my arrival at the venue (Sound Academy formerly known as The Docks) was strategically planned between the opening act, Slightly Stoopid (whom i've seen open for Fishbone a couple years back)... and the headliner...311!!!!
the atmosphere outside usually lends an indicative sign of what the atmosphere inside holds...so i witnessed a quiet chaos unassumingly due to the location as Sound Academy is poised out along Lake Ontario just a bit southeast of all the "action" but far enough for me to feel like this was the only event going on that Friday night....and to a die-hard 311 supporter like me...it certainly was.....
as i walked into the maze that they call an "academy", i felt like i was thrown into another dimension as it seemed as though it took light years to get inside via strange portal-like corridors lined with security guards and wallflowers...but i kept my mind on the matter and found my way to the main area where in 20 minutes i was to witness exactly what i came for....
now usually i may indulge in an alcoholic beverage in the form of a beer when i check out a band to wet the palette during the show and to add, ever so slightly to the celebration of a night out (PSA: remember kids you don't alcohol or to take your clothes off, for that matter, to have a good time..BUT it IS nice sometimes...but be responsible!!!)....and usually due to "all ages" events there is some sort of hoop to jump through to get it....whether it be a restricted VIP area or otherwise....this venue had a "VIP" section...in the back...BUT it had one bar that had a line of 3 to 4 rows deep around it....i'd say about 100 people herded into this tiny little space....being cavorted into drinking down their beer as quickly as possible in order to join the rest of the party by the stage....needless to say i was unimpressed and a lil annoyed with the theory of having 3/4 of the concert-goers that are over 19 being confined to 1/4 of the space...this unfortunate occurrence led me to remain completely sober the entire time...and you know what?????...it wasn't so bad....i just hung tight with my Red Bull and chilled....
enough about the wacky venue....
311 played a smorgasbord of tunes ranging from all their albums which span across nearly a decade and a half of tunage....so for someone who has been down with them for over a decade...it was a delicious treat.....from the hits such as "Come Original", "Amber", "Down" and "Love Song" (The Cure cover) that kept the crowd participation up and bubblin' nicely.....to rarities that i haven't heard often at a 311 show before like "Plain", "Nutsymtom" and "Prisoner"....
the show kept driving without many breaks and/or interludes....no "Are You Ready" intro (sadly missed) or a long, stale gap between the first set and the encore...there was no pause in energy that seemed to have filled the place up to the rim,,,,,ut was buzzing with an appreciated mix of attentive listening and overall absorption by the masses taking in the outstanding vibes this band creates and bazerk, ape-shit thrashing, moshing and dancing (ya......i'm talking to the guy in front of me...other than the band, he was source of glee)....
coming out of there about 90 minutes later, i felt like i usually do after a 311 show....blissful, content, extremely positive and amped with energy...but this time was slightly different...there was also a sense of relief (that my 311 hunger was satisfied.....i haven't seen them live in about 18 months) and an anxiousness for the next time they come to town....
Crowd Favorite: Down, Love Song, Applied Science/Drum Line
My Favorite: You Wouldn't Believe, Prisoner, Freeze Time, SA's wicked dance moves, and of course, that dude in front of me
(Ka)Nish
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