My friend, Koji, was invited to play Warped Tour this year and he invited me to join him at Merriweather Pavilion to share his Warped experience.  Real life conversations from no shitting on the bus, to fans who find the hotel where the artists are staying, sorting through your own constructive criticisms, staying young forever, people who can’t spell your name even when you spell it for them, traveling when you can, taking breaks… Every time I see him, I get a renewed sense of motivation.  And we’re doing alright.

I spent most of my afternoon at the Acoustic Basement where Koji played.  It was refuge from the sun and frankly, the one place that I was more inclined to focus my attention.  The stage, run by Brian Marquis, had musicians playing that I’ve been listening to since I discovered music outside of the radio, DIY venues, and friends that I would keep.  I had the pleasure of meeting Geoff Rickly (Thursday) and Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music).  I always hoped that musicians that I listened to and looked up to were good people in real life.  Well, Geoff and Chuck are both down ass dudes.  Or as I like to put it, as good on the inside as they are on the outside.  They remind me of my friends… and that’s a wonderful feeling.

So, along with spending time with friends, meeting good people, and listening to good music, I got to shoot.  Here’s a few from the Acoustic Basement:

John Nolan (Taking Back Sunday/Straylight Run):

Koji:

Geoff Rickly (Thursday):

Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) accompanied by Jon Gaunt (fiddle) and Joe Ginsberg (bass):