The Awesome 3some

Okay now, let's not leave this hangig for too long. There was way too much of awesomeness, I can not let it "get old". This time it's all about Santa Cruz again! ;)

I'm still so hyper about our (my sisters and mine) three-gigs-three-days trip: Wednesday we were at Tampere, Bar Amadeus. Thursday still in Tampere, but now in Jack the Rooster. And finally on Friday we made it to Hämeenlinna, and Suistoklubi. It was just great to have Santa Cruz play so near where I live, the trips were not too long, and the cities were familiar, so there was nothing stopping us from getting to see how it feels to rock it out with The Boys - three nights in a row. And I have to tell you: It was Amazing! The gigs just kept getting better every freaking night.

First, July the 17th @ Bar Amadeus, Tampere

The show time was at 10pm, so me and my sister arrived at the scene pretty much at 9 o'clock. It was nice to notice that when we came the Cruz boys greeted us with smiles. Taz (the drummer) actually greeted us by polite "Good evening", while we passed him. It was good to see them again, I had missed them already. We found our good friend inside and joined him to wait for the show to begin.
The stage in Amadeus is rather small, but everything was fitted in place and the Boys made it work, as they rocked the night away. It was great fun. And hot. For real, I don't think anyone in the building could avoid getting sweaty. The feeling was high and the boys gave no chance to anyone to sit still and be grumpy. The beats were flying around the room and the atmosphere was lifting the roof.

Johnny the antenna

Even when given the truth that the stage was small, the boys made it bigger, by jumping on a chair that was left in front of the stage (actually, yeah, the chair was from our table that stood right in front of Midi, the bassman). I happened to be standing behind the chair, so when Archie stepped on it he stood so close to me that I needed to back a little not to get hit by his guitar. Or hair. :D

Midis time to sing

There was this one really funny, and for me really special, thing that happened. When the Boys started to sing their last song of the night, "Aiming High", Archie once again jumped on the chair in front of me. He was singing the first verse, and noticed me singing along. Suddenly he just turned the microphone to me, and I sang "You're not in my mind", in it as he grinned to me. Then he took back his mic and continued the song. I was feeling overwhelmed, and if I was the kind to blush I would have. He totally cought me by surprise, but also made my day. I'm happy he didn't make me forget the words by staring at me. :D
After the gig guitarist Johnny brought us (me, my sister and our new friend who we met at the scene) the setlists from the stage. He dedicated the setlists to us, and signed them, while joking with us some random stuff.

Second, July the 18th @ Jack The Rooster, Tampere

This was a gig I was waiting for. The last time I saw the Boys play in the Rooster, we had so much fun, and I was waiting on nothing but awesomeness from this one. So when it was about the time for the gig to start me, my sister and our four friends took our places right in front of the stage. A little while passed, and when people gatheret behind us the mystic intro begun.

Santa Cruz gave nothing less to their audience than the night before. The show was energetic, funny, crazy - just brilliant! The crowd in the Rooster was going wild and screaming really loud. The atmosphere was at least as hot and sweaty as in Amadeus. The lights were flashing, and the gig was kicking high, all the way. From my point of view the Rooster is a really great place for live rock shows. Though I can't understand why the smoke-machine was working so hard. At times there was almost so much smoke on the stage that I couldn't see the band. At one time Taz completely disappeared from my view because of it. Other than that, the show was great, and absolutely worth waiting for. The Boys did not let me down. Even when given the fact that Archie managed to hit me in the eye with his guitar, while leaning towards the audience over the fence. :D
After the gig we had a little chance to chat with Archie and Johnny, as they were hanging at the Rooster. My sister got to see Midi and Taz too, but I was outside cooling at the time, so.. ;) It was another night that I shall not forget. Great place, striking show and a marvellous band. It was awesome. I have nothing more to add.
"Vitut enkorest!" ;D

