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This is a really long post, hope you make it to the end!! <3
Yesterday was Winter Jam in St.Charles..
While everything is still fresh, thoughts, memories and images in my head, I figure I better write it all out now before I forget it all and it becomes just a distant blurry memory.
Left the house around 11, me and Ezra has already gone into Walmart once to get stuff, unfortunately we had to go by again to get more stuff before we set off on a two hour drive to WJ2012. I was pretty excited, also nervous. Being around people like that always gets me antsy. We finally arrived at 1:45, and met up with Kelly, her dad and boyfriend, John and Zac, the guys had been there in line since 10am, so glad someone got a good spot for us in line.
It was freezing cold, and being a shy girl I didn't say much, just tuned in on the conversation and smiled.
My brother, being a social butterfly was right at home interacting with others that he didn't know very well. Me and Kelly knew each other pretty well over the internet, but you know its always awkward when its in person. At least it is for shy girls.
The groups around us were entertaining. The youth group to the left was obnoxious, typical extroverted kids. The Asian to the right had kool hair and I loved that girls hat who was in the same group with him. The guy next to the Asian guy looked like Ben Stiller but he acted like a girl, masculinity is so lost these days.
2 hours before the doors were gonna open everyone started gathering up blankets, tents and chairs and taking them back to their cars. Everyone was pretty excited. Joel, from For King And Country came out and supervised and helped set up a small stage to the right side of us, I could only see him while he stood by the door, he was very friendly, unlike Group1Crew, who seemed snobby. I could tell when the mexican guy started talking, he sounded
so CA Mexican, it was ridiculous, and the ladies hair was HUGE. She wasn't very nice I didn't think.
They sang a few songs, tried to get the crowd into it, but only maybe 20 people (who were in obvious need of attention) started dancing, the big haired lady danced with them too. That one guy who looked like a fat Jack White had issues..Not to mention his friend who kept half his face covered with his hoodie and danced like an ape.
Finally, 30min till the doors opened, a man came out and said everyone had to move back 10ft before the doors would be opened, after much yelling and hand waving by several loud people, we got the crowd moved back about 8 feet, that was as much as was possible. Then, to our astonishment, several people, ON PHONES TELLING THEIR FRIENDS TO JOIN THEM, came in front of us and stole our spots! Us and our neighbors were *not* happy. Of course nothing was done, they got in first, people weren't happy. Soon tho, when the doors finally opened, the excitement of the evening erased the irritation and, unlike last year, the path to the seats was pretty clear.
Pre-jam was great, We As Human started it, I think, after the speaker guy stopped talking.
The crowd yelled the count down, we all screamed and clapped, not exactly for for that band in particular, but because WJ was finally starting for reals! We As Human were ok, they didn't leave an impression on me at all, I can't even remember what they played, or what they were wearing.
Next I think there was more speaking from Newsong, and a modivational speaker, and then some commercials on the 3 big screens.
Next was Dara Maclean, she was...interesting, she was screechy. Thats pretty much it, and her hair was really thick.
Them came For King And Country, they did Busted Heart and the crowd loved that. I liked them a lot, they are two brothers from Australia, they also look so much like super models that it was rather ridiculous. God certainly has blessed them! ;) Not to mention they were really tall and thin.
Then was Kari Job, I loved her, everything about her performance was so Christ centered, the show wasn't about her or how she looked, or about her beautiful voice (that reminded me or Breanne Durren) I loved getting to have a time or worship before everything got very crazy.
Building 429 was next, they were amazing! Loved their performance and they weren't "to much" like some of the others (group1crew for instance). The lead singer I swear looked right at me! Yeh, I know, every girl says that about a lead singer, but he did.
Then I think Group1Crew was next, they were pretty showy, but I loved their music and it was fun to dance to, so I did enjoy their part, even if afterwards they were rude to me as they signed my bag, I honestly wish I hadn't had them sign it, for petes sake, I don't even like their albums! But you get so caught up in the moment of it all that you just aren't rational or thinking. Pretty silly.
Then Newsong sang, who was also the speaker of the night, plus that Nick guy spoke..Nick Holden? I can't remember.
