I go to a lot of shows. They range from pained to good to great, and some defy description. This show was in the third category but not at all in an unfortunate sense. Techno Lincoln and the Technicolor Union flabbergasted me with their rock opera…a spectacle of costumes, fight scenes, and reggae renditions of classic rock songs. Based on pre-show discussions overheard in Gabe’s beer garden, this free show drew a crowd that seemed to have a heightened sense of curiosity about the Union compared to other acts that have taken the stage. I had the pleasure of watching the performers get into makeup and costume before lighting up the stage with a myriad of color, noise and enthusiasm. The energy in the sweltering hot bar was lively despite the heaviness of the early summer humidity, and the performers jumped around as though they had mini AC units installed in the pockets of their costumes. I can finally say I know what my high school’s drama department would have produced if students were allowed alcohol and unrestricted creative license.
Not less importantly, there were two opening acts – Boxcar Taylor and Attic Party. I have included shots of Attic Party, who I was able to catch near the end of their set. I hate to be one to make excuses, but I was delayed by locking myself out of my house, an hour’s walk from the venue, between pre-show prep and the actual performances. I hope the two openers will forgive my hurried absentmindedness – I hear they were both great sets.