Third, July the 19th @ Suistoklubi, Hämeenlinna

Okay, so last but not the least we made it to Hämeenlinna. Me and my sister came early to Suistoklubi, and actually heard the sound check the Boys did. It was hilarious to listen how much fun they had. It was one of the most amusing sound checks I've ever heard! The guys greeted us again, as they saw us sitting near the bar. They were happy we made it there, I could tell. ;)
For a good time me and my sister were the only ones in the bar but as the night grew older some more people started to show up. We had decided that we will be in the front row every night, so we went to wait for the gig by the stage. It was around nine o'clock pm then, and the show time was at 0:30 am, but we didn't mind. We had nowhere else to go, so why not stay here. We sat near the stage, and saw the Boys come from outside. They teased us a little when they saw us parked right in front of the stage. It was funny. :)

Some hours later some of our friends started to show up, and so did other people. Now it started to feel like there was going to happen something. Huge! ;) We were really pleased with our timing and all. Everything was perfect with us. If only the Boys would start to play! (They were even 15mins late! EEK!!)
But the wait was worth it. Totally worth it. Johnny had told us the night before that this show would be even better. And I have to tell you, he wasn't lying about it. Now they had enough room in the stage, and they knew how to work it. Midi and Johnny were running across the stage to or from each other. Archie was jumping high and Taz was freaking behind his drums. There was so much joy, energy, speed, force, adrenaline and talent on the stage, it was astonishing!!
At one point Johnny and Archie jumped off the stage and ran across the room, in the middle of the crowd. That's what I love about them. It brings so much more electricity to their show. It is completely insane and just splendid!

Again we were so close to the stage (for some unknown reason!) I had to be careful with Johnny and Archies guitars, as they were playing. They both almost managed to knock me with their instruments, but almost doesn't count. I didn't get hit this time. Archie even noticed once his guitar was terrifyingly close to my face, and he pulled it back with a certain shock in his eyes. I was thankful he did it: there was no need to twist myself in an awkward position to avoid the guitar :)
After the gig our friends went to get some photographs with the Boys, and I asked Taz if he could bring me the piece of the drumstick that was lying in the middle of the stage (I couldn't reach it myself). He was laughing at my request but was happy to let me have the stick. Some moments later he found the other end of the stick too and brought it to me as well. He's the best :D
When the people started to leave the Boys alone and get drinks or get out, all the Boys somehow managed to share us some of their time. They came, one by one, to sign the set list our friend had. Archie sat with us for a breef moment chatting something, and Midi asked us (who had seen the past three gigs) which gig was the best. At that time I wasn't sure how to answewr to him.

At Amadeus I got some amazing memories, Jack the Rooster is my favourite as a place and now Suistoklubi blew me away. Now that I have been thinking about it, I have to agree with my sister, who knew it then already. Suistoklubi rocked the best. It was pure awesomeness from the begunning to the very end.

Taz rulez!

I'm really happy I got to go on this three-days-and-gigs trip with my sister. I could not have spent those days in a better way. I'm having hard time describing how good I feel just now. I can't put it to words. I want another three days like this!!

Rock you!
-RW-

Shine bright Aitoo!

This time it’s all about the oldest summer Festival in Finland: Aitoon Kirkastusjuhlat (or friendlier: “Kirkkarit”). I’m proud to say it’s held close to where I live, and it is rather vivid happening. A whole three days of music and lay-back lifestyle. But I’ll keep this brief(ish). ;)

This update is also a reveal on how different artists I really like.

                                                      

This year I decided to go and spend two days in there. I skipped Saturday, but on Sunday (7.7.2013) Jonne Aaron was playing, and so I needed to go.

Sunday seems to be the quietest day of Kirkkarit, I’ve been told it usually is. It didn’t bother, because that gave me a good opportunity to get closer the stage. And I have to tell you, it was worth it. The songs were beautiful and/or funny, and so was the show. It was great to finally see Jonna Aaron and his band live. There was even one familiar face on stage with him. Jaan Wessman, who I know from all those jam nights of Jack the Rooster, is Jonnes friend and I was thrilled to see them play together. The whole thing was fantastic. After the show was over  I went to buy some fan-stuff: a T-shirt and a blanket. I got such good memories that I wanted something concrete too, other than photographs.

