Still Mind Blown

Last night was the night I've needed since my accident 7-8 weeks ago. Before I continue any further, I would just like to point out that there truly are no words that can accurately describe how incredibly happy I was nor how I am still high off of a Ska induced euphoria. (Note: I was not actually high, nor have I ever been. But this was the closest to that splendid bliss I have ever experienced. Ever. And I loved it.)


While leaving school early to go eat lunch at POC with Connor was a definite high point of my week, covering Streetlight Manifesto at Culture Room is quite possibly the best thing to have happened in all of 2011 (so far). As I write this, I am honestly still in shock that I was actually there. I still have to write my actual review for the show and edit/sort my photos from the over 700 taken (for three bands only) but I want to include some of my highlights.

• First off, Larry and His Flask. Quite possibly one of my new favorite bands to photograph ever. There is an ungodly amount of energy in this group, specifically in the Upright Bass player, who honestly plays like a man possessed. It was beautiful to watch.
• Sam Gallerstein. During one of the first few songs of Streetlight Manifesto, I ran into my friends from Enrique's Revenge. The trumpet player, Sam, helped me fulfill one of my biggest dreams. Ever since SkaFest 2010, I have always dreamed of being that one photographer crazy enough to get lifted above the crowd to take photos of the Headliner. Sam, the huge man he is, throws me onto his shoulder (despite my hesitance) and just holds me above everyone. It took a second for me to collect myself and actually start taking photos, but it was breathtaking. And even though I had security more or less tear me off of his shoulder, those two minutes were absolutely amazing. It didn't stop there. The majority of the set, Sam was at my back, helping me take photos. Pushing people out of the way so I can get a shot, directing my arms as I held the camera far above my head. Just being the most helpful guy I have had the pleasure of knowing.
• Streetlight Manifesto. One of the better known Ska Bands, even by those who don't listen to Ska. And I am getting paid to write a review for them. I am getting paid for the most amazing show I've been to. I am getting paid to be happy. Holy christ... for four hours, life was just Perfect.

I'm actually really having a hard time getting my thoughts together, so I'll stop before I continue babbling. Tonight I'm possibly going to see Children of Eden again, without my camera. But before that, I shall be attempting to sort out my 700+ photos. My worst fear right now is that my memory card will just... Die, more or less. It has a tendancy to mix up all the files and make all of my images virtually impossible to get to. And should I get my photos onto my computer, I will immediately upload them to my external hardrive, even if it takes hours to do so.