A Week Late
It has been a week since the Rush and Ozma shows and I am just now finding the time to post about it…
We had an unbelievable time all weekend and it was the company of friends and family that really made it a special time for us. Friday was sort of a strange situation in that the Rock & Roll Hotel held two completely separate shows that night. The Ozma show started at 6pm and ended around 9 when they kicked everyone out in preparation for the next group of bands. Three bands opened for Ozma, two of which are actually on tour with them. Mitzi, Mike, Allison and I walked in a little late at about 6:20 to find “Karmella’s Game” on stage, one of the coolest local bands I’d seen in a long time. We only saw the last two songs of their set, but that was all it took to get me hooked. I bought both their full length album and EP there at the show. Allison made friends with the singer Katie and bass player Mandy while waiting for the restroom and found out that Katie lives right down the street from us. A small world indeed. They seemed like really cool, down to earth people and we’ll definitely be going out to support them whenever we can. Next up was “The Actual” and unfortunately they were not original at all. No thanks. The only redeeming quality of this band was the singer wearing a Dixie Dregs shirt. After that was a trio called “The Eastern Conference Champions” which were quite good. I chatted briefly with the drummer in the men’s room and found out that it was his Ludwig kit that all the bands shared that night, with the exception of Karmella’s Game who brought their own kit. They had a great sound and the singer’s voice is rather unique which I enjoyed. And finally Ozma, who was a treat to see and played most of the songs Allison really wanted to hear. We then left the show while it was still light outside which was really strange. Overall I though it was great because I never got tired of any of the bands. It was quick on and quick off all night and they each only played for about 25 minutes, with the exception of Ozma who played for about an hour I believe.
Saturday began with all ten of us meeting at Eggspectation for brunch followed by making our way down to Bristow, VA. for the Rush show. We were about a half-hour early so we had to wait a bit before they opened the parking lots. The weather was beautiful all day and even waiting in the parking lot with all the other crazy, barbecuing Rush fans was enjoyable. We made our way in at about 6:30, found our seats and prepared for what was to be a truly magical evening. Rush played so many of my favorites that night and in my opinion, they’re still at the top of their game after over 30 years of playing together. I would like to officially thank Rowan & Christy, Meb & Pinar, Chris & Al, Mitzi, Mike and Allison for making it a night I will never, ever forget! (And mom, we missed you this time!)
