It was a gathering of musicians. That's what this day was. It was about sitting back and watching how they've grown. I was there to witness the event, and all that was about to transpire. I stood outside with one of the artist that was supposed to be playing tonight. "I look at some of these artist and know I can make it too." Dalton Tannen told me while we sat outside the Rusty Nail waiting for the show to begin. It was the first time I've been back in Pennsylvania in a year. It was also the first time I've been back at a concert in a year. It felt good to get back to my roots. Tannen gave me a little hope as well as a writer as he was so eager to speak to me after the show as well.
I've been to many concerts. Too many some would say, but the Rusty Nail gave you this home feeling. A place of belonging. The bar was run by the owner and his wife. His daughter was seen helping out once the show began. I was told there would be over 200 people and 30 bands. "Only about 12 will probably show, though, that's hip-hop for ya." The owner told me while some of the bands readied the stage for what was sure to be an amazing performance.
Two of my good friends were playing that night. Draco and Scarlet Degenerate. Draco did an amazing set of rap. He tore up the place. "I want to shock people." I have known Draco for years yet have never seen him play. I banged my head and when he told me to repeat verses I did. The crowd followed suit and we all sang along putting our fist into the air at the right time.
When Scarlet preformed she really got the crowd going. She held the mic over us so we could all sing along as well. She sung to heavy beats that could only be defined as metal with a bit of hip hop tossed in.
She began to call people up on stage. I was shocked when I was pulled to the stage and the mic was thrown in my face to sing along. I am questionable about my singing so I timidly sung the verse, well, more mumbled. I began to dance to the music, and soon half the crowd joined me on the stage. We danced and sang along.
I don't think I will forget this night with my dear friends. Our merch guy Aiden McKracken won't as his art was plastered on every shirt that was sold that night. Nor will the rest of our friends that were there. Monica Sprouse told me that she was so proud to see how far her friends had come, and Billy McCall said that the best acts were Scar and Draco.
I'm bias in agreeing with them. I'm so proud of these two. I'm proud of all the acts that were there that night. I wish the best of luck to Tannen on his music journey. It wasn't the best show, but it was a show filled with my music family. At the end of the night I finished up my interviews and helped them pack up the gear. With a great end to the day, and a success to the events we all headed out to Warminster West Diner for our 3am meal just like old times. It felt good to be home.
