March 18, 2006
Mabank/Cedar Creek Lake, Texas

The day started off quite differently than expected and/or anticipated.  The route to the gig was definitely a mishap because of overshooting an exit and taking a rather LONG scenic route.  The trip to the pavilion was extended by an extra hour and a half.  During the course of the trip, storms were encountered and rain flooded the streets and “fogged’ out the view of the windshield of the van.  Carlos (a. k. a. “The Scientist”), Darin, and I (Gerad) were still dry however.  Upon finally arriving at the Pavilion, It was raining heavily but not as bad as it was on the way there.  We started carrying in equipment and just after we get everything under the roof of the pavilion, the rain was at its worst.  It was so terrible you could not see the cars parked just outside the pavilion.

        Setting the PA system up for this gig laid a challenge as well as a job, and an adventure all laid into one simple hour and 30 minute task.  The water rose to be an inch or two on the ground.  Luckily, we had the amp rack on wheels and the subs were on 2x6 boards to keep them two inches off the ground, otherwise we could have been in for a shocking course of events and possibly some fireworks.  Our socks were soaked and when we were done setting up everything and getting the first band on the list,  It was time to venture to a nearby store and buy a new pack of socks.

The actual show went rather well.  Some bands cancelled then jumped right back on the bill as soon as they realized the weather was coming to a halt.  The bands started at around 3:15pm and the show ended at 12:30am.  9 out of 12 bands did continue to perform.   Some of these bands are including Shackled, Lord Slugg, Southern Heretics, Sacred Lynch, With These Words, Halo Down,  and many more.

        The crowd turnout was actually more than expected.  The fans got very into the bands performing and everyone had a good time despite the cold and wet weather.  The most entertaining AND crowd getting band would have to be Southern Heretics.  They did a VERY good job at smashing a guitar, giving one away, and getting the crowd into the music.  Sadly it was their last performance but they went out with a big bang and definitely went out in pieces. 

        Great job by everyone who performed, helped put the show together, and the show promoters.   It was a blast and hopefully there will be others soon like it. 

Gerad Deuvall

staff writer/dallasmusic.com