Flannels and Knots

Tonight is a lot more chilly than usual. I wear my slouchiest flannel and head out the door to my field site. In typical and true "punk" fashion, I see several attendees wearing flannels as well. I'm slowly learning, participating, and dressing the part very accurately. I decided I would arrive to my site earlier this time. Very few people are outside the venue and I question whether there will even be a show tonight. It appears that the environment operates differently when it is less occupied. 

I walk into the venue. It is pretty tidy, vacuumed and all. It's appearance crushes my belief that this place could never be inviting. Although the stench B.O. and beer is very much alive, the atmosphere is clean. The event promoter, "Nick", is calmly preparing the facility and creating larger space for more attendees. I assume tonights event is expected to turn out rather well. James, another promoter, leisurely untangles and prepares cords for musicians that should be arriving soon. Sure enough, as I observe James, three large males carrying equipment walk in. They are greeted by Nick and James. I notice as males, they are very firm and series with one another. More aggressive handshakes and pats on the back took place. The three males continue making their way through the venue and privately set their equipment aside in a back room. There I observe them discussing things which I assume is about their set.

There is still quite some time before the event should begin. I take a seat in the foyer and observe a third promoter, "Cade", talking with Nick. It appears they are joking and storytelling. Cade pretends to fight and kick Nick and the two begin chuckling haggardly to one another. 

By arriving early, I gather that the environment is a lot more relaxed and comfortable. All three promoters seem at ease and in no rush to control the venue just yet. Perhaps the cold breeze coming through the foyer from outside and into the venue has changed the mood. This moment is quite a contrast from my observations last week. I found it interesting how a genre of music and larger amount of people can transform a place. 

Pre show lounging has turned the venue around completely. This comes to an end and more show goers arrive. Let another night of thrashy raging ensue.