A Festivus For The Rest of Us 2
Rocketown
Pompano Beach, FL
December 17, 2011
Review and Photos by Erin Carmona
A Festivus for the Rest of Us 2 was certainly a way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Rocketown in Pompano Beach lit up when concertgoers of all ages rocked out with some of South Florida’s best local bands in spirit of the holidays.
OCN - Augie Gayoso, Cameron Knopp
Among the dozens of bands was Our Crustaceous Nemesis. Taking the stage at his last show, Christopher “Cam” Montenegro performed their hit song, “Charzard,” with ear splitting vocals and fiery energy. The whole set kept the crowd on their feet. The band and audience radiated excitement that circulated through the room. At the end of their set, Our Crustaceous Nemesis announced that they were going to continue without Cam, and ‘Our Crustaceous Nemesis’ would be no more. According to the band’s Facebook page, the guys plan to continue making music under a new name, but without Cam, “due to musical differences.”
The Angel Said - Tyler Bugeja, Jordan Dupree, Ben Virelles
From the main stage to the side stage, the rock and rage continued with The Angel Said, welcoming all from the previous set to keep the party going. Being that the show was their last performance, the band played to the heart’s content of everyone, including theirs. The band took to their Facebook page after the show, to thank everyone for their support and dedication to the band: “[We] have to say tonight was so incredible. This was by far our favorite show we played...” Even though the band’s set was coming to a close, the passion in their performance did not hold up. With the lead singer, Tyler Bugeja, letting the emotional power bring him to the floor of the stage and drummer, Jean-Paul Lemos, getting way into his head-banging and killer quick beats, it was a highly enjoyable show from start to finish.
Branden Martin brought his waterfall-like vocals to the audience, singing along with a passion that was reflected on the faces of everyone.
Stranded At Sea - Wil Lanagan
While Stranded At Sea was setting up the main stage, tuning their guitars and sampling bits of drop beats for sound check, it appeared that the venue had filled. Every guy and girl waited in anticipation to see one of South Florida’s favorite bands. Tearing through the atmosphere with hair curling screams, Wil Lanagan got all to their feet, and almost on cue, a mosh pit began to rage. By his side, Branden Martin brought his waterfall-like vocals to the audience, singing along with a passion that was reflected on the faces of everyone. Surprising the crowd, the band’s favored song featured Cam Montenegro, of Our Crustaceous Nemesis. Cam stood alongside Branden to share a verse and the chorus with him, ending with a friendly embrace and a loving applause from the audience. If any band knows how to put on an exciting and engaging show that puts to shame even the most famed rockers, it’s Stranded At Sea.
A Farewell To Arms - Kevin Moore, Adam Voros
As the night went on, things certainly did not slow down, especially when A Farewell to Arms took the stage. Playing to the audiences’ expectation is sometimes hard to attain. But A Farewell to Arms made it look effortless. It’s not just the awesome stage lighting or funky sound effects, it's pure talent. Like that of Jordan Webb, practically melting faces with his stellar finger work on lead guitar. Being intimate with the audience below, Adam Voros not only claims hearts with his charming looks, but with his powerfully melodic vocals. A Farewell to Arms can undoubtedly be considered a band on the rise.
Although Festivus was reaching its close, it can be agreed that no one who attended left unsatisfied. Bands claimed that the night was one of their best shows, and concertgoers felt they had rocked to their hearts’ content. Festivus was without doubt a great way to celebrate the end of the year; hanging out with friends and rocking out with some of South Florida’s favorite local bands.
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A Farewell To Arms - (L to R) Kevin Moore,
Jordan Bishop, Adam Voros
Stranded At Sea - Branden Martin