Tag Archives: concerts

Never Shout Never – Absolutely Never

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Never Shout Never – Absolutely Never

Define and Conquer

I’d picked the kids up last week from the roller skating rink and caught a nice break visiting and singing along with them to fun music. (Never Shout Never, Coffee and Cigarettes. Always fun and inappropriate), when I pull into my driveway and see that black Mercedes parked in front of my house.

In another life, another time, another moment, my heart would have skipped a beat. Everything in my romantic Vampire soul would have cried “Adventure and Romance are MINE”, followed by “Insanity and Trouble” and the urge to RUN, but at this moment, BUSY MOM, just looked and thought “You’ve got to be kidding?”

My kids are already wondering why my mood is gone.

The last time this person was over my husband gave him the “We’re not going to raise our kids in a Vampire Ghetto” talk. Not “Ghetto Talk” but telling this prominent Vampire that we would not be raising our children in a night-time world of Vampires and darkness. We’re modern Vampires. We don’t lurk around shadows. We don’t lurk. We live in a diverse world. And aside from that, my husband used to be a regular human. But that is another blog post up the road somewhere.

He greeted the kids and they ran upstairs with excuses about tons of homework. I greeted Nathaniel Chase with a kiss on his cold cheek. He took my hands in his and told me how lovely I looked. Teddy had already opened a bottle of wine. I headed to the kitchen to get my own glass of wine, with the intention of joining  the men who were deep in discussion about whatever it is men discuss when my brain is full of kids and work and the 50,000 things the average mom has to do each and every single day rain or shine, dark or light.

I was in no hurry to get my own glass. From the corner of my eye, from the kitchen window, I could see the ghost sitting on my back deck reading a large red book. Nathaniel Chase would be too polite to bring up the ghost. Most Vampires are polite to a fault unless provoked (or with their blood relatives). As I poured the wine I wondered what brought Nathaniel here. It was always something that would turn my world upside down. He always wanted something. What would it be this time. Did he still want to know about Jack the Ripper? Did he want to recruit my son into studying with some old musty Vampire in Europe? Did he want to get information about someone? Or did he just plan on bitching about our lifestyle choices?

I glanced out the window at the ghost. He flipped me off and vanished. I thought about Nathaniel, glossy black hair, slate blue eyes and matching sweater and black jeans with a plaid Cashmere scarf hanging around his neck (you know the kind guys wear now). He could have been the front man of a famous band or a CEO of a Fortune 100 company. He could be whatever you wanted him to be. As a Vampire he was that good. Women’s heads would turn but they wouldn’t know if it was because he was dressed so well or if he was handsome or if he was a creature from another realm. All they were really sure of was that they couldn’t resist him. He could work it on men too (we all can). No regular human could resist Nathaniel Chase.

He’d been around for a long time. I suspect at least 400 years but I never asked. I just knew that it was his job, or he thought it his job, to keep track of what other Vampires were doing. I’m a mom, so had too much to deal with right now without being twisted and turned by Nathaniel Chase. And I could resist Nathaniel Chase. I’d been resisting him my entire life.

I’m proud to be whatever I am and have raise my children to do the same but that said…I don’t want my children to grow up feeling as if the world is not theirs. I don’t want them to live in an antique world of darkness, reeking with the smells of dried blood and fear. I don’t want them to feel as if they are monsters or outcasts.

Nathaniel Chase was always watching me since  I was a child. Nothing I ever did was right. Of course girlfriends and I got into all sorts of silly problems but we were just girls. On the other hand my brother Val and I got into some serious trouble on more than one occasion over the years, but we learned from our mistakes. We were serious successful adults now – not the crazy reckless youthful Vampires of old.

I downed my wine, poured another glass, straightened my shoulders and joined my husband Teddy and Nathaniel in the formal living room. I was ready to take whatever crap he wanted to throw at me and I was ready to throw it back. Never again would I let Nathaniel Chase get the best of me.

It took everything I had (and the wine helped) to keep my upper lip from getting a twitch in it. My head was light. I hated confrontation. I didn’t need it right now.

“So what brings you here Nathaniel?” I asked as I pushed a cat off of the chair and sat down. The cat jumped up into Nathaniel’s lap. Traitor.

