There's a lot of bridges in the states. And a lot of bridges between me and Tekkoshocon. Thankfully, even though I hated every minute of driving over them, they were worth it to get to Tekkoshocon X!
The drive wasn't too bad, blasted JRock all the way there. Took a few stops. I think it was 5 hours? My memory fails me. There was some nice scenery along the way....and dead deer. Spring was definitely in the air and I lucked out with weather that held on to make it a slightly cloudy, but overall bright drive down.
I found the convention with relative ease - the parking not so much! After a few times around the block, finding the garage entrance and then the stair case exit I got to the hotel.
I arrived on the Saturday, work schedule preventing me from arriving sooner. As such, the registration line was non-existent - sweet! Of course therefore it took me a moment to find registration! The hotel was bustling full of convention life. However after the drive there wasn't much time for looking around before getting ready for the concert. I did a quick loop around - only to realize it wasn't quite as big as I thought! Found the dealers room and the band swag booth within. Scored a bunch of stuff - sadly due to my later arrival, some things were sold out. There was a HUGE banner behind the booth that was going to be raffled at the autograph session following the concerts. Of course I wanted it! You got a ticket for every $50 you spent (I think that was the amount?) - I won't tell you how many tickets I had :p I made a note to check out artist alley when I had more time.
Went back to the room to get ready for the concert.
(Seriously I can not pose....)
If you're able to afford the premium passes at this con, go for it! They let you skip the main line and get you in first to the events - this is awesome! And, as luck would have it, I had such a pass. It also eliminates having to get to the line SUPER early unless you want to be first of the first. And well...yes I do...but I wasn't!
That said, I was still at the front fence upon entry. I don't think we waited too long to get in - of course I arrived 'later' to line up. I had stage right and was near, but not too near the speakers, perfect view of everything.
Unfortunately this was prior to my joining JRFCUSA so without a press pass I was not able to take any photos. They would have been awesome.
First up was SoundWitch. I had previously checked them out on YouTube - but they hadn't caught my eye. Or rather, my ear. But then, YT is not the best way to judge a live band - and they proved that fact well. I fell completely in love with them! Twin, the vocalist is amazing! Fantastic voice and her stage presence is mesmerizing. May the then guitarist, covered the stage with her energy and was matched by Matsubai - I don't think either of them stopped moving through the whole set. I loved them all!! I have since found, after listening to their cds, that this is a band that for sure is best live. While the cds are good, nothing seems to compare to actually experiencing them in person. It's a great live - go see them!
Check out this live footage from later in the year:
After SoundWitch had finished the crew came out to switch the stage. I believe it was about a 30 min interval to get everything changed over. Not too bad and we caught glimpses of the next band, Exist Trace through the curtain wall. During this time the con staff worked with the crowd to get them motivated - having 'left vs right' side of the audience contests. We did a LOT of screaming!
Then...it was time....
For Exist Trace! The girls simply kick ASS!!! WOW! The stage was set, the band first came out in masquerade. Omi & Miko gave us all a little fan service and then it got LOUD! This is hands down my favorite head-banging concert to date! The crowd LOVED the band, the crowd was in unison, the crowd pushed the barrier so much and so hard that all the con staff were lined up sitting with their back to it to try and prevent us from crushing the stage - fantastic crowd! I think I missed half the show visually because I was in so much motion. They killed it through the whole set! My feet - oh my poor feet! FANTASTIC!!!
After the shows the bands did their autograph sessions. I think.....or was it the next day - OMG such a blur! But there was definitely an autograph session! AND we were allowed to take photos. First up was SoundWitch. We were allowed only 1 item to be signed.
Then the girls of Exist Trace!!
Yes, this must have been after the concert, cause the next day was the photo ops and the banner draw. Sadly/oddly we were now not able to use flash and it was a poorly lit area so - worst photo ever....
And....I totally did not win it. The number didn't even pretend to be close to any of my tickets! Oh well. Was a kick ass banner though - would have loved!
Afterwards was the photo op. You had to buy $100 worth of stuff to get a photo. A little cost prohibitive for many of the fans I fear. Marketing at it's best. But thankfully do-able for me that day!
Not the best hair day for me...or photo - but I couldn't be happier to be there! Totally in love with Naoto's hair :p
Tekkoshocon has a Rockstar pass - even better than the one had. I didn't know much about it, and it cost more so opted out. Turns out it would have gotten me lunch with the bands and a second live at the Hard Rock Cafe! Oh well - but good to know for next year. This would have happened late Sunday which would have not actually worked with my work schedule, but I can pretend I would have been there :p
Shortly after the photos were done I was on my way back home. Tried to introduce the boarder guard to some JRock but he didn't want to listen :p Fantastic time - would love to see both bands live again!!
Lizz
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