Broc Gill did a card trick, I love Mr. Gill, he's funny and his tricks are pretty neat! Plus he seemed like a very nice gentlemanly guy (unlike the afro guy from Group1Crew, can you tell I don't like them?!).
After a break, some more motivational speaking and sharing the Gospel and hearing some testimonies and about orphan children, Peter Furler sang, the old lead singer of Newsboys (bald british dude with the eyeliner, as I always used to call him!.) I kinda freaked and went crazy dancing and signing when he started his songs! When he did Entertaining Angels I went NUTS! I kept thinking "what am I gonna do when Skillet comes out?!". But seriously, I grew up listening to Entertaining Angels and I had thought that my chance at hearing him sing that song at a concert was gone, but no! He did it and many of his other originals!! It was great. Then he did A Million Pieces! OHMIGOSH. Serious chidlhood flash backs and nostalgia, that was my favorite part, that and singing along.
Brock Gill did an amazing illiousion where he was tied up with a bunch of chains and then put in a coffin of water, and I am pretty sure he was in there for 1min an half, or possibly 2min, and acouple secs. It was kool. I woulda taken the ping pong ball trick over that, but he told me they wouldn't let him:( Bummer.
Oh, and he didn't die ;)
Then Sanctus Real, they were good, again, favorite part was knowing the words and singing along an worshiping Jesus.
Then..What I think everyone was waiting for. SKILLET.
Now, get this, I used to hate that band with a passion, they are still not my favorite, but I saw them a couple years ago at Rock The River under the St.Louis Arch, and I then realize how much talent they really had. They totally owned the stage, yet somehow I couldn't help but get the feeling that they really did have Jesus in their hearts. So, I stopped hating them, gave them a chance, and tho I don't listen to their music on my free time, I will never give up an opportunity to see them live.
Head banging, dancing, jumping, screaming so loud you could barley hear yourself started as soon as the huge SKILLET (dunno why I keep making them caps.) drape rolled down and the shadows of the cellist and violinist's shadow was cast upon the huge drape. I can't even remember what song it was, it was just so kool. I went bonkers for that cello and screamed so much. My throat still hurts.
I'm the shy one, remember?
Their whole performance left quite an impression on me. I'm going to the chiropractor soon, don't worry.
They, like I said already, owned that stage, but still left you with the impression that it was all still Christ centered.
I found out how loud I can scream, how much head banging I can do before my neck feels like its gonna break, and that I can do the screamo pretty decent.
Ha, your probably thinking there is no way I'm introverted or shy now.
But thats just it.
There is just something about concerts, where its so loud that the very shirt on you is vibrating, and the music just hits your inner core and you can't do anything but move with it and have a good time. It is easy enough to just stand there and not move, but its so much more fun to go with the flow, get crazy and make memories you'll never forget.
Its like you just stop thinking and start moving and all you know is "this is awesome". Lights, fire, loud music. Thats all it takes to just let go and have fun.
Concerts, and my bedroom, are most likely the only places I get so crazy. The only places I dance and enjoy being young and flexible.
My only regrets about yeserday were small.
1- Didn't all get to set together
2- Didn't get to meet the cellist (this was very sad).
3- Didn't say what I wanted to Mr. Gill, I'm so shy I just forget whatever was on my mind when I meet anyone. I never reply to "how ya doing" the right way, and I always for get to say the "socially polite" things that your supposed to, leaving the impression on people that I'm backwards I'm sure:p I also wanted to show him an amazing card trick I know, its a shame I thought about it after I left. And he was all alone so I could have totally talked more and showed him the trick. Stupid social brain farts. He was nice.
4- I didn't get to meet the cellist..oh, did I mention that already?
5- I didn't have my camera...soo, that means, no pictures until my friend who did have a camera can post hem on fb and I can steal them. But honestly I am glad that she got pix rather than me, because her pix will look light years better than mine, kool camera:)
All in all, I had one epic evening.
And if you actually read ALL of this post,then I love you, and I promise I won't post so much next time!And if you made it, please, please comment!! ^_^ And if you happen to skip it and see this, then scroll back up and read it, ;) <3 Then comment <3
Now to go relax <3