“My wife and I are moving here in a few months. Our daughter is 3 now and our son just had his first birthday, but you knew that. I wanted to ask you about the schools. I hear you’re the go-to source for all things to do with parenting” Nathaniel answered. My husband just smiled.

As we grow up, no matter how long it takes, there comes a time when we realize that we’ve come into our own. I believe that most people are respected and liked and loved far more than they can ever imagine. I don’t always feel like that, believe me, but all reason tells me to just stop thinking and give myself a pat on my back for doing a good job.

We talked for another couple of hours about kids, schools and the joys and challenges of parenting. And all was well in my world, as the tune to Coffee and Cigarettes ran through my head.

coffee

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman

Note: Define and Conquer is use of witty wordplay on defining terms. This was not a typo for Divide and Conquer. You are on the wrong blog if you’re are looking for a fight or reason for unpleasant snark (try the political blogs).

Note #2: Never Shout Never – Absolutely Never was first posted in February 2013.

A Christmas Concert

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“I was there. I saw the star. I knew something was happening,” said Tellias who is over 2,000 years old. He was right in my face almost yelling.

He tells us that every single year but he never gives us any details. We’ve stopped trying to get information out of him.

I am the one who watches the elders, the ancient Vampires.

They speak in riddles and metaphors, not because they are wise but because they are tottering and annoying. They are confused and trying to get control over their lives that seem so out of control.

Today I took them out to a sing-a-long and a bell concert under the rotunda in State Capitol building in Sacramento. It is a beautiful building restored to how it was in 1880. A good size crowd showed up too.

Tellias was wearing a vest embroidered with snowmen and snowflakes, a large black top coat and a top hat. Eleora wore a red plaid skirt down to her knees, red flats with white lace tights, a sweater with a felt reindeer on it, complete with bells on the antlers and a red cap that hung down her back with a white pom pom. Had it been anyone else I would have told them to change, but since they look like they’re teens it was sweet. Had they looked like the really old people they are it would have been super sweet. Anyone else it would have been just tacky.

It was just Tellias, Eleora, my teenage daughter Clara, my brother Val and me. Garrett, off from college on break, was at my parents in San Francisco for a few days. My husband Teddy was working and everyone else was busy too, or just not to be found.

On the front steps of the Capitol building a photographer was taking photos of a happy wedding party. The bride was beautiful in a strapless dress of pure elegance and fluff. Clara and Eleora discussed the dresses in detail. Val and Tellias walked together discussing architectural details of downtown buildings and what the new arena would do to the character of the area. I took in the view of the park and Capitol Building under the cold overcast sky.

Eleora was in a good mood today. She has been grouchy and temperamental lately and overly critical of everything and everyone. A sweet thing by nature the turn to a grouch hasn’t been good. With that has come hoarding – something that another family member, Grandmama Lola has said NO to. I hope Lola has put a stop to the clutter and papers and obsessions that Eleora has started to take on.

Tellias just sighs and gets depressed, going on walks around his orchard and visiting with his neighbors way too much.

When we entered the concert area in the rotunda the two elders lit up like Christmas candles. Eleora put her arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. Tellias looked pleased and happy to see Eleora laughing in delight.

They listened to the bell concert with great patience. Behind us sat a mother and her little boy. They were delightful. It reminded me of when my own children were small and we’d go to all sorts of concerts and events.

When I was small Tellias and Eleora would take Val and I to concerts and events. We were active and unruly but we’d calm for music and poetry. We’d sit still by the river bank while our dear Ancients told us about the calls of the birds and of giant fish who swam in the waters.

They’d hold our small hands and guide us through the night and teach us that with love there was no fear.

I glanced at them walking by the front of the State Library making a joke about how cold the couple sitting out in front (two statues) must be on this December day.

Things change. People change. Time passes.

But the love we have, even when it pains us, is there. We love and remember and share those memories. But most important – we need to keep making memories.

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman

 

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Things you need to do with your teen

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Things you need to do with your teen.

You know right off the bat I’m going to talk about talking with your teen. TALK WITH YOUR TEEN. DO IT. NOW.

 

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Right off the bat…

 

Movies you need to see with your teen:

Lost Boys

Click on the movie titles above for information about the movie (and so you’ll see the right movie)

 

Must do things  to do with your teen:

  • Take your teen to a concert. Not something YOU want to see. Not something you THINK will be culturally enriching. Take them to see a band THEY listen to. Go to a smaller venue. Listen to the music before you go. You might like it. You might like it a lot. Click HERE for guidelines. Click HERE too and HERE.

