Yesterday I got the chance to go to Warped Tour in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  This was my first time ever going to Warped Tour, and I didn’t even have to pay for I worked the Bridge 9 Records tent.  I met some awesome people, hung out with familiar people, and saw some interesting people.  Also I got to drink water out of a can made by Monster.  I am still trying to comprehend the whole thing.  I also learned that people sure do love buying Have Heart merchandise, which put a smile on my face.

Even though I was there to sell merchandise, I got the chance to see some bands.  I was also able to photograph them.  Shhhhh, I wasn’t allowed since I didn’t have a press pass, but since I was with a vendor, I snuck my camera in.  The first band I watch was one of my favorites, The Early November.  I lost count on how many times I’ve seen them.  I should’ve asked Scott, their merch guy, if I could get on stage, but forgot.  As always, they put on a great show.  Of course the set times are short, but the guys played most of their classics and new songs.  I was surprised to hear “Decoration” thrown in.  After they finished I talked with the guys at their table, they were about two booths down me.

http://www.theearlynovembermusic.net

The next band I saw, and they played right in front of the Bridge 9 tent, was Driver Friendly.  After my first mishap of photographing them, I had to redeem myself.  I must say I did a better job.  These guys put on a killer set.  I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this band is a band to look for soon.  I think they are on the verge to be something big.  Check them out, trust me.

http://www.driverf.com/

After we packed up our booth I walked around and tried to catch other bands.  Sadly I missed the Acoustic Basement stage, but to close out my night I took a trip to memory lane.  I watched Reel Big Fish and relived my high school days.  I must say they still put on a hell of a show.

Warped Tour was interesting.  Would I attend again? Maybe if I was given this opportunity again or to photograph, but to go and just see bands, I don’t think so.  Sadly I am too old for this tour.  Most of the bands aren’t to my liking or they are bands I used to like.  Also the crowd is young and the girls show more skin than the girls in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, which is just…right…  Also I don’t know how bands do it, but it does get you exposed.  I will see what happens next year, but for now I have a big week end ahead.