NY, NY

Well, what can you really say about New York City? It really is one of the greatest places in the world. I had sadly not been to the city since I moved to Cleveland nearly two years ago, so it was really nice to be back, even if it was just for a day and I mostly just saw the inside of the Fillmore (not a bad venue to see the inside of, mind you).

Our day started out with another interesting bus concept as we had to turn the generators off at some time in the afternoon. There's a couple things about a tour bus with no power that you don't necessarily think about right away: One, without the air circulating, it starts to smell bad real quick. Two, with no lights, those buses get really, really dark. Many cell phones were used to find belongings, but Matt from the Matches actually had one of those little mini head lamps. You know, the band straps around your head, and then there's a little round light on your forehead, lighting your way. I have no idea why he has one (why not, right?), but he definitely looked smarter than the rest of us yesterday.

Powerless bus aside, NYC was a great time. Before the show, I managed to sneak away for a little bit to meet my friend Sarah for lunch. She took me to this great little place in Union Square (Chat N Chew, maybe? I can't remember for sure) for some serious comfort food (we're talking sweet potato fries, baked macaroni, and Thanksgiving On A Roll). It was great to see an old friend and catch up for a little bit before heading back to the venue to finish setting up.

Then, the crowd was super enthusiastic and more than a little excited about our free subscription and posters (one concert-goer who couldn't be older than 16 commented: "Wow. I didn't know there was such a thing as free in this world anymore." How cynical is that? Glad we could help brighten a perspective...). There were also lots of people we work with on a regular basis who came out to the show, including the Glamour Kills dudes, Ian from Hopeless (who'd also taken All Time Low to a couple gigs at MTV and Nickelodeon--look for those to air soon), Gerardo from Photo Finish and Jay from Universal. It's nice to have some faces to put with e-mail addresses.

AP and Keep-A-Breast were set up downstairs, so last night was the first show were I actually didn't get to see the bands. However, they were showing their sets on a TV screen behind us, so I caught little bits here and there, though we couldn't really hear anything. But in regards to my teaser from yesterday, did anyone catch Zack from ATL jamming the bass on a Matches song? If you're coming to the show tonight in Lancaster, he'll be playing the entire set with the Matches, as Justin had to jet off for a wedding (he'll be back Sunday--never fear!).

Also, to those of you who waited in line last night to meet ATL at the AP table, we're really sorry we had to cancel the signing. The crowd was becoming a fire/security hazard, and we had to break it up since we really had nowhere to move everyone. We apologize and hope you still had lots of fun, anyway!

After the show and packing the trailer, we decided to take advantage of our 3:30 a.m. bus call (and we couldn't really sit on the bus in the dark for 2.5 hours, could we?) and head out. Our posse (which included the Matches, Shawn's sister, Matt's girlfriend Erin, AP writers Emily Zemler and Jonah Bayer, Erica, Lycia--who you should remember if you went to the AP Tent this past summer at Warped Tour, some peeps from Fuse, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few people) headed to Lit on the the Lower East Side. Erica knew the DJ (who was thankfully playing decidedly non-dance music), and it was a nice couple hours to unwind before cabbing it back to the buses.

Now we're parked in lovely Lancaster, PA, gearing up for tonight's show at the Chameleon Club (which is unfortunately going to be Sonny-less, but should still rock nonetheless). I think it's time for me to go find some food (I hear there's a burrito place around here?). Thanks again to everyone who came out last night and showed NYC what's up--a very special thanks to Lisa, who not only volunteered at Keep-A-Breast, but also let me shower at her apartment; and to AP's street-teamers, who kicked some free subscription butt and made sure everyone at the show at least had the opportunity to sign up for free AP for a year!