Party Like it's 1997

When I told my boss my plans for the weekend, she laughed. I asked friends if they wanted to join us, and I got responses such as: "I have to watch the grass grow, otherwise I'd love to," and "Definitely not." What were my plans? My roommate and I were headed to Club Nokia, in downtown LA, for a Hanson concert.

Yes, Hanson. Yes, "mmmbop". Yes, they still play it. No they don't still look like girls. No, they're not Mormon. Yes, they're still putting out records and touring.

This would be show #6 for me, a high number for those out of the Hanson loop, but a relatively low one as a Hanson fan (I have friends who's concert count is in the 20's and overheard one woman saying it was her 200th). For Alexis, it was her 2nd, and her first time seeing them since 2000.

We parked in a sketchball carpark a few blocks away from LA Live, where the venue's located. One street in LA can really make a difference. Whereas Olympic is brightly lit, the side road we turned down was dark and mostly deserted. If our parents knew that we'd walked alone, two white girls in downtown LA, they'd lock us up. But paying $5 to park, instead of $25, made it worth it. When we were leaving, however, we questioned our rationale, as we were slowly followed by a SUV as we neared the lot, and witnessed a wad of cash being transferred directly in front of us as we were trying to leave.

The show itself was amazing. Hanson shows are the best ones I've been to - everyone is super excited to be there and no one leaves with much of a voice. The band has you clapping, shouting, singing, twisting, jumping, and throwing yourself around. The band and the crowd both are exuding so much passion, forcing the other to up their own levels, until the room is saturated with emotion. Taylor, in an effort to get the crowd more involved, discloses that Hanson shows are times to "forget about your boyfriend, girlfriend, job, and all that other shit," and let loose. Have fun. Dance. Clap. Sing. Give yourself over to this band, who, in turn, will give themselves to you. I definitely left with a hoarse voice, sore neck from swishing my hair about, tired feet, red hands, and worked abs from twisting during their cover of The Beatle's "Twist and Shout". But I had a blast.

No matter what people say, the brothers of Hanson know how to put on a good show, and like any good date, they always leave you wanting more.

(the only picture I was able to get... they had a strict No Cameras policy, and the security guard glared at me when I took my phone out)

The following are my tweets from the night:

(#32. Go to 15 concerts/shows)

I have a full review of this show as well that I'll be posting later, fyi.