 

I came back to Aitoo the next day (8.7.2013), for the final Kirkkari day. This time I had two acts I really wanted to see. The day started off with Finnish Rapper Cheek, who played for the first time in Kirkkarit this year, and who I really wanted to see.

I’ve had my rap/hip-hop period, and I still like the style. I’m just not as fanatic about it as before. But Cheeks beats and lyrics are something that still hit me. I like that.

The stage area was packed with people when I arrived, so I stayed pretty far from the stage. But it wasn’t a problem.

I saw the gig, and have proof that Cheek and his fellow rappers did notice the crowd from front row to the very back.

In one shot of mine, Cheek himself stares right into my camera. It was superfine to find that shot when I went through them all the next morning. ;) The show was brilliant and the audience was totally feeling it. The energy was intense and my mood stayed in the heights all the way. Have to say I did not get disappointed by that show.

 Meanwhile Popeda and Haloo Helsinki! were playing I was discovering the surrounding area, and talking with some friends of mine that I accidently met on the way. But when clock was turning closer to midnight I decided it was time to head back to the stage. Apulanta would be up soon.

Apulanta is one band that I’ve liked many years, just never had the time to see play live. And perhaps I’ve been too shy to go on their gigs, as they are pretty big name in Finland. But this time, nothing could stop me. And when I was early enough, so that Haloo Helsinki! had just ended their show and it would take another 30mins before Apulanta was on, I was already grapping my spot in the front row. Okay, I was a little too much in the right corner from my point of view, but the central area was already packed by then.

I was still really thrilled to be in the front row. I didn’t see the whole band, but I saw enough as a first timer. The band was really something. They have been playing in Aitoo for 17 years, and they said it’s like coming back home all over again, though they’re not local. I’ve been told they never give such a show anywhere but in Aitoo. I think it’s the bound they have made with the crew that is pulling it all together. And it did show that Apulanta sincerely liked to be back again. For me, it was marvelous, even if my spot wasn’t perfect. I enjoyed every freaking second of the show. It was awesome! I love the fact that I took my time to see them now. It was totally worth it.

Now I have sore throat to witness this all. I hope I won’t catch a summer flu.

Stay beautiful you all!

-RW-

Turku - Unplugged

Damn, this updating is tough for me during the summer :D

Turku acoustic (28.6.2013) was a happening I had never heard of before. This year it was worth knowing though, because Reckless Love was playing a full hour acoustic set in there. So I guess all of you know why I went? ;) To say the least I don't think the venue would have been worth its cost if it wasn't for Reckless Love. The other groups we saw on stage, just didn't do it. It wasn't what I thought it would be. It was just plain ordinary, it didn't touch me at all. If I didn't have my sister and four friends with me I would have fallen asleep during the wait for RL.

Gladly the time passed, and we finally made our way to the stage that was built near river Aura. Reckless Love was slightly late, because they had thrown a show at Rock the Beach in Helsinki before coming to Turku. Not a short drive, so I'm not amazed they were a little late. And the waiting paid off when the Reckless crew climbed on the stage. The guys were way beyond loony. They were going crazy, and all reckless when putting up the show. They were presenting their own songs, but every once in a while they got carried away and ended up singing – or playing – some random song that had poppet to one of their minds as the others were talking. I guess they were a little hyper from the Rock the Beach gig and the fast leaving after it. They didn't have it all under control, but it didn't really matter. That was something unexpected, and so funny, I have to say I had a blast. The whole show was insane! :D

