May 9th, 2003
We kicked off Sean Higgins' final weekend in Lowfive with a semi-long hike down to South Paris for our big Musclecity Productions show with The Young Idea and Lock And Key. After what seemed like a drive through northern Maine, we arrived at the VFW only slightly behind schedule. When we stepped inside, however, we became VERY wary of what was about to occur - this didn't look like a promising show; It was a small room with a toy PA system (stacked on folding chairs), and they only had 3 mics. And then the performances started.
Now I don't intend to disrespect anybody or their musical skill/preferences, but I was slightly at a loss when The Jimmies took the stage/floor. I realize they're sort of a new band, but I also realize that they play like 3 shows a week in and around Maine. I assumed that with all of this, they'd have their act together. I should know better than to assume. It may have been the lack of equipment, my already soured attitude, or the fact that OpIvy DID in fact break up in the 1980s, but the show was looking like it was going to be a joke. The next band, Jolly John & the 33 Hour Famine seemed like a fake pop-punk band even before they started, and changed my mind only when they played. Basically, the music wasn't as pop-punk as I expected. I can't say I gave my exclusive attention to the band in all fairness, because we were prepping for our set, and we had a little meet & greet with Lock & Key when they arrived about halfway through.
Now, as I mentioned before, the PA system was a little 4-channel mixer and 2 small mains. Not that this wouldn't work, but we felt a little out of the loop considering our expectations... and considering that we were booked for this show, and I play a keyboard for the band... and remembering that there were no floor monitors and that A) I need to hear myself through something, and B) that the audience needs to hear keys through something. However, with some spur of the moment DIY ingenuity, we used Jason's bass setup as a Keyboard amp, and borrowed some gear from the Jimmies for Jason. I didn't really have a mic for the show, but i'm not about ready sing either, so this all worked out. Aside from a few small issues, we played pretty well during the set.
Lock and Key went on right after us. I've seen them before, and I know the bassist from school down in Boston. They had a great set with energy and lots of volume. The only problem I found was that the crowd didn't seem to get into it. I can speak from experience that it's pretty crappy to see the crowd start walking away in the middle of a song, and I hope that it was only a result of the aforementioned massive volume. We need more bands like this coming up to Maine and rocking our woolen socks. And we need more people from Maine buying their new EP, 'No Fate'.
After L&K's set, the show was at a stall because the Young Idea hadn't arrived yet. Yet, by chance, all the members of Portland(?)-based 'Departure from Apathy' were in attendance, and using Lock & Key's equipment, blew out our ears with a set of frantic screamy stuff. And then The Young Idea showed up. Despite being sans one guitar player, they still rocked the house and had muchos audience interactiones.
Overall, the show got really good once it got dark outside. After our set, I really got to pay attention, and realized that it turned out way better than I initially expected. The lesson for today was that even if you don't have any equipment, you can still have a great show, provided everybody's got a positive attitude. And take that to the bank, kids! As an added bonus (one that I didn't even realize until a few days later), we had what seemed like the biggest crowd for the night. Although I play with my eyes closed (like a wuss) for most of our set, everytime I looked, we had the floor packed and had the back row standing on tables to watch. People seemed to enjoy it, which helped me feel better about the set. Also, much thanks to all the kids who came over to the merch table throughout the night to talk afterwards. They win.
/caleb
read the diary for May 10th @ Drifters
SETLIST
