Kids These Days

The other night I had the opportunity to hang out with a great bunch of kids. I didn't know any of them, but that doesn't matter. I had a great time watching them have a great time. It was an album release party for Someday Best - a pretty dammed good punk rock band. The venue was Black Hills Vinyl, my favorite record store. Occasionally they host live music featuring Indie bands and solo artists...many from right around here. It's very cool for them to do that. It gives the bands some exposure and gives local kids a safe place to hang out with friends and enjoy the music. I've been wanting to go to one of the shows to check out the area music scene and do something new. I am happy I picked this one. The music was good and the crowd was diverse. Mostly teenagers, but also some older people, including a few parents. I was probably the oldest person there. But I didn't feel out of place.
Everyone was nice, and polite. Almost too polite at times. Not sure if that was out of respect or sympathy...especially when the mosh pit revved up and spilled over into me standing on the sidelines. I was bumped into a few times. Well, not really bumped. Slammed is more like it. A couple of the kids had a look of "...oh no! This guy is going to get mad." Or "...hope I didn't hurt him!" I wasn't and you didn't, so no worries.
In spite of the music style it was mostly pretty chill. Kids just hanging out doing what kids do these days.

 

 

Also, I liked the music, which should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. Remember - I'm the guy with several Ramones albums in my collection and even a Sex Pistols record. 

A lot of talent on stage that night. Skull Kid went first.

 

Then it was Mud the Cosmonaut, with Someday Best closing the show. A lot of energy in that room and the vibe was positive. I sensed that everyone was welcome and I enjoyed the diversity and acceptance regardless of dress, sexual orientation or age. I was also impressed with parents of the younger kids who didn't get involved or hover. They waited patiently in the back or outside in the car. That's how to do it. 

There's a line in the movie Almost Famous where Penny Lane says to William "... and if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends." 

It's true. I hadn't been there ten minutes before running into this crew! Two great friends and pretty much the cutest couple I know with their family and friends, who are now also my friends. Things work like that when you go to the record store. Although, to be completely honest, I didn't take this photo at the record store. We took a break and went next door to another favorite place of mine...a downtown hangout where adult beverages are served. Good times...good memories.

 

So what have we learned?  

1. Support Indie music.

2. Go to the record store if you're feeling lonely. Or if you're not.

3. Embrace diversity.

4. Be the oldest...or youngest...or weirdest person there. Anywhere. It will be okay.

And...

5. As long as nobody gets hurt ... let kids be kids.

Roger O'Dea     5/26/2019