First Big Concert in COVID-Land
Almost three months ago I went to my first live music performance post-COVID lockdowns. Back then, a lot of us were either fully vaccinated or half way there. We were hopeful that our Summer would be better than last years, with the world opening up. Then the different variants began to run amuck, and the mask mandates returned (at least to Oregon State).
A few weeks ago a friend offered me a concert ticket to Sylvan Esso and I gladly accepted. The evening of Labor Day, we checked the concert guidelines to make sure we didn’t bring any forbidden items and jumped in the car, ready for a fun evening out! It was about thirty minutes east from Portland at McMenamin’s Edgefield. I love this venue and saw Modest Mouse there ten years ago!
I was worried about the parking situation, but this wasn’t the locale’s “first time around the block” and they had many prepared overflow lots. We were stoked! Masked up and with few eligible items in hand, we marched down to the entry gate. There were people with concert badges asking us to have our Proof of Vaccination out, along with our ID. Once they checked, we were given stamps on our hands, and proceeded to the next checkpoint. Metal detectors and then ticket scanners. I couldn’t believe the sheer amount of people in attendance.
It had been a long time since I had volunteered to be near thousands of strangers with the common goal of seeing a live musician.
After spotting our friends (who saved us seats — score!), we made our way through the crowd and put out our beach towels. There were crazy lines for everything!
Once situated with a port-a-potty bathroom visit, plus some food and beverages, we planted ourselves and waited for the headliner.
- **Not to discredit the Opening Act, but we arrived too late to catch their set.
The energy of Sylvan Esso was on point and dancing ensued. Definitely a live performer worth seeing!!!
We thought we would be clever and duck out before the end of the encore to get avoid being stuck in traffic, but I kept noticing people heading out earlier than we expected.
Needless to say, it felt like we spent more time waiting in the parking lot to leave than we did at the actual show. Next time we go to this place for a SOLD OUT gig, we will take a car-share.
