When a music scene steps up and takes care of their people

This weekend I went to two hardcore rock shows. I’ve gone to many, taken photos, enjoyed myself but I am more of a punk rock girl. What I like about these shows is the energy. There’s a rawness with every primal scream through the mic, every amp is tested to their breaking point, and the crowd can unleash from the rat race of life. California’s hardcore band, Xibalbaca came down to rock the islands. These guys rocked it hard, you can tell they can rev up and control a room. Plus the members I introduced myself to were really nice, down to chat guys that love the music. Hawaii’s premier hardcore bands: Soon, Oceans Deep, Lice, Shipwrecks, Out of Bounds, and Siblings opened up for them for the two nights. Each band showed the passion they have through every mic and amp they had and I wouldn’t expect any less of they energy they gave. I do have to say the first show on Friday night at Anna O’Brien’s classic venue started great. People were pumped, they wanted hard music and fun times but sometimes a few can mess it up for everyone. When I go to these type of shows I know what I’m in for and position myself to get the shots I want but this night got unsafe for others because of a few decided to take it to far. I got a little cut and bruised but it’s not like that hasn’t happened before, that’s a rock show. Some others weren’t so lucky and one girl needed a ambulance. I’m a firm believer and practice pit etiquette so as crazy as things get it can still be as safe as possible. So on the second night at Down Beat Lounge which is a much smaller club than the other, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen but people stepped up, bands and crowd alike. Their was a real since of community being shown and it made me personally proud of the Hawaii music scene. People still got to mosh, throw their fist, and express themselves as the bands pumped all they had through the monitors .It didn’t feel unsafe. There wasn’t a since of isolation or being lost in the crowd. Everyone was having fun, rocking out, and taking care of each other.