Then it was Aiden (Wil Francis – vocals, Jake Wambold – vocals, Angel Ibarra – guitar, Nick Wiggins – bass, Jake Davison – drums), the obvious crowd favorite. Wil came on stage alone, a cigarette between his lips and went straight into “The Opening Departure” from their latest album Conviction.  The set included songs from Conviction and a few really stood out; “Teenage Queen”, “Moment” the newest single, and “Hurt Me” which really grabbed me because Wil got the crowd singing with him “If we fall will we waste away?/ Free fall will we waste away?”. It was really great because you could tell that he enjoyed having the crowd participate. Toward the end they played my favorite “One Love” and it was my turn to squeal.  

 Wil, the lead singer of Aiden, took a look at the crowd about half way through the set and said screw the bar. He had the crowd jump it so they could be closer to the stage so that he would be able to touch them, which he did to the delighted squeals of several girls. In a rush the crowd was over the bar and Wil was singing right in their faces. He certainly is a good showman.  

Another thing that is great about a small venue show is that when you wander over to check out the t-shirts it’s the band members selling their gear. So you get a chance to say hello and buy a band t-shirt, maybe take a picture or get an autograph. It gives the show a whole other element, makes it that much more personal.  

It was a good show, small but there is something to be said for spending a few hours with less than 50 people and some energetic musicians. If you haven’t seen Aiden, Schoolyard Heroes, or Ivoryline and you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to go to a show, go. You’ll have a great time and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see them in a small enough venue that you get to be up close and personal.