Ok, so I just got back from one of the most fun evenings I've had in a LONG time! I had heard on the radio a week or so ago, that one of my all time favorite bands, Everclear, was playing a FREE show at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond Indiana. Those two words, Everclear and Free, were right up my alley, and I happened to be off work tonight, so I had planned on going to check it out. I looked up the info on the festival's website, and was surprised even further: another of my all time favorite bands, Sponge, was opening up for Everclear! Turns out, it was The Craw Puppies, Nicole Jamrose, Sponge, and Everclear tonight, all for free! Well, I had to pay $15 for parking, but WELL worth it. If you've never seen either band, you have missed out. Both are incredibly fan friendly, and REALLY get into the crowd. Literally! Vinny, the lead singer of Sponge, was out in the seats, standing on tables and chairs, singing with audience members, and several were pulled up on stage to help sing and stuff. It was so awesome! My wife and I brought our chairs, found a shady spot on the lawn probably less than 100 yards from the stage, and enjoyed a beautiful day/evening with some great music. After Sponge finished their set, they came out to sign CDs of theirs, so I got a CD I didn't actually have, and the whole band signed it! I may have to find me a frame for this one. For those of you with iTunes and/or Rhapsody, check out these must-listen to songs by both bands, in case anyone's curious...
Everclear:
Learning To Smile
Santa Monica
Father of Mine
Wonderful
AM Radio
I Will Buy You A New Life
Sparkle and Fade
Sponge:
Plowed
Molly
Wax Extatic
Glue
Rotting Pinata
Enjoy!