The two opening acts were incredible in their own ways. Gardening, Not Architecture was a lone woman playing in front of a panel (about the size of a door) filled with lights. The lights go on and make little patterns and designs while she played. She only played 3 songs, but I can't wait to hear the rest of her material.
Iamani hit the stage next and immediately asked for people to come up close. I knew right away that he would be very friendly and interactive with the audience. I was right. He was so kind and positive and just overall the nicest guy. It also turns out he's from Oakland which is pretty awesome since it's the next city over from where I live. Hopefully he will be playing sometime soon.
Shortly after Iamani's set, OLD took the stage R2 and all. Jonah was obviously having a blast and so was the crowd. I heard whispers from various people around me that had attended all 3 nights that this was their favorite night. After playing for a good amount of time, he offered to play a few more songs in the parking garage (after of course, we all helped him load his stuff in his car). After a little security snafu, he ended up playing Mother Mary and Lukewarm by the entrance to the Knitting Factory. It felt good to belt the last lines of Lukewarm with everyone at the top of our lungs while various families and the mini-steam punk convention went back to their cars.
Kim and I will be going to see NIN on September 3rd in LA for their 3rd to last performance ever (or so says Trent). I will also try to update more frequently even if nothing big like this happened.
