KONGOS

Frank and I went to the see the Kongos last night. We had VIP tickets, but weren't really sure what to expect. The VIP experience differs so greatly from band to band, show to show. 

We arrived at 5:00 and waited in line for about 15 minutes before they asked for anyone with private show tickets to come forward. I checked our tickets, and ours were defined as such. We went to the front of the line and were admitted entrance to Summit Music Hall. If you've never been and like small-venue live music, consider a show here. 

We stood around for a little while; the main area, where the audience usually stands was full of equipment for what looked like three bands. Finally someone flagged us down and showed us where to go. We checked in and were told to wait for our VIP host. We were two of about twenty people milling about looking confused. 

We overheard the merch guy checking people in and realized that was what we were supposed to do. About the same time, a guy named Mo introduced himself, and told us he was the Kongos' stage manager, and would be our host. A few minutes later he ushered the twenty of us backstage into a "VIP lounge." 

There in the corner of the lounge were the Kongos: Johnny (accordion player), Jessie (the drummer, but he was holding a guitar), Dylan (guitar and vocals), and Danny (guitar and vocals). They were seated on stools in front of several couches.

They introduced themselves, Mo introduced us to them. Which, by the way, was pretty impressive. He'd just met us, yet he remembered all of our names.

The band played four acoustic songs, including their "gypsy" version of Come With Me Now. We got to chat with them, and then lined up for photos and merch signing. Frank bought their album in vinyl and had them sign it. We were first in line and forgot to ask them to sign our passes. We also forgot to ask them for a pic with both Frank and me. Once we'd gotten out of line, Mo mentioned it to me, and then told us once everyone else was finished, we should go back up and get the pic and the passes signed. The band was very gracious about having us come through a second time. 

Jessie and Frank got in a conversation about his guitar the first time around, because Frank has a Martin just like his. Jessie told him it was a great guitar for the road . . . which is what Doug told Frank when we got it for him. Love it when the touring musician confirms dad's hipness. 

Once the meet and greet ended, we went out to listen to the opening band's sound check. Two bands opened for the Kongos: Colony House and Sir Sly. We met both at the end of the show second meet and greet. Their performances were outstanding, and both bands were really nice.

As we usually do, we met some really fun people at the show. Our interaction with one group, who was standing to the right of where we were in the center of the front row, started out horribly. A father brought his two daughters to the show, and even though they weren't in the first VIP group, they somehow made it to the front row. Frank went to the restroom, and when he came back, the man's daughter was not about to move to let Frank back into his spot. Very poor concert etiquette. Frank politely excused himself and asked her to move over a little bit to let him back in. The father started yelling at Frank about pushing his daughter out of the way. Mama Bear stepped in and again politely, told the girl's father that we had been there early, etc. The people to our left chimed in and informed the guy that we'd had early entry, please "be cool," and backed us up. Not that we needed it. 

The girl, who I later found out was 13, started to cry, and I continued my polite conversation with the dad. Within 15 minutes we were all friends, and the rest of the night went well. We even got them into the after-show meet and greet and she got her photo with the band. She videoed my favorite song and then texted me a copy of it. Good concert karma.

I love experiences like last night, even with the fifteen minutes of angst. The Kongos seem as though they are poised for bigger and bigger. I'm so thankful and happy we got to hang out with them for a little while last night. They're a very nice family, and I'm sure their parents are very proud of them.