Apr 4, 2014

I worked as a floater at Vineland Memorial during the day, covering random classes all morning and managing to get out early. I went home and got some food before picking up Chuck to head to Atlantic City for the beer fest. Mike hooked us up with some tickets, but they weren't at the will call window when we got there. We went over to Tun Tavern and had a beer while we waited. The Berliner Weiss was fantastic and really funky. We went back over to the convention center and, after quite a bit of waiting and running around, we got our tickets and hopped in line.

The waiting didn't really slow us down as we got right in and started tasting. We went in order, which didn't really make sense because we weren't going to be able to make it the whole way around. A couple of my favorite that I tried were the Fort Collins Ashes, a smoky and balanced beer, and the Evil Genius Purple Monkey Peanut Butter Porter, which speaks for itself. There were a bunch of good beers of course, but the highlight for us was meeting Brian O'Halloran of Clerks fame at the NJCB booth! He was just there! We talked to him for a few minutes and got a photo before he disappeared into the crowd.

Fresh off being starstruck I went to see Saves the Day on the main stage while Chuck continued drinking. They opened with "All-Star Me" which I haven't heard them play in years. An awesome opener to a somewhat disappointing set. Only because they played a lot of newer songs that I'm not really into. And only disappointing because every time I've seen them it's been like a greatest hits of my personal favorite songs of theirs. To be fair, they did play 30 songs, including "A Drag in D Flat," "Sell My Old Clothes..," "Jessie..," "Can't Stay the Same," and "Firefly." So honestly, a pretty amazing set with some downtime songs. After they finished I found Chuck and wandered back to the car to head home.

Dec 22, 2013

I spent the morning working on some photos I needed to edit, then I met Ryan at the gym for a leg workout. We did squats and some other exercises then walked on the treadmills at an incline for ten minutes or so. I picked up Brenda and we went over to the Silver Run trail for a nice long walk in the rain with her dog. It wasn't raining that hard, but it was enough to get wet. That was a lot of fun. After getting a shower, I picked her up again and we went to see The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. It was really good, but now I want to watch the original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

After the movie I came home for a short time to eat and then headed up to the First Unitarian Church to see Saves the Day acoustic. Even though the two guitarists were playing acoustically, it was still very much a rock show. They put the same energy into this set as they do any other, playing all of the songs we wanted to hear, including some that were unexpected. 

After a wedding proposal, they played "Nightingale" to the newly engaged couple and then a crowd request set. It's so great that they do that. After a whole bunch of songs the band left the stage again, but Chris came back to sing one last song with just his guitar and no mic, so it was a giant singalong and a perfect way to end the night. 

Sep 28, 2013

I headed to Shamong, NJ in the morning to meet my crew for the Rebel Race mud run. It was on a large horse farm outfitted with obstacles and caution tape. I met the group I was working with, got my staff shirt, and then shot some preliminary photos before heading over to my obstacle. I was going to be on the monkey bars, but when we saw the fire jump it was decided that it would make for better shots. I had to test it out of course.

After I got used to where I should stand I got some great shots of people jumping over. The two volunteers working the obstacle were young and not really doing a great job. To be fair, they weren't given many resources. Only a few firestarter logs and they have to scavenge for wood constantly to keep it going. It was dying down quickly.

It got boring pretty quickly since there weren't a whole lot of participants. It was a slow filter of people through my area and there was not really any communication available between obstacles. Two or three times someone got hurt at the monkey bars obstacle and they had to yell and run toward the finish line to get someone's attention to send the EMT. It was all very poorly thought out. I was done once I walked away from the fire area for a minute and the idiots that were manning it decided to use the fire extinguisher "just to see what would happen," and covering my camera and food bag with powder. I grabbed my stuff, dropped the photos to my laptop, and got on the road.

I got to Starland Ballroom to see Into It. Over It. and they were amazing. I'm glad I got to see him play with a full band, and now I wish I listened to him more often. Geoff Rickly played next and had the crowd excited as always. He played some Thursday covers, an original song, then he covered "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot" and talked about how hard it is to be a fan of Brand New with the way they release albums and play shows so infrequently. Geoff invited his friends in Gabriel the Marine up to play one of their songs and then "Understanding in a Car Crash" to close the set and it was the coolest cover of that song. I want them to record it. And I want to listen to Gabriel the Marine.

Saves the Day was up next, kicking off the set and never letting up on the the throttle. They never fail to play a great set full of old and newer songs and keep the crowd into it. Chris seems very enthusiastic and humbled by the diehard fans that are always there. They played quite a few new songs that were fun as well as a set of three songs from Can't Slow Down. A guy got on stage and proposed to his girlfriend in the middle of the set and made Chris cry. It was nice.

