Building Community

      Where to start? You’d think by now I’d at least have an idea of what to put, but alas, no, I still try not to formulate an idea before I sit here. I try to recall what it was I have done in the past week, although I still battle with the idea that this was not expected to be a chronological record. However, the chronology usually gives me some type of starting point, and hopefully some context, maybe even perhaps a little insight. Although, things are getting pretty exciting. The Calvins had a show last Friday. It was pretty good. We played with a couple of bands we know. One of which was from the North County, they didn’t really bring anybody. Which is understandable. Not too many people are going to drive an hour to see an indie band. We’ve never had anybody follow us up north. They went on first. Literally, I think they brought 2 people. Which is fine, we knew they didn’t have a draw. But the strange thing is, they get all kinds of shows, and they never have a draw! I don’t know how they’re getting so many cool gigs with no draw. We brought them in on this one, just to be cool. The music is similar to ours, so it was a good fit, we just wish they brought more people. Our bad. The turnout was looking abysmal, but then, closer to us going on, people started filing in. We had a pretty good turnout. But, once again, it wasn’t from our friend group. I think only 5 of our “friends” showed up. It was mostly people from other bands, who perhaps, legitimately wanted to see us. I say “perhaps” because sometimes I go to shows just to make an appearance. I wouldn’t necessarily do that to bands I didn’t “want” to see, but still, I’ve played the scenester role. There’s nothing “wrong” with it, that’s how connections get made, that’s how the community gets formed. More on that later.

     The last band wasn’t even punk related. We had played with them before, and weren’t quite sure why they asked us to play this gig, but we accepted. They were heavier than I remember them being. It was alright. They brought about 15 people, who didn’t seem to show up until they were about to go on. They’re a little bit younger than us, so I guess that’s expected. The guitar player owns a famous restaurant in OB, so we thought they’d have a draw just based on who he is, but that was not the case. Maybe if we had played in OB, but not at the Ken Club. All in all, we played well, and the show went well. We actually got paid a little! The weird part was… my wife was not there. She had planned a “girls only” camping trip before we got the gig. I think this is only the third gig she’s missed in 22 years! The first 2 were when we were first dating. One of which was a 3-hour gig at a casino. Needless to say, although I’m going to say it anyway, it was a little weird not having her around. Everyone mentioned it. She is very outgoing, and was naturally missed. It was also weird coming home to a quiet house. She was gone all weekend, so Saturday, instead of doing some yard work that needs done, I decided to go to a show. Harking back to what I was mentioning earlier, a band I like from North County came down for a matinee show. There were 2 other bands I wanted to see, it was a daytime show, and I had “nothing else” to do, so I went. By myself. Another weird thing. I’m not usually social on my own, but I felt this line-up was worth it. I was not disappointed! The first band was a Bad Religion cover band, and they played all my favorites. I was stoked! They were awesome!

     The whole show was rad. I got to see another band I had not heard of before, and they blew my mind! I thought it was cool, the next day the singer friended me on FB. Apparently, we were both feeling the energy. I got 3 new friend requests stemming from my appearance at that show. It was fun. I was able to take it easy and have fun. There were a lot of familiar faces there, and I was glad I went. I want people to know I’m trying to support the community. I want to be a part of this community. And it feels like I am. Especially considering that the new band I’m in is directly related to being a part of this community. But here’s the real kicker: I was sitting there, waiting for the next act to come on, and a guy approached me. I kind of recognized him, but wasn’t sure how. I assumed, the scene. He wanted to buy me a beer. I wasn’t quite ready, and let him know. He asked about the Eruption, which was weird. Not too many people know about them. Then he told me this story: He wants to thank me, because a couple of years ago he saw both bands at 13 Point Brewing Company. He had never really listened to punk rock music, and thought we were awesome. Then, about a year later, so last year, he was driving down University and saw me loading my gear into the Tower Bar. He had never been to the Tower Bar, but recognized me, and since he liked what he heard last time, decided to check it out. I started to remember this from last year, as he came up to me that day too. What I did not know was that since that day, he has been a regular at the Tower Bar. He now loves punk rock music and the punk rock scene. He’s made a lot of friends, and is now feeling a part of a community. And he attributes it all to seeing my band, and coming in to check out what I was doing. Mission accomplished!