell. We stayed in until they turned the lights on bright and told us to go.

We had to walk back to the lot where we parked the cars, which was a mild challenge. We managed to get there without (much) incident though. A pit-stop, bare feet and a piggy back ride later, we were back at the cars and good to go.

It was a long, but fun and eventful day. I was so tired and ready to go to sleep I couldn't keep my eyes open to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Jan 29, 2011

I picked up Shannon and we went to the Piazza in Northern Liberties to the 104.5 free winter concert something-or-other. We did have to pay for parking but for a free show that's not bad. We trekked through the muddy parking lot and over to the plaza just as Terrible Things was going on.

The band consists of Fred, previously of Taking Back Sunday, and Andy from Hot Rod Circuit. They played a really good set, with the exception of a Led Zeppelin cover which I wasn't really into.

It was great to see Andy Jackson in action again and some of the songs sounded like old Hot Rod Circuit. I definitely need to pick up their CD.

We went around the corner between bands to get lunch. I found a nice little bar with great southwestern food and a lot of vegetarian/vegan options. I just got a giant burrito but I'd like to go back and try some of the other things on the menu.

When we got back to the stage, Valencia was just starting their set. We moved up in the crowd to stay warm as it started snowing.

I always forget how good they are until I see them live. And I always know more of their songs than I expect to. They played a fun, energetic set and the crowd was into it.

We wandered around the plaza and I bought some merch after Valencia played, then we moved up to the front for Bayside.

Bayside came out to songs from The Walking Wounded and kept the pace up for a few songs until "Masterpiece" when people started a pit and we got into it. It was swiftly broken up by security but it was fun while it lasted.

They played a bunch of great songs, old and new. People kept opening it up and it kept getting shut down by security but the set was great, the crowd was good and it was a lot of fun.

I went back to Shannon's to get ready and then went to pick up Katie* for our date at Kokopelli's Tequila Bar in Philly. We had some great drinks, the blood orange martini and the margarita. Both were really good.

We were seated and then got to ordering the tapas-style food. We got a corn bisque, sweet potato fries and crab cakes for dinner. They were all amazing. We had a trifle thing for dessert, which came in a little shot glass. Good thing because I could have eaten a lot of it. After sitting and talking for a while and finishing our drinks, we decided to head out to find a bar.

After a little bit of walking around in the cold, we went to Good Dog, where we stood awkwardly for a while with our drinks until some people left and we got a seat at the bar. The Stone beer I had was the best of the evening.

We had a few drinks and met an interesting guy that we hung out with and talked to while we watched Ace Ventura and Cheaters with the closed captioning on. It was really quite amusing. After a few drinks and a lot of laughing I took Katie* home for the night and headed back to Jersey.

I stopped at Shannon's on the way back at her house party, where I was just in time to see a window get smashed, a table get broken and a bunch of people being rude and getting kicked out. When things calmed down and everything was in order, I finally headed home.

I had a really great day. It was a lot of fun being in the city in the snow and having a good night out with good people.