Second Stage, Part 2 (more photos!)

As I wallowed in self pity at work yesterday, saddened by the fact I was going to miss most of Second Stage, Part Two, the weather got down right yucky. Then I heard the news...disaster had struck the field where the festivities were to happen.

Yes, the rain was becoming an issue...big expensive sound stuff and water don't mix...but it was a huge gust of wind that violently prompted the move of Second Stage to Loplops Lounge. The sound tent was blown into the merch booth and the canopy over the stage collapsed. Although luckily no one was injured, some equipment was crushed. Yikes!

So everyone packed up and headed to Loplops. A later start time of 8:00pm was set. Unfortunately, this meant that not all performers would be able to take part. The Economy Studz, who by the way had the coolest piece of merch ever...Economy Studz brand measuring tapes!....were scheduled to play at the Downbeat Lounge. And 12 Gauge ready graciously backed out to allow the double bill of Second Stage and the highly anticipated CD release party for Big Wheel and the Spokes.

This made me very sad. I had planned on featuring the two closing bands in this write up...The Gates of Winter and 12 Gauge Ready. I am no way implying that none of the other Second Stage performers deserve to be featured, but these two very talented and fun acts tend to get over looked. Although the Metal stylings of Gates of Winter are not really my bag, I enjoyed the *bleep* out of their show and had a blast photographing them. Had their CD been finished and for sale, I definitely would have purchased one.

The rest of Second Stage went off with out a hitch and a great time was had by all...audience, staff and musicians alike. I missed the Harmony Sisters and Mark Dunn, but heard nothing but glowing reviews for both shows. Startlefish had just started when I got there and they had the audience transfixed. I love the new direction the band has taken since the addition of Shayne Wigglesworth to the mix. Big Wheel and the Spokes finished off the evening with a bang. Their amazing blues/funk style had every single person in the joint a movin' and a groovin'.

The attached photo gallery has pictures from Friday night as well as a few more from Thursday...enjoy!

My congratulations go out to the organizers for putting together a fantastic event despite what Mother Nature threw at them. Can hardly wait for next year!