Night Riots at 2015 Warped Tour - Mountain View, CA. Yes, I was there. It was awesome. I am the coolest mom ever.

Night Riots at 2015 Warped Tour – Mountain View, CA. Yes, I was there. It was awesome. I am the coolest mom ever.

  • Take your teen to Van’s Warped Tour. If you’re the parent who buys the ticket you get in free. What a deal. I saw seven bands that I liked. There were dozens more.
Never Shout Never Posters. Go Chris Drew.

Never Shout Never Posters. Go Chris Drew.

  • Take you teen to the an orchestra concert. Even if you don’t have a major Symphony or Philharmonic orchestra in your area, most communities have excellent community groups. Many high schools and colleges have orchestras. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and GO. Yes, this is the cultural education. You’ll have fun.
  • Go to the zoo. Zoos aren’t just for little kids.
  • Take your teen to a vintage clothing store and try stuff on – both of you. Boys and girls. Rock the vintage stuff.
  • Tell your teenager a bad joke every single day. Laugh out loud. Pretty soon they’ll be laughing along with you.
  • By the time our children get to high school and college the family pets are ancient senior citizens. Keep the love going but make sure you are there for your kids when the four-legged members of your family move on. It sucks but it seems like most teens live with ancient pets – well-loved ancient pets.
  • Cook with your teen, even if you’re a Vampire. When they get into college their roommates will love them if they can cook. Everyone loves a good cook.
  • Go for walks at least twice a week. It gives you a chance to talk and spend some quiet time together. No phones.
  • Go to a baseball game. Any team will do – professional, high school, college, T-ball. It is all fun.
  • Go roller skating.

 

Talk to your teen about:

  • Sex (if you aren’t responsible enough to use protection you are not responsible enough to have sex. Sex is normal but just because you are physically able to do it you might not be emotionally ready. High School is a fun time – don’t complicate it with sex. Yes, the conversation is easy. Don’t lecture, just discuss and let them know they can come to you and trust you for good fact based answers)
  • Birth Control (Don’t be silly, cover your Willy. AND ALWAYS use birth control. Even if your kid is not sexually active have this conversation because when they go off to college they WILL become sexually active and they need to know how to be smart about it.)
  • Diet: Eat right. Don’t pack on the pounds with the Starbucks Ultra Thick Carmel Chocolate Mocha Bomb every single day.
  • History: You don’t know where you are going until you know where you’ve been. Talk about your history, your Uncle Duff’s history, George Washington, or anything that has happened before the year your child was born. Tell them about the old days before personal computers and copiers and cable TV. Tell them about MTV when they actually played music. Tell them about seeing The Rolling Stones in concert when Keith Richards was hot (they won’t believe you so you’ll have to show them photos.)
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Yes, this is Keith before he died and came back as himself.

 

Watch silly YouTube videos with your teenager.

I suggest:

  • SMOSH Teleporting Fat Guy
  • Anything with cute animals
  • Famous Rap Battles of History
  • Short horror films
  • Make-up tutorials
  • More cute animals
  • Music your teen likes
  • Music you like

 

Alright, that should have filled up your brain and your time. I’ll have more later.

What would you add to the list? What do you and the teens in your life do together? Let us know.

Have fun

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman

 

All Time Low – All Time High (taking your teen to a rock concert)

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All Time Low Ace of Spades, Sacramento, California April 15, 2014

 

The most wonderful words a parent can hear from their teen is “You’d never embarrass me mom.”

That is what I heard as we walked up and way to the back of the line that ran around the block before the All Time Low concert with Man Overboard and Handguns at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento, California on Tuesday night (April 15, 2014.)

This isn’t the first time I’ve taken my teens to concerts. I wrote a now popular article last year “What I learned from going to a metal concert with my teen.” Before you take your teen to a rock concert for the first time please read the article. Click here for the link.

And the key as a parent is to relax, do your research ahead of time and have fun – and let your kids have fun.

I enjoy the music my teens have introduced me to. Going to concerts with them has been a blast and a truly great bonding experience. Think about it. Music is something that we should SHARE with out kids. Not to the point where you (the parent) act like a fool going nuts and dressing like an idiot (too sexy, tight, weird for your age), but you know, just share. Have fun. Talk, discuss, sing, enjoy and treasure that time with your teens. It isn’t going to ever be like this again so enjoy it. Savor it.

