7.21 in Bakersfield

So...last Friday we were scheduled to play a show at The Gate in Bakersfield. We promoted the hell out of it online, and Roy from The excommunicated kept us informed about how they were promoting it and all that fun stuff. We got lots of feedback from kids who were planning on going, and the show was destined to turn out great.

Well, Friday came around and as soon as I got off from work I headed to Doug's house, we loaded the truck, and left to Bakersfield. Over 4 hours later, and a shitload of traffic we made it to the little star on the map...but where the fuck was The Gate?? Everything on the block was dark, and we could not, for the life of us, find the venue. We rolled down the windows and listened for some noise, but we heard nothing. Shit. We yelled at Mikkei, cuz he'd been there before and he had no clue as to where it was. Then, out of nowhere some punk rock kid starts running in front of our car yelling at us to stop. It was Roy.

Roy told us that earlier that day The Gate's transformer blew up and the electric company wouldn't have it fixed for a few days...BUT...the show was moved to Uncle Jimmies house...or some shit. Well, we didn't drive out to Bakersfield to turn around and drive home...so off to Uncle Jimmies.

About 30 minutes later...and a 10 minute drive...we got there. We pulled up to some fancy looking warehouses, and started walking towards them. Behind the warehouses was somebody's house, and a backyard filled with dirt, a filthy looking above ground pool filled with the remnants of the shows attendees, and what looked to be an old workshop of some sort (engine hoists, old car parts, buckets full of paint...all sorts of shit).

A band was set up, and was playing the last few songs of their set. We took the "stage" next. It was at LEAST 90 degrees outside and it was about 10pm. HOT. We played through a shortened set (there was limited time), and had a great time. Keegan hit me square on the head with his bass...ouch. Some dude was running around the dirt in a speedo. Yeah. Then came The excommunicated and Dagobah System. Both bands rocked hard and played fast. Good stuff.

Even though the venue didn't work out, we still had a great time. It sucks for anyone who couldn't make it out to the house and had to miss the show...but we'll be back out there soon. It wouldn't be Punk Rock if it weren't for shit like this. I don't even think there was an Uncle Jimmy or whoever. A big thank you for Roy and his girlfriend and buddy for waiting around for us for hours at the venue. You rule.

Here's our short setlist (I think...probably the wrong order): Live Free Or Die, Armor, Vets Hall, Religion For Dummies Part 2, People With Guns.