Monday Night Shenanigans 12/30/19

On a usual Monday night I play the role of a tired working class man, constantly complaining about the day’s worth of labor while playing Skate 3. This particular Monday was special: it was hanging on to the edge of 2019 and I wanted to end the decade on a good foot. I decided to attend a hardcore show at a pizza basement Denton locals call “J&J’s “. The establishment is a pizza parlor that obviously serves pizza and alcohol with some optional vegan food  that I can’t remember. 

As I turned left on the corner off of Oak and Elm Street , I witnessed a sizable and unique crowd of young adults occupying the entire sidewalk in front of J&J’s. Familiar faces greeted me with warm smiles and generous hugs. It was nice to see some of the same faces that have been apart of the same music culture I grew up in for the past 13 years. It was similar to a gathering: a mob of people situated in one area for the purpose of enjoying one specific thing, in this case it was the music. With camera in hand, I was there to see every band. Facing Worlds and Fist of Fury are currently my favorite local bands, UnityTX and Ballista always crush it. I’m always amazed when I watch those two play. It was my first time watching Omen from OKC perform, they played a really dope set.

Constant chatter and recent underground rap hits  floating  just above everyone’s head filled the tiny basement. In my opinion it was too small for an event like this. When viewing the flyer, I questioned the location but shrugged it off. Hardcore shows in smaller places creates more intimate sets and it’s better that way. Unfortunately, a handful of mosh pit warriors struck their wrist on the wood beam up above. People from all walks off life gathered around the band to spectate, enjoy or mosh. The show was forced to end early due someone getting severely injured and the last band wasn’t able to play. Overall, it was good show on a Denton chilly night. Check out more photos below.