Over the past three years we’ve been to a lot of concerts, including most recently, seeing Fall Out Boys, Panic! at the Disco and Twenty One Pilots in San Francisco at the America’s Cup Pavillion. Wow, that was amazing.

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View from the Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco concert in San Francisco. A perfect night and a perfect view!

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Fall Out Boy San Francisco

So you can imagine that I was more than happy to go with the teens to see All Time Low.

All Time Low

All Time Low

All Time Low
Alex Gaskarth – rhythm guitar, lead vocals, keyboards
Jack Barakat – lead guitar, backing vocals
Zack Merrick – bass guitar, backing vocals
Rian Dawson – drums, percussion
Additional musicians
Cassadee Pope – additional vocals and she was absolutely darling. All the girls adore Cassadee. You can see her singing with Alex in the last photo on the post (the blue one.)

The April 15 show was at a sold out venue at The Ace of Spades in Sacramento, California. I can’t start to tell you how much I love going to a concert in a smaller hall (under 1,000 people.) Everywhere you stand or sit is a good view. It is intimate and personal. You can see faces. And you can see your kids. I was on the balcony (in a bar) that overlooks the floor. A great place for parents. You can enjoy the show with a great view and see everything in the club. Everyone up top with me was having a good time. It was a friendly group of parents mixed with other over 21 year olds.

Handguns opened the show. They are a Pop Punk band from Pennsylvania. Loud and young but with a lot of potential to grow and refine. The sound seemed off on their set which was too bad. That said, the audience loved them and they loved back. Fun band with a great future.

Man Overboard is a fun experienced Pop Punk band from New Jersey. They were loud and had the crowd dancing and clapping and jumping. And that is exactly why we go to these concerts! I’m sure with their loyal fan base that they’ll be around for a while.

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All Time Low

All Time Low was as tight and together as any band I’ve ever seen – ever. That includes big well known mega bands from the 60’s – 80’s. Yes, they’re THAT GOOD.

Just a bit of trivia before we start…

All Time Low holds the record for most bras on stage. If you throw them a bra they’ll donate to a breast cancer charity. The top of their truck (and it is a BIG truck) is covered with bras of every color and size.

They’re from Maryland and tour full time. They’ve been together since high school. They’re so happy and fun. Click here for the official All Time Low web site.

I’m not a professional music critic. I’m a parent, an artist, a parenting blogger, writer of Vampire tales and stories – so I’ll make this short and sweet.

Thank you ALL TIME LOW for a great night full of some of the best live music I’ve ever heard. Thanks for staying together all these years. Thanks for making music that my kids love and will love for years to come. And guys, I want to see you still playing 20 years from now, 30 years from now, 40 years from now. You have what it takes to be one of those great bands that just keeps going and creating for a long long time. You’re classic and smart and you inspire a generation of young people. And people your parents age like you too (THAT is SUCCESS.)

At the Sacramento show they performed an impressive long set with the following songs.

Do You Want Me (Dead?)
So Long Soldier
The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver
Stella
For Baltimore
Break Your Little Heart
Lost in Stereo
Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last for a Night)
Vegas
Guts
Weightless
Remembering Sunday (with Cassadee Pope)
Therapy
Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t)
When I Come Around
Somewhere in Neverland
Time-Bomb
Backseat Serenade
Oh, Calamity!
The Reckless and the Brave
A Love Like War
Dear Maria, Count Me In

It was great. If you have the opportunity – go see them. If you don’t know their music check it out on Pandora, Youtube or your favorite online music site.

And if this isn’t your style, find out something that is and enjoy it with your teen. You’ll be glad you did.

 

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman

 

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A Special Note to ALL Parents:

When I arrived home I found this message on my phone (on Facebook, sent twice): “I’m  all alone I’m really scared and I can’t find you guys can you please send someone into the bathroom to get me?”

This was from a girl we know who came alone. Not good planning. Especially since her mother was posting on Facebook all night about dancing and drinking with her friends. What the fuck is wrong with people? While she was out with her besties or boos or whatever the crap she calls her friends, her over sensitive daughter, who didn’t plan with friends ahead of time, was alone and scared and reaching out to other adults.