After an awesome show I snuck out a minute before the end of "At Your Funeral" so I didn't have to deal with traffic. It was a nice, quiet drive home down the Turnpike listening to podcasts.

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.

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!

Nov 10, 2010

I got to Westby just in time for the gallery committee meeting with Jack, our printer. We described our ideas for the publication and fielded some questions/considered possible alternatives. After he left we had a quick meeting and figured a few more things out.

In Type Jan looked at our stationery sets and shot down most of my ideas, but was quick to give me her own so I could use them. I'm ready for this class to be done. It seemed to take a long time today. I put a final layer of latex on my sculpture pieces and left them to dry so I could hopefully pour my plaster tomorrow.

Tracy, Brian and I went to the Electric Factory where the latest incarnation of Saves the Day started playing shortly after we arrived. They played a good set, including three songs off their upcoming album that sounded really good.

Say Anything came up next. I wasn't expecting that much for some reason but I was pleasantly surprised by them. They were awesome. I really need to listen to more of their music. I had also forgotten that Kenny from The Starting Line was playing bass for them on this tour. He was a good addition.

Another nice surprise was a one-song performance by Two Tongues, the side project/mash-up of Say Anything and Saves the Day with Chris and Max singing. A surprising amount of people seemed to know the song too.

Motion City Soundtrack was up last, opening with "The Weakends" and carrying on with an awesome set after that. They played a handful of new tracks but broke out a lot of great old tunes as well.

I'm glad Justin had his voice back for our show since he had lost it a few days earlier. He was characteristically jubilant and talked frantically between songs about his sports knowledge or lack thereof and his appreciation for everyone who comes out to shows. They are always great.

It doesn't feel as late as it is. I hate not being able to sleep.

Feb 23, 2010

I subbed for Erika's music classes in the morning, starting at Lakeside. It was an easy day, consisting of one class at Lakeside, followed by a big break since I couldn't do individual lessons, then I sat in the auditorium at Memorial while the kids watched Phantom of the Opera or did sudoku puzzles.

I went to Joanna's right after work and Chuck met up shortly after and we headed to IHOP. It is National Pancake Day (not sure if that's just an IHOP thing or if it's national for real..) and that means free pancakes! They were delicious and came quick. I'm sure they have a giant stack of them in the back waiting for people. Maybe not, they would be gross if they sat out very long.

We continued driving west toward Lancaster until we arrived at the Chameleon Club. We got in just in time to see Fireworks play most of their set. They were good again.

We saw Hellogoodbye this time, who we missed in AC (well, I wouldn't say we missed them... they were really good bread bowls..) They were okay. I don't really listen to them at all but I know a few songs.

Saves The Day was great again, maybe even better in a small venue like this. The crowd was into it and they played a lot of good older songs, including "Sell All My Old Clothes..." So good.

New Found Glory hit us with a second dose of their full self-titled album. They played the same encore set as well but it still great and the crowd was really reacting, albeit less violently than the last few times I've seen this band. It was a nice change.

We spent the drive home talking about what we might do in the future for disc golf trips and singing songs from previous trips. Gooood times.

Feb 19, 2010

I got to work late because I overslept. I was in for Mr. Ferzetti's physics class. Oh, Physics Phun, I remember from so long ago. One thing I can say for him is that his classes are all awesome. They are really nice kids and they work. It was a good day and I had some good conversations with the kids. To generalize, smarter kids are far less annoying to me than the not-as-smart ones.

After work I met Katie at The Looking Glass for smoothies. They didn't have any fruit so we got Chai Frappes. They were really good. We got some sweet potato fries to go with it.

I met up with Chuck and Diebra and headed to Atlantic City and the House of Blues. We got there in time to see Fireworks and then we went to get food during Hellogoodbye's set. We got bread bowls of Broccoli Cheddar soup. It was deliciously awkward to eat with a fork and knife.

We came back for Saves The Day, who played a lot of older stuff and good new stuff as well. They always play a good set and always use that banner. Even with the new lineup, they're really good. And they always have a new lineup.

New Found Glory came up next to play their entire self-titled CD for their tenth anniversary tour. All of the songs are still awesome live; it was great to hear some of the songs they never play anymore. It was especially great to hear "Ballad for the Lost Romantics," which was the last song on the album and one of my favorites.

They went away for a while, changed the set and came back for an encore of favorites from their newer albums. The encore wasn't as long as I'd have liked but it was still a lot of fun.

We came back and I got to Rowan After Hours in time to see everything being taken down and then we came back to the room and went to sleep pretty early.