Even though all the songs didn't play out as smoothly as sometimes, it wasn't the first time I've seen these guys freak a little... Well actually this time it wasn't little, but anyhow, maybe you get the picture. This show was so hilarious at its best, I was having trouble to catch my breath every once in a while when laughing so hard. It was exactly what I needed that day, after all the dullness of the previous ones. This just made the guys some funny-ass Kings in my eyes. They were unstoppable and adorable all the time. They even took a curtsey instead of a bow! :D

They had some time after their show, to give autographs and pose for pictures. It was very good of them, as they sometimes tend to be too much in a hurry. This showed they still care of their fan base – at least when a little loony. Olli actually made it clear that he had noticed some “old faces” in the crowd, and came to talk with us himself. It was a pity that the venue had only limited permission to occupy the area, and the security needed to shoo fans away eventually. I'm glad I still had the time to chat with Mitikka, the bus driver / roadie of the Reckless gang. I saw him last in the Sauna Open Air, as he too had come to see Sabaton, so it was great to talk about the gig with him. When I was chatting with Mitikka, I suddenly noticed Pepe walking towards us. He gave me a hug and asked how I was doing. I said I was all fine, and the gig had been crazy, I loved it. I told them both, Mitikka and Pepe that we'd see next during the Kukkaisviikot (“Flower weeks”) of Tampere, as they are playing in Kukkaisrock.

I also shared a tiny secret about that with Pepe, and if all turns out okay, You'll know it too once Kukkaisrock is over. Judging by Pepes expression, he was really pleased of what he heard.

At that moment I noticed that almost all fans were out of the area now, and I said “I think it's time for me to leave, before I get a boot mark in my ass”. Pepe grinned at me, and pretended to kick my ass. I laughed and moved my bag away, and he actually did give me a kick in my ass. I told him I think he had every right to do so, as I have already kicked his ass twice before, and he just laughed at me. I walked out of the area grinning to myself.

getting ready to take a curtsey with the host

It was a hilarious evening, and I thank heaven Reckless Love had that crazy feeling going on all the time. It was refreshing to see them goof around, being so open and happy. It really did warm up my heart.

Until we go crazy again,

-RW-

The beginning of June (part II)

Lazy hot days and bright nights, thunderstorms and the smell of nature at its best. I have forgotten myself in the wild, enjoying this view I see through my bedroom window. Home <3

It’s really relaxing to be at home for this long. No need to think about my graduation for change. But I see that I’ve forgotten some other things too, while becoming one with the wild again. That’s why I’m now sitting here, listening the rain pour softly down outside my open window, and writing. Reminiscing what greatness happened in Sauna Open Air 2013. I think it will take seven days for this text to be released from the writing point. I feel super sloooowww just now :'D

Sunday, the Ninth of June – Sauna Open Air, Tampere

Sauna was great fun to visit. I went with a good friend of mine, and we really had fun. We started with buying the Sauna Open Air T-shirt, which was designed by a friend of ours. Then we walked to the stage nro 2, to see Omnium Gatherum play.

When we got enough of them, we went to hang near the stage nro 1, the main stage. Hard Core Super Star was about to come on, and we decided to watch it from the distance. I also noticed a good, old friend of mine in the audience, and went to greet her before smoothly running to the auditorium to watch the show from the heights. HCSS did play a good gig, and the audience was really pleased.

the moose is loose

After making some evening plans with another friend of mine, then finally we did get what we really were there for. Sabaton. The show was fun, and catchy. I really enjoyed watching it, and now I do understand better why the friend of mine likes them so much. Sabaton got a soft toy moose thrown to the stage, and the lead man was really happy about it “I didn't have one of these before. Thank you”, he said and waved the toy to the audience. Another sweet thing during the gig was this one small fan. The lead singer spotted the little guy from the audience and asked people to let them (with his/her dad) to the front row. He asked how old the little guys was, and the father answered “three”. The band was really impressed that the little fan did come to see them play, and the singer gave his sunglasses as a memory for the kid. It was way too sweet, really. I couldn't stop myself from repeatingly say “aawww”.

the tiny fan

The last show we watched a start from was Volbeat. It was nice to see and hear them play live. We stopped in three different places to watch the show when walking out from the Sauna-area. I was in a hurry to have something to eat before continuing my way to Pakkahuone, and the afterparty. So we grabbed something to eat, and my friend walked me to Pakkahuone, before leaving to head back home. We really had had a wonderful day in Sauna, and I couldn't ask for better company for that night.