Hey LISTEN UP – If you have kids  – your kids are your first priority. You don’t just drop off a teenage girl alone at a concert – especially if she has never been to a concert like this before. There is no excuse for bad parenting like this. Mom should have been at the concert with her daughter, not out playing at trying to be hip and young or whatever the fuck she thinks she is. Your kids should come FIRST. PERIOD. Excuse the bad language, but this really really pisses me off.

The mom should have made sure her daughter was meeting at a specific time and place with other people. She should have called the other parents ahead of time to make sure all would be safe and sound. That is what parents do. Let me say that again…THAT IS WHAT PARENTS DO.

My kids and their friends never did see this girl but they called her later, after we got home and I saw the message. I don’t know who she got a ride home with or if she had a good time or not. Bad call on so many levels.

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All Time Low

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What I learned from going to a metal concert with my teen

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Quote from my teenage daughter: You can’t get mad anyone at one of these things (the concert). You’re in a room with 500 or more people, you all like the same things and obviously have the same interests or you wouldn’t be there. You’re surrounded by 500 potential friends. You can’t be in a bad mood knowing that.

I usually write tales of modern Vampire life and parenting articles. This post is about parenting and music and being yourself and feeling good about yourself. It is about courage and talent and inspiration. And it is about fun. It is about being inspired. It is about sharing with your teens.

Never give in, (hey, hey)
Never back down, (hey, hey)
Never give in, (hey, hey)
Never back down, (hey, hey)
When your life feels lost,
(Fight against all odds!)
Never give in,
(Never back down!)
~ Black Veil Brides

Part One: A brief concert review

Black Veil Brides with William Control and Overwatch- Ace of Spades, Sacramento, California, March 6, 2013

I hope these guys will still be doing music when they’re as old as Jeff Beck. Since I am not a professional music reviewer I will keep this brief. If you want to see more go online and look them up.

The young Sacramento band Overwatch opened with a tight set and good rock and roll! They were fun to watch and listen to. I think we’ll all be hearing about these guys in the future. I can’t wait to hear of one more Sacramento band making us proud! Good job guys! Hope to see you again in the future.

William Control a concept project formed by Wil Francis (correct me if I’m wrong) was great! Their stage presence was pure class. It was black classic as a little black dress with pearls but guys in good shirts and black. It was smart and classy and grown up. The songs were dark and interesting. The music was good – really good. But it was the voice of Will Francis – rich and masculine – the kind of voice that draws in the listener and won’t let go. I can see William Control or any spin off of this group going big and strong. What a wonderful style. Wow. And I didn’t catch the name of the guy in the red shirt who was playing with Wil. Red shirt guy – you’re awesome!

This is the first time I’ve seen Black Veil Brides live. My kids have been listening to them for a few years. The first time I saw the name I think was on the sign on the Boardwalk a few years ago out in Orangevale, CA. I thought “That is an interesting name.” I asked the kids, they said the band was good and their friends listened to them.

They came on stage without most of the make-up and extreme clothing (so we were able to see their handsome faces) but they lit up the room – even without all the great lighting.  They immediately connected to the audience of mostly young people.

The Black Veil Band fans are sort of a tribe, not of blind fans of celebrity worshipers (something lead singer Andy encourages them not to do) but a community of like minds.

Aside from the music the band members told the audience members that they needed to make their own mark on the world and not be followers. They were important. He also said “Start your own band.” My daughter just started learning the guitar so you never know…she might be opening for you guys in about 10 years.

Black Veil Brides romances the audience with a dazzling show of highly skilled musicians who know how to capture the hearts and souls of their listeners.

  • Andy Biersack – lead vocals
  • Jake Pitts – lead guitar
  • Ashley Purdy – bass, backing vocals  
  • Jeremy “Jinxx” Ferguson – rhythm guitar, violin, backing vocals  
  • Christian “CC” Coma – drums, percussion

I was trying to come up with the message of the band but Ashley Purdy said it best “We carry a message of believing in yourself and letting no one tell you otherwise. We stand up for the underdog and the disenfranchised. Anything strange, odd, or unique… we embrace that. So basically standing up for yourself; have fun and live your life how you choose. You only have one life, make the most of it.”

It is fun to see a band where the musicians are so connected to each other as well. That spread out over the hall to everyone.

