I caught word on Wednesday via a text message from Big Bear Mountain Resorts that Vampire Weekend performs live at Bear Mountain on Friday, March 20th. The free concert promoted by KROQ stirred quite a buzz around town. Also, flocks of fans from all over Southern California made the trek up the mountain to see the boys from New York play their catchy riffs live.

I dropped by the resort in the afternoon to check out the free concert. I ordered fish and chips at the eatery and grabbed a Newcastle at the bar. I was late for the show, but nonetheless I found a decent seat.

I have to admit I thought Vampire Weekend was another one of those fly-by-night gothic bands that writes dreary music and has cult-like followers that are ale as powder with jet black hair and caked in makeup. However, I was in for quite a surprise. The band actually plays rock that has captivating hooks with an eighties-like twist, and their fan base was a group of regular ole folks.  

The band played an abbreviated set, but nonetheless they brought the house down. I look forward to more free concerts at the mountain resorts. Next time I will be sure to post it to the blog before the band palys.

Rock on,

Daniel Pea