Monday, May 31, 2010

Spirit West Coast Del Mar

I just got home from one of the funnest shows I think I've ever been a part of.

I'm on no sleep, and my brain is fuzzy, so this will be a bit of a mindless rant, but I have been slacking on this blog, and that's gotta stop!

Yesterday, we flew from Tennessee out to California to play Spirit West Coast Del Mar. It was a really busy day with tons of travel, interviews, meet and greets, and that kind of thing.... and by the time dinner rolled around, I was pretty exhausted. We did a mid-afternoon signing session, and met lots of wonderful people - including this woman, who named her dog Hawk Nelson, and made a shirt in his honor! Crazy!

She named her dog Hawk Nelson, and made a shirt of him!


It had been a few years since we played Del Mar, and it's a festival that's kind of dear to my heart. It was at this festival in 2005 that I had "the talk" with the beautiful girl that is now my wife. You know "the talk", right? The incredibly awkward... "um.... I like you..... do you maybe..... like me?" talk. Yeah, that one. Anyways. 5 years ago, I built up the courage to do it. I'm so glad I did!

This year some things were a little different at Del Mar. There was a roof built over the C28 stage, which was nice.... We closed out that stage, and played after Flatfoot 56! If you don't know them, they're a celtic rock band that's been around for a little while. Really fun band.

Anyways... when we hit the stage, we were greeted by one of the most eager, energetic crowds we've played to in a while. I'm gonna let you in on a not-so-secret secret. When a crowd is full of excitement, anticipation, and energy like this one was.... the band WILL ABSOLUTELY play a better show. Guaranteed. It was because of this crowd that this show was so fun.... definitely one of the most energetic and exciting shows we've played all year.....

So, next time you go to see a band you like - don't just stand and stare - jump around, sing along, throw your arms around... have fun! I guarantee the entire show will be better!

Yesterday's San Diego experience was complete with In-N-Out burger. Someone tried explaining to me that it's a Christian Burger place. My response was....... "ooohhhhhhhhh-kay." If I'm truthful, that kind of live-in-a-bubble-and-try-to-stick-to-Christian-everything mentality completely rubs me the wrong way. I mean, what makes a burger Christian? And don't say the Bible verse on the wrapper. Christian or not, their shakes are like 700 calories, and that just ain't right. Haha. Delicious though.

(let's save THAT rant for another day shall we?!)

In any case - San Diego and Spirit West Coast Del Mar were everything I remember and more - thanks for a great festival experience!


On Wednesday we fly out to The Netherlands for our first European Hawk Nelson shows ever! So excited! Let there be blogs!

Jonathan

13 comments:

Natalie Sanden said...

That was one of the most amazing shows i have been to! (i've been to 11 HN shows) Thank you so much! We were right infront of you and you rocked it! haha thankyou so much! Also thankyou for stopping for a picture with me even though u guys were in a hurry, it ment ALOT! thanks again!
-the girl in the tutu!(which is the same girl that did the leadership project on you back in early 2009)

Unknown said...

Ive been to a few hawk shows and that was one of my favorite! I hope you saw me, but i guess everyone hopes that! I had the red tie on my head, and in october 2009 i wore a LLL cheerleader outfit...you can see i like to stand out! You guys have made such a difference in my life; whenever i listen to your music i feel so much better about whatevers wrong. I feel closer to God when i listen to the music, and it makes me want to get out there and do something great with my life, which i am trying to do!! Well, i love you guys, and God bless you! Keep inspiring people!
--megan knaus[ka-naus] (cheerleader & tie head)

Secilee said...

awww how sweet. What you said about getting up the courage to ask Jess out that was soo sweet.

Ida Lou said...

That sounds like fun! I frikkin' love Europe!!! I hate the christian bubble thing too. Gah. Talk about going on a rant. Haha. You guys won't be at Creation. :(

Britney said...

awww how sweet and i totally wish i was there but i guess ill just see you in monterey cant wait :D

Anonymous said...

Very cool... I love concerts where everything is energetic! When are ya'll coming to FL???

AlotlikeKARA said...

hm sounds absolutely Lovely :) My friend James was there.. totally wish I was. Can. Not. Wait to see you guys again.. and hopefully a pic this time.. stupid venues in Michigan. haha :)
and that was so sweet how you talked about Jess :))

Unknown said...

Hi! I work at In N Out Burger! =) I've worked there for about 2 years now. They really are privately owned by a Christian family! Harry and Esther Snyder founded the company 60 years ago and their Christian ways have been passed down through their family ever since, and the company is now run by their granddaughter Lynsi Snyder! =) It really is an amazing company.

Oh and also- Spirit West Coast Monterey will be WAY better than Del Mar. Just sayin ;)

Tyler H said...

I'm sorry I didn't see the dog lady, but glad that I did see this: http://christianmusiczine.com/2010/05/31/hawk-nelson-ode-to-lord-stanley-live-at-spirit-west-coast/

Unknown said...

Dude! That's totally my mom! :D
I made that shirt for her for Mother's Day! :) Ironic that they weren't letting us take pictures with the band, but the band wanted pictures of us haha.

Anonymous said...

No way...that was really your mom?????????????????

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you had fun at SWC Del Mar. I was working Production/Backline at the Air 1 Stage. I was supposed to run spot for Newsboys, but I had to beg & plead (and eventually train) for someone to take my spot on the spot.

Because I was working I was unable to attend the M&G, but I did see Dan leaving my stage, and I chased after him and handed him a thing of different flavored coffees from Disneyland I told him to share with everyone. I hope one of those got to you, hehe.

You guys did rock it. It almost seamed like you teamed up with Joseph Rojas. What he said touched my heart, and when you guys started the concert with "Alive", it just tied in so perfectly and I was crying through the whole first half of your concert.

The show really was amazing. When i went back to tear down the Air 1 stage I was being teased for not being my hyper self (I was exhausted from jumping up and down at your show).

The only "disappointment" I had was that you guys didn't sing "Lest We Forget." That's totally my song that inspired my move, and hearing you talk about playing it on tour I was anxious to hear it. If you are taking requests for SWC Monterey, PLEASE play that song. (I will be working that festival as well, but not sure which stage. I will beg once again to be able to see you guys.)

I did have some questions and comments about your performance from a sound nerd standpoint, but maybe I will save those questions for another time. :-)

Unknown said...

Yep, that's my mom! I have the same shirt, too, but it was WAY too big so I'm adjusting it now. :)