DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL AT WEBSTER HALL IN NEW YORK CITY
A celebration brings people together. A live event brings people together. Music, without a doubt, brings people together. Feelings of joy, love, and happiness are thrown in to the mix. Whether just one person is celebrating or it is a group, it typically brings a gathering for the special occasion. Dashboard Confessional is celebrating 20 years of music. Not just one show at Webster Hall, but two shows (back to back) were sold out at the beginning of this month. Chris Carrabba, along with his band, have certainly given all of their fans a long list of music calling for this huge tour and celebration!
The almost 2 hour set was filled with hit after hit. “Vindicated”, “Bend and Not Break”, “Hey Girl”, “So Beautiful”, “Several Ways To Die Trying”, and “Screaming Infidelities” were some of the hits part of this massive set list. It was a beautiful and perfect split of full band to Chris playing acoustic solo. Every part of that stage had a powerful energy drawing you in to the sounds and performance of each member. Chris Kamrada on drums, had one hell of a featured solo, from the super-fast rolls to the breakdowns and solid hard hits and right back to some fast rock and roll drumming. It was my favorite park of the show! I have said it many times before, but that involvement with the crowd brings the show to an entirely new level. From the storytelling to sharing some jokes, Chris had that crowd’s complete attention right to the very end.
Typically when I am shooting a concert, I like to do a few songs upfront and then slowly make my way to the very back of the venue. To this day, it never fails to amaze me seeing a person so involved in that song that’s being played; the passion you see in their face, their eyes. Whether it is screaming the vocals as loud as they can or they have tears coming down their cheeks, I truly enjoy and love seeing what music does to people. It certainly was a challenge getting through this sold out crowd, but it was worth every step I took to be a part of this show, not only to shoot and not because I am a music lover, but specifically because it was the last show I have been able to attend due to the current pandemic we are facing.
I knew before the show started that the remaining tour dates were being postponed. Shortly into the set I then learned Live Nation would be suspending all future events until further notice. What we are experiencing in today’s world really cannot be put into words. We all have different views and opinions. Feelings rise and uncertainty is in front of us all, but music is one thing many turn to during such times. Dashboard put on one amazing show that evening. Stage presence, lighting, and sound were all perfect. The clarity at Webster Hall, in my opinion, is one of the best, and of course the talent on stage spoke for itself! I am sending my love and positive vibes to everyone out there. Be nice. Help a person in need. Check on your neighbor. We tend to use music in so many different aspects of our life without realizing sometimes what we are doing it. Let’s do exactly that and use the beautiful sounds of music, and listen to our favorites to help us pass the time while we are relaxing at home! Start out with some Dashboard Confessional as I promise you they will not disappoint! Until next time and as always… KEEP ROCKING!