 

The afterparties

When arriving to Pakkahuone to meet up with another friend, I was getting a little nervous. Rival Sons were playing there, and I had wanted to see the band live since that friend of mine introduced it to me a little over a year earlier. I went inside, and noticed a merchandising sales table. I made my way to it, as it was totally free of people by then. I watched the T-shirts, CD's and posters for a while. Suddenly a friendly-faced man came to sell the items. He introduced himself as “Pete”, and asked how I was doing. I said I was fine, and laughed a little. He had this funny expression on his face when asking me why do I laugh. “I'm a little nervous”, I replied. “Why are you nervous?”, he asked. “Well, I've never seen this band live, and I really, really like them”, I said with a shy smile. He laughed good-heartedly and said that I shouldn't be nervous because of the band. “You are here, aren't you? Just have fun”,  he added, and I noted at him. We chatted a little while as I was buying some items from the table. I got myself a T-shirt and a poster whit autographs. <3 Then I said “bye” to Pete, who now had some new folks to serve, and turned around just to see my friend appear from the crowd to greet me. He had a friend of his to company us, and we had rather vivid conversation to keep time flying before the Rival Sons gig started.

When finally the band made their way to the stage, I felt unreal. There they were, right in front of me.  I'm still not used to see bands this close, not  when they're from California. It was overwhelming experience, and I was actually shaking. Jay Buchanans vocals were smooth, and completely melted my brain. And seeing guitarist Holiday play so close, it was insane. I had trouble not to lose my mind when one by one they played all my favourite songs. Wild Animal is one that always makes me lose it, whenever I hear it somewhere, and this live time was no different. I just completely LOVE that song. And finally during “Jordan” I started to cry. I don't usually tear up for just a song – oh heck, I don't usually tear up during a gig at all, but... Well this time I just couldn't help it. It was so spot on beautiful and touching. It was unbelievable how beautiful that song was to hear live.

Over all the whole show was a heart attacking experience. Hadn't there been this one drunken male, to punch me with his elbow every now and then, it would have been perfect. But really, I don't have that much negative to say about it. The show was way too magnificent, and the company I had perfectly good. I could have not asked for anything more from that evening. It was close to perfect, with its little minuses. ;)

When the show was over, and the band had thanked us, the audience, we all just started to fade out from Pakkahuone. I'm still not sure should I have stayed, I don't know if the band came out to make appearance in the bar-side... But I decided I was too tired to stay, and a little too shy to stay on my own, as my friend was leaving already. So I went out with some twisted feelings, and after saying good night to the friend of mine, I walked to Jack the Rooster, to meet up with my sister and to see another afterparty.

As I got into Jack the Rooster, to see Luca Fly and the house band play, I noticed that the band Crash Dïet – witch also performed in Sauna open Air – was there to enjoy the afterparty. It was a little weird for me, but it was okay. As long as I needed to have nothing to do with them, I was fine. I was getting so very tired from the long day and all those unfamiliar people around me, I just felt like sitting down, and being quiet. Although I enjoyed Lucas energetic and talented show I just didn't have the energy left to show it all the time. I was ready to fall asleep ASAP I got back home. And I think that's what I did. :'D

my preyers came true

Whoa. It was a day to remember with all those funny little things and happenings not all would understand about. I really had good time though it took everything I had in me to stay focused. I'm happy I had the good music and awesome company to enjoy. All those fine things kept me together, and made it easy to have fun. So a BIG thank you to my friends again. You're the best!
Now I'm just sitting back and waiting for Rival Sons to come back to Finland. I really want to see them again. They were the biggest star of my night.

-RW-