The morning after...

You know that line from Dazed and Confused when Matthew McConaughey explains his taste in girls? "That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age."

The same is true for ska fans.

Last night's Higher Ground show was awesome, just as I anticipated. What I didn't really expect was that 90% of the room would be younger than me. I last saw Reel Big Fish in 2002. My friend Eric last saw them in 1998.

"Once a decade," he told me. "That's my new policy."

But I guess the age of the crowd helps to explain the band's staying power. Even as their original fans grew up — and in many cases, grew out of them — Reel Big Fish continued attracting the prime music buying audience: teenagers.

An audience that also appreciated local act Husbands AKA. The kids even opened up a mosh pit for the boys! Although, none were able to respond to Chris Valyou's request to buy shots for guitarist Sean Fitzpatrick's birthday. Because of the x's on their hands. Oh well.

Really the most impressive part of the night (RBF set included) was Husbands AKA singer Dylan Burns' performance, despite having been burnt in a fiery blaze the day prior.

No, seriously.

During some routine motorcycle maintenance this past Monday, Dylan was met face to face with a fireball. But even with bandages covering his arms and scalp, and sunglasses to shade his swollen eyes, Burns put on a spirited show, leading high energy choruses about trustafarians as well as ever. And complete with some new "sleeves" tattooed onto his bandages! My favorite read, "RUGGED".

Yep, that's my husband for you!

No, just kidding. Despite the name we're not actually related. That I know of.

Anyway, congrats to the boys for rocking Higher Ground. And if any of you see Dylan around town, don't forget to ask him how he's doing. And maybe buy a CD from him. And then tip him to help fund a new ride.

Any of you who missed the show can catch a (much more affordable) version this Saturday at ECHO. Dan went into more detail about the other acts in this week's column so check that out here. It's not the only good thing happening this weekend though. I also highly recommend the State Radio show at Saint Mike's (SMC students only), and Tick Tick's Stereo Warm-Up dance party at the Monkey House. This month features DJ Llu, David Goliath, Baby Bantam, and everyone's favorite, Mike Device.

I will be missing all of the above for Passover in Northfield so go yourselves and fill me in, ok?

Ok.

Comments

[Sean Husbands]

A huge THANKS to all the folks who came out to the show!! We all had a really great time!