Desert Fest @ Knock Down Center (Queens), Sep 13 2024

I finally made the Pilgrimage! 

Even though the fest was 2 1/2 days I only stayed for one night due to my buddy Sol having tickets with his bro-in-law for Megadeth on the second night of the fest.  Even with a truncated show schedule, I saw some amazing bands. 

First up in the main room was Blackwater Holylight.  Great doom sound.  The drummer had HUGE drums (Grohl style) and the keyboard and vocalist had nice interplay. 

Next was hanging with Sol and other concert goers.  Lots of great battle jackets and t-shirts.  I also met a few folks from Mass, including an older couple who had 72 shows on their list for this year.  Damn!! 

I caught a few minutes of Belzebong and need to see them more next time.  They all were synchronized in their head banging.  Super awesome.

(Portal to Domkraft)

Domkraft from Sweden was on just before High On Fire and performed in the smaller second stage room.  The room was PACKED because this band kicks ass.  They were the band I wanted to see the most and did not disappoint.

(more Domkraft)

Headlining was The Matt Pike and High on Fire.  I was thrilled to see him but also surprised and so stoked when I realized that Coady (from Big Business) was drumming.  I woke up the next day with Matt's riffs and Coady's drum beats in my head, they stayed their all weekend. It was an awesome set!

The night would not be complete without a post-show adventure when Sol left his wallet in an Uber.  After sending him home on the LIRR at around 2:30, I finally got in touch with the driver and had wallet in hand around 4am.  NYC never sleeps. 

The Beths @ Treehouse Brewery (Deerfield), Sep 5 2024

 The Beths. The Beths. The Beths. 

Caitlin and I celebrate our 30 year (first date) anniversary with a magical show at a fantastic outdoor venue. 

Let me set it in stone now.  My favorite rhythm sections:

1. Fugazi

2. Only Living Witness

3. The Beths