Tales From The Pit: All Time Low and Mayday Parade Rock the Ryman
All Time Low - Photo by Shelby ChandlerImagine if, by clicking your Vans together three times, you could transport back in time to a stripped-down, acoustic set at Warped Tour - now that would be a concert experience worth traveling for!
Speaking of unforgettable shows, I recently had the pleasure of witnessing Mayday Parade and All Time Low perform at the Ryman Auditorium, and let me tell you; it was a night filled with pure magic and emotion.
The Ryman Auditorium, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most intimate venues in the country. This historic venue, known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," has hosted legendary acts such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley. Its rustic charm and incredible acoustics make it the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music. The stained glass windows, pew seating, and stellar acoustics add to the charm and uniqueness that is the Ryman. I must say, hearing these iconic songs in such a raw format brought an entirely new feeling to the music, and it was an experience that will stay with me forever.
There's something special about a group of strangers coming together to enjoy the music that defined their younger years. The energy in the room throughout the night was electric, and the collective singing of the crowd was unforgettable. When Mayday Parade took the stage, and Derek split his time between the piano and guitar, I'm not sure the chills disappeared until the intermission between both acts. The crew put together one of the most creative sets I've ever seen, complete with plants, rugs, and vintage lighting; the decor only enhanced the intimacy of the evening. The bands put together the perfect blend of nostalgia, raw emotion, and pure fun; it was as if we were all transported back in time to a simpler era of our lives and solidified how the power of music can truly bring everyone together.
All Time Low, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, has been a staple in the pop-punk scene since their formation in 2003. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson. With hits like "Dear Maria, Count Me In" and "Weightless," these guys know how to get a crowd pumped up and singing along.
Mayday Parade - Photo by Shelby ChandlerMayday Parade, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, has been making waves in the scene since their debut album in 2007. The band consists of lead vocalist Derek Sanders, rhythm guitarist Brooks Betts, lead guitarist Alex Garcia, bassist Jeremy Lenzo, and drummer Jake Bundrick. Their biggest hits include "Miserable at Best" and "Jamie All Over," both of which are sure to tug at your heartstrings. With their heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, Mayday Parade always delivers an unforgettable performance.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found out I had somehow managed to attend the only stripped-down set of the tour. As a massive fan of both bands, I was over the moon to experience their raw talent without any of the fancy production. However, for those hoping to hear the band's plugged-in performance, fear not! The bands are currently touring throughout the early summer from coast to coast. Their energy is truly unmatched, and it's an experience you won't want to miss.
Be sure to catch them on one of their upcoming tour dates:- May 20th - The Fillmore - Charlotte, NC- May 21st - The Ritz - Raleigh, NC- May 22nd - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA- May 24th - The NorVa - Norfolk, VA- May 25th - The Fillmore Silver Spring - Silver Spring, MD- May 26th - The Fillmore Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA- May 28th - The Webster - Hartford, CT- May 29th - House of Blues - Boston, MA- May 30th - Upstate Concert Hall - Clifton Park, NY- June 1st - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA- June 2nd - The Agora - Cleveland, OH- June 4th - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI- June 5th - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO- June 6th - The Truman - Kansas City, MO- June 8th - The Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO- June 9th - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT- June 11th - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA- June 12th - McMenamins Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR- June 14th - The Warfield - San Francisco, CA- June 15th - Hollywood Palladium - Los Angeles, CA