My own girl child, who was right up front, said “Jinxx looked at me right in the eye and mouthed I love you.” That was sweet. I know he is a lot older than her but in the fantasy land of the concert it is ok. I have to admit that he was darling. I think she said she touched his hair too. Sigh.

All of the songs played were wonderful. I was singing along. I loved their version of Rebel Yell! Wow guys. You did it better than the original! You had the old folks who were doing this stuff in the early 80’s were rocking out!

It was so much fun. Wow. I’m so glad I went (and that my friends is a good review.)

Like I said before I hope these guys will still be playing when they’re as old as Jeff Beck!  They’re as good as anyone out there and better than most. All are exceptionally talented and good at what they do. All could be stand-alone musicians.

Wil came on in the end and sang with the group. Andy and Wil could sing anything. The two men have beautiful voices and looks to match. They could sing any kind of music. It is a true gift and I’m glad they are sharing it. I can imagine they’d do a killer Les Misérables. Can you imagine? Wow. They’ll be around for a long long time with their talent and heart.

Thank you Black Veil Brides – you’re amazing!

Black Veil Brides Church of the Wild Ones Tour - Sacramento, CA

Black Veil Brides Church of the Wild Ones Tour – Sacramento, CA

Part 2: What I learned by taking my teen to concerts

I learned that I still love the excitement of going to a rock concert. I learned that I love it that there are still rock concerts. I love it that people my age can still have fun with young people. I love new bands.

I learned that a cute guy on stage is still cute no matter how old I am. Only now I see them as cute like kittens are cute, because they are so young.

Part 2b: What the parents were talking about

A portion of the audience was under aged and needed to have their parents along. My daughter and her friends are 13, on the younger end of the fan base. The parents were in the back and in the bars. I was in a bar overlooking the concert hall. My daughter and her friends were right up front.

I was leaning against the balcony bar listening to the band but I was also listening to the other parents. Everyone talked about concerts they’ve been to when they were younger. Just list all of the rockers from the 70’s and 80’s. Everyone then talked about other rock concerts they’ve attended with their kids.

Then they, the other parents, talked about bullies. Everyone talked about it. It broke my heart.

I looked down at all of the excited kids at the concert having a good time and realized that for some of these kids this was one night that they could be free of fear.

Parents shared story after story about school bullies who picked on their kids.

And a common comment was that NOTHING is being done in most schools (according to the parents). Oh sure, there are rules but nobody follows them. Nobody does anything about it.

All kids need to STAND UP for the kids being picked on and SAY NO to the BULLIES. Not just a slogan…STAND UP for those who are unable to stand up for themselves.

There is no “let’s shake hands on this and say you’re sorry.” Teens need to be empowered by adults and by each other to STOP the bullies.

They need to stand strong and stand together. They need to listen to the music in their heads that tells them that one day the bullies will be just a bunch of has-been-pukes.

Screw bullies. They don’t count. Bullies don’t matter. Bullies are a bunch of assholes that we can all do without.

Then the parents got back to the music and  talked about how their kids were inspired by Black Veil Brides.

Part 2c: To those who sing alone…Remember when you were young.

To those who sing alone, no need to feel this sorrow,
We scream (We scream) we shout whoa,
We are the fallen angels

Don’t get flipped out stodgy middle-aged parent folks.

This is a song that inspires. This is a song that kids listen to and hear the message “You might be different or feel like an outcast but you’re important. You might be bullied but you will overcome it. Scream, Shout, you are not alone. No need to feel this sorrow.”

It was a fun song at the concert. Everyone was singing along and SHOUTING and SCREAMING.

Remember what it was like to be young and that nobody understood? Remember when you were young and what it felt like to have dreams and hopes that you wouldn’t dare tell anyone? Maybe you still feel that way. That’s ok. We all do.

That is why we’re so drawn to music and the poetry of lyrics and the feel of being part of a crowd where everyone is singing, cheering, waving their arms together and feeling the energy.

Remember singing along to a song and being transported? Remember when you were so happy and full of dreams just because the world hadn’t beat it out of you yet?

