Not over Over It

No, I am not simply repeating myself. Over It is the name of a band, and one that I really love to listen to quite a lot. Yesterday afternoon, I headed over to In the Venue in Salt Lake City to see Over It for the third time. I had decided I would leave a bit later than my usual 2 p.m. for the show that started at 6:30 p.m., but then I was ready to go at 2 p.m., and I figured I could sit around and wait at the venue just as easily as at home, I suppose. The even funnier thing is that I made such good time that it was almost ridiculous. So much for being there later.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day outside. It did much to lift my spirits. I am not a winter person. I was born and raised in the Sacramento area. Very hot summers are not at all uncommon in Sacramento, and the winters are mild by comparison to Salt Lake City. I'm not a winter person, and the winters here are often extended. This year winter has not been to bad overall. The last time Over It was in Salt Lake City, they were opening for Bowling for Soup and it was extremely cold. I wouldn't be surprised if that was our coldest day this last winter, so the beautiful weather for this show was quite a contrast!

I was expecting a friend to show up, but I hadn't really connected with her ahead of time, so I had no idea what time she would arrive. So, I waited...and waited. I watched bands during load out. A few of the band members came out to smoke here and there. I had read online that the concert was supposed to start at 6:30, but I decided to see what the time was printed on the ticket said since no one seemed to be showing up. I glanced at the 7 p.m. ticket and noticed that it also said, "Presented by The Truth About Tobacco." I couldn't help but to chuckle at the irony. I decided to call my friend, Lauralee, and I asked her if she liked irony. She thought I said ironing. I'm sure she thought I was crazy at that moment. Who likes ironing? When she finally figured it out, I think she appreciated my obervation. She said she was getting some water and would be there in about 20 mintes.

In the meantime, it was getting just a tad warm out there. I was getting concerned for the chocolate I brought for Seth of Over It. I checked the Hershey bars, and let's just say that they were VERY soft. I saw one of the men with all access passes and asked mentioned to him about having chocolate for Seth of Over It, and I expressed my concerns about it melting. He said, he should be around here somewhere and that he was sure I'd see him. Probably no more than 10 seconds later, Seth came out and sat down; and I was able to pawn off the melted chocolate. Ooops, I mean I was able to give him my well-thought out gift. Actually he appreciated it and found a cool place for it. Then he came back out and we chatted a little. I asked him if he liked irony. Judging by the look on his face, he probably thought I said ironing as well. I pulled out the ticket and showed him. I'm not sure he was quite as amused at the irony quite as was, but he did seem to appreciate it just the same.

At 3:45 or thereabouts (was I watching my watch? I must have been bored) Lauralee arrived. She brought water and some much welcome company. She stood where the invisible entry "line" would be and waited while I went to my car and brought out the sunscreen. I'm sure it saved me from looking like a complete lobster today. We chatted, and chatted some more. She went to her car and I talked to Nick of Over It very briefly. Time passed and still no one else showed up in line. At 5:30 p.m. we were told we could go in early. It was nice and cool inside and before long people did arrive and it was time for the show to start.

The first band wasn't bad, and I think it was a local band. Lauralee knows the name, but I have forgotten, unfortunately. All in all 4 bands played. Everybody Else played next and they were really very good. I especially liked the drummer. He had his drum kit on the floor in front, which reminded me of Mute Math. Then it was time for Over It to set up. I saw the set list taped to a speaker during load out, so I knew they were playing "Gunslinger" which is a favorite of mine. During the stage set up, I noticed that it was the second song. This gal next to me took out a pen and wrote her request at the end of the set list. It was kind of funny. It wasn't one they were prepared to play, although I they do sometimes take requests. They didn't have their acoustic set up available for the show. Lauralee recorded a couple of the songs and Peter was mugging for the camera. IT was pretty funny. He is very interactive with people onstage and a lot of fun. In addition to some great guitars and just great music, they are all very animated during a performance. The only thing I didn't like about their set was that it was just too short. :(

After Over It finished playing, it was time for Self Against City. I almost felt badly because I think quite a few people were there to see Over It. There were some very enthusiastic guys next to me who were obviously very big fans, so it's possible that my perceptions were wrong. At any rate, they played a good set as well. I liked the very first song the best, and it did seem familiar for some reason. I was taking photos, and at one point the lead singer kinda posed with a funny expression for me. I didn't think it had turned out sharp enough, but it actually work out after all.

After Self Against City finished performing, I went to Over It's merch table and purchased a chain with an Over It pic, and a cd. Then I bought the Everybody Else cd at their merch table. Lauralee bought a tee. We started to walk away and spotted Nick, but then he started a conversation with some guys he seemed to know well, and we just kinda waited around. We had a nice conversation with Nick about music, Relient K, movies and other things, Lauralee took our photo and we headed outside where we found Seth, Peter and Ryan. We spent quite a lot of time just chatting until it was time for them to leave. I had lots of fun, laughed lots, had my photo taken and overall had a great time. I can't wait until we get to see them again. It was a much needed break from the doldrums I've been in lately.

Lauralee stood by our cars and chatted even longer before we headed off to our respective homes. It was a great night full of wonderful memories. It was a great gift and a blessing.

As Mac Powell would say,
Peace Out,
Melanie