An Experience
I know that you're all waiting to hear about my first real rock 'n' roll concert last night. It was an experience!!! I have regained full functionality of my hearing. It no longer sounds like I'm wearing earmuffs!

So, we started out by eating dinner at my house before heading over. The doors opened at 6:30 for a 7:30 concert. We were there right around 6:30 and the line was around the corner. It was a very cold line since I took everyone's advice and didn't bring along a jacket. But once inside I was thankful that we'd gotten there early. The kids took off for the main floor so they could get close to the front. Mike and I decided that the upstairs looked like a good choice. You have to be at least 21 to sit upstairs - it's basically a huge bar up there. Since it was early, not many folks were there. At this kind of concert, there are traditionally no seats so you stand for hours. However, there were a few bar stools upstairs. And, since we were so early, we were lucky enough to score a couple right along the edge of the balcony looking directly at the stage. Check this out - I figured out how to transfer pictures from my cell phone to my computer today. Anyway, the concert hadn't begun when I took this photo. The downstairs area was completely packed by the time the fourth band took the stage.

So, everyone warned me it would be loud. Yup, it was loud. Thankful each of the THREE opening acts only played for about a half hour. I enjoyed the first one, the second one wasn't bad, and the third one was kind of stinky. So, here's how it works. Okay, I realize most of you probably know - but just in case you don't (mom and dad), I'll explain. The first band takes the stage for 30 minutes. When they're done there's a 20 minute break while they get the equipment ready for the next band. During this time you're actually able to talk. AND, during this time a waitress also takes drink orders. That was the best part - we didn't even have to leave our seats!!! So, this process happens over and over again. The concert started at 7:30. The band we came to see, Avenged Sevenfold, didn't take the stage until like 10:30 or something. By that time, I had had enough. Three hours of rock 'n' roll was good. I had my fill. So, I was scared - how long would the main act perform!?!?!? I was afraid it would be hours. Luckily it was only 1 hour.

Kelly and Matt joined us right after the third opening act. It was pretty much a consensus all around that they stunk. Kelly seemed to get a kick out of watching my reaction to the lead singer who was sporting a mohawk and screaming at the top of his lungs. Didn't mohawks go out of style years ago? And, apparently there are still plenty of heavy metal bands who have long hair, too! When the first group took the stage with their lengthy hair and were head-banging, I burst out laughing.

Okay...let's see....I learned a new term last night "crowd surfing". I'd seen it done on tv, but didn't realize there was a technical term for it! That's when someone "floats" over the crowd. I think my favorite part may have been watching all of the goings-on down below. I saw my first mosh pit. What's the point? Can someone explain? I saw PLENTY of crowd surfing. The venue had about a half dozen security folks up by the stage - not to prevent people from jumping on stage, but to catch crowd surfers. I saw at least one injured person led out of the crowd. Matt and I both got a kick out of the message that stated "Even though the venue, promoter, etc does not encourage crowd surfing, it is permitted." Like Matt said, when do they post what is permitted? Don't they usually tell you what you can't do!?!? By posting that message aren't they encouraging crowd surfing?

All-in-all it was a good time. I was exhausted by the end. We were out of there very quickly, but had to run to Bridgeton and Rosenhayn to drop people off. I won't be rushing out to attend another concert in this style any time soon. But I am looking forward to hearing Marah again in a few weeks.