Hello Loves
 | So a few nights ago, I went to the one of the most wild, wacky adventures I have had in a while. I am talking about the much-anticipated, State Champs concert at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights this past Monday. In case you are unfamiliar with state champs, I have attached a video for your convenience. Anyways, they are a pop-punk band that began in 2010 out of New York. They feature 5 members, Derek, Evan, Ryan, Tyler, and Tony. In the past year, they have easily became one of my favorite bands, and my friend bought me ticket to this show for my birthday. |
As you probably have noticed, I do not strike others as a “punk” type of gal, so I was battling with my wardrobe to decide what to wear to this thing. I knew punk shows are real big into crowd surfing, stage diving, ambushing the stage, and just all other forms of rowdiness. Therefore, I did not want to wear something overly-nice, yet I did not want to look grungy. I also knew that at 20, it may be considered weird if I wear a band t, plus I did not want people to know this was my first punk show. So I just decided to wear a simple black crop top and white, distressed shorts, both from Forever21.
I went to State Champs with a mission: meet Evan, who is my favorite member, catch a drumstick, and leave with a pair of autographed white converse. Prior to the concert, I purchased a pair of converse replicas from Target for around $18. I did not buy the real thing because I knew deep in my heart I was leaving with my autographed shoes. Why pay $50 when I’m only going to wear them tonight?
Prior to the concert, I just happen to see Evan, my favorite member walking near the bar. Of course I ran over to him and he allowed me to take a pic with him and we conversed for about 10 minutes. From then, I knew the show was going to be great.
The show was INSANE. I definitely did not prepare myself for the craziness that lied ahead. I have never been so jam-packed like a can of sardines in my entire life. My friends and I got pushed over, punched, kicked, crowd-surfed on, jumped onto, you name it. It got to the point where we couldn’t breathe, so when I saw an open space on the corner of the stage, I took a mad-dash for it. I got to watch a good half the show sitting on the stage pretending like I was press lol. Once press noticed I was there and kicked me off, I saw a large amplifier and my friends and I sat on top of there the rest of the time so we could see and not have to worry about concussions. Even though there was jungle madness according below us and near the stage, it was an absolute blast. I am now wearing my band-aids and bruises as a sign of glory. Did I mention that the last song people stormed the stage and people were using the ceiling rafters as monkey bars? Yeah, I didn’t want to leave that out because this was the moment I got my drumstick.
After the show, I managed to get all 5 members to sign my shoes, so now I own the most badass pair of sneakers ever. I also found Evan again so I was able to get my drumstick signed as well as a picture with Derek, the lead singer. Lastly, how could I leave without a t-shirt and some stickers from the merch table?
So, that boys and girls was my first (and NOT last) State Champs experience. If you are interested in attending one of their shows, that are reasonably priced and a BLAST, like them on Facebook or go onto statechampsny.com. I am also proud to say that I will be seeing them yet again in July as well as in August in Columbus and Toledo. Thanks for reading and stay champs.
xoxo
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