As fate should have it I am an extremely lucky person; always in the right place in the right time. One of the most memorable of these times was the Minneapolis music scene in the early 2000s. That was, without a doubt, the most magical time for music and I was lucky enough to be there for it. The entire experience literally walked into my life one October night about 16 years ago. I was minding my own business, working away, when the door opened and my breath was taken away.
He shall remain nameless, but he changed my life.
Through him, I would meet people that I would travel the world with and go to countless unbelievable rock shows. I would become friends with the performers and their girlfriends. Although I would show up to the shows by myself, once I got in the door I would know just about everyone there. I had the best times in those stale smelling, smokey venues.
* * *
I’ll never forget the first local show in Minneapolis I went to. It was on a Friday around Halloween at the Quest. The Quest held local music shows every Friday and called them Quest for Mayhem. There were two stages at the Quest, one upstairs and then the main room, main stage. Both stages were loaded with performers. The line to get inside was usually down the block. For this particular time, my favorite band was playing and I was on the guest list. The problem was I didn’t know how to get to venue, wasn’t good at reading a map and Siri wasn’t around to tell me how to get there.
My nerves were at an all time high, per usual I left late. While on the verge of getting lost and having a panic attack I had had enough of one way streets downtown and driving 6 blocks out of the way to try a different street. I decided it would be best to just park my car because I can walk in any direction but the evil people that created Minneapolis streets would only allow you to drive in one direction. All I could think was “I can’t miss this show!”. How terrible would that be? I’m a guest on the list and I miss it completely. What would I say to the band when they asked me what I thought of the show?
I found a spot to park, got out of my car and started walking the streets. There weren’t many people out. Maybe they were still pre-gaming before the night ahead, I’m not sure, but I had a hard time finding people to point me in the right direction. Finally I flagged down a cab, New York style and asked the drivers. The first one hadn’t ever heard of the famous (previously Prince owned) nightclub, lucky for me the second driver did and I wasn’t far away!
I felt so relieved when I finally made it inside, even more so when I realized I didn’t miss the band I came to see. They were the headliners on the main stage and I had plenty of time to wander and check other bands out. When the time finally came for the main act, I was blown away. Local music wasn’t supposed to be that good, that full of energy, that entertaining. But it was. It was incredible and I. was. hooked.
After the show, before closing time, I was hanging out with the band. My friend asked me if I wanted him to walk me to my car. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized, I had NO idea where I parked. I had literally parked somewhere and just left, I didn’t look at streets or anything. I couldn’t fess up on my amateur mistake out of fear of rejection. Instead I politely declined while mentioning they had to load out and I was fine to walk myself.
I left shortly after that finding the streets crawling with zombies, ghosts, vampires, werewolves and slutty nurses, literally. It seemed everyone was celebrating Halloween and that sent this chicken into the second semi panic attack of the night. I don’t remember how long it took me to find my car but eventually I did. I’m lucky that it didn’t get towed because I found it in the no parking zone of an alley.
* * *
When I think back, I think that some of the magic came from everyone being able to bond because the smokers weren’t huddled outside. The smokers and non-smokers were all mixed together, drinks in one hand, cigarettes in the other, experiencing wonderment before our eyes, those were the best times.
Over the weekend that first band I saw from way back when, played a reunion show. It was the first time they have been on stage in 13 years. To say it was amazing is an understatement. I took my husband and my brother to the show. My husband wasn’t around during the glory days and I wanted him to witness it. The two of them were equally impressed with the show. I, on the other hand, was brought back to being 20 again. It felt great. I realized the next day that acting like your 20 in your mid 30’s takes recovery time. I can’t wait to do it again!
Much Love,
Jes xoxo