And don’t get me wrong (as people often do) this isn’t a downer or something for loners. My daughter is an alpha female with more friends than she can count. She is tall, blonde, beautiful and takes no prisoners. She also, at least most of the time, has a zero tolerance when it comes to bullies, bull-shitters, whiners and tattlers. She also loves her music. I always hope that she will be a champion and a role model. She’ll be the ones to tell bullies “Cut it out ASSHOLE” and they’ll listen. Of course she’ll have to use different language at school.  She’ll tell them to stop being miserable little pukes and jerks or whatever it takes.

There are other musicians who reach out as well with words of peace. I guess that is why I like the small venues and small bands. They’re right there. They know their fans of all ages. They remember what it is like to be a normal teen just trying to get through it all. And yes, normal is whatever you want it to be for YOU.

Part 3: Other things one learns…

  • You must get there early if there is no assigned seating (and there never is…duh)
  • Bring money for a shirt
  • Bring a Sharpie
  • Bring a friend
  • Parents – It’s ok to bring ear plugs to buffer things –  if you really need it because concerts are still really LOUD. Just like when you saw Metallica and Blue Oyster Cult way back then. 

Part 4: Doing the right thing

Talk with your kids. Listen to them. OK that should be enough for any parenting blogger to say. That just about says it all. Just do it – go out on a limb, be uncomfortable, go out of your box, – one day your kids will thank you for it.

Part 5: How to be a cool parent and have FUN at these events.

Rules for parents taking teens to rock concerts: Note: this is a single venue not a big concert with multiple bands outside or a festival (for example…) This is for smaller venues of less than 2,000 and no assigned seating (seating? there were no seats)

  • If you kids can’t be in the mosh pit alone in a show like this they might be too young or too timid to be up close.
  • Don’t go up front with your teen. Let this be his/her night. 
  • And it would be too silly if you went up front (Really, you’re 45, everyone else up front is 13-18 years old. The band members are young enough to be your kids. It is like shopping in the junior department. Don’t do it. It will only make you look foolish.) There ARE concerts we go to together (more on that later) and it is exceptionally wonderful that kids and parents go to concerts together but there is a time and place for everything – and sometimes there is a time and place for parents to step back and let your kids fly it alone.
  • If you’re going to be offended by the music then don’t go. Just don’t go. Don’t be a pain in the ass complaining and being uncomfortable and being judgmental – just don’t go. Don’t ruin it for yourself, your kid or everyone else around you. It’s ok not to go if you aren’t comfortable with the situation.
  • If you are offended by other kids then don’t go.
  • There WILL be a lot of F Bombs. Get over it. If you don’t know what an F Bomb is look it up or ask your kids or their teachers.
  • Get to know the music before you go. Listen to it with your teen. Look the band up on YouTube, the band web site and Wikipedia. Believe me, it will be fun. You’ll thank me for that piece of advice later.
  • Remember the magic you experienced at your first concerts.
  • Find out where the other parents hare hanging out and have fun with kids your own age.
  • Enjoy yourself!

At smaller venues my husband and I have both talked to musicians who’ve taken breaks at the bar (where the parents are). All of the musicians we’ve talked to have been exceptionally nice, poised and open. We enjoy the opportunity to tell them how good we think they are. Everyone needs to hear that especially when it is true and from and old person who has heard a lot of music both good and awful. Their fan base is young but I have found myself liking their music and admiring their drive and dedication to their art. Good job musicians.

The kids are going to WARPED tour this summer and there will be an adult friend with them. When they are all a little older they can go by themselves. A 13 year old is too young to go alone and the 16 year olds can’t drive everyone anyway (state law).

Part 6: Other musings from this Vampire Maman

We came out of this concert feeling great! It was so much fun. We talked all the way home about music and the message and just stuff. It was great. Best of all I shared it with my daughter.

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For more information about the bands and locations click on the links below:

Black Veil Brides

William Control

Overwatch

 

And what did Vampire Maman listen to today?  Vivaldi Four Seasons played by the Venice Baroque Orchestra and a little bit of Jimmy Buffet and Buddy Guy. Tomorrow it will be something else I’m sure.

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman

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If you’re a new visitor to my blog below is a sample of what you’ll find here about life, parenting, Vampires and love:

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Black Veil Brides Church of the Wild Ones Tour

Black Veil Brides – They know how to put on a great concert.

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Am I the cool mom or what! Dad couldn’t make it so here we are!

The kids were up close and had better images. Great concert. We will be posting a full review and more parenting stories, Vampire stuff and other fun later this week.

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