So, I showed up at the Main Street Museum in White River Junction at about 8 pm last night. Upon arriving, the band Phrogs was already breaking down their equipment and I was disappointed that I didn't get to see this evolving and highly original group. I did find Jacob, their bassist, and chat for a few minutes. Great guy.

   Next up was Dead Street Dreamers. I think I saw them somewhere else last year but there were margaritas involved so my recollection of that night is flawed at best. They were really good. I noticed during the mosh pit circle that the museum had taken everything off the walls in the narrow room where the stage is. Likely anticipating some rowdy behavior during the show. This was a good idea, and the crowd did not disappoint in this department. Dead Street Dreamers turned in a tight and energetic set despite some possible onstage tension. Maybe this is just how they operate. Like I said, they kicked the jams out.

   The next band to take the stage was called The Worst and they stole my heart. A power trio with a woman playing guitar and singing this group doesn't try to be anything they are not. Good solid songwriting, inventive use of effects, a tight rhythm section, and that woman pouring out her tortured heart into the microphone. This group is from Maine and has earned a new fan. I will now be searching out their recordings to add something to my collection.

   Then the reason for this show took the stage. The River City Rebels have been around in one iteration or another for twenty-five years. Dan O'Day, aka Bopper, has been at the helm of this group since the beginning. Now, I can't say I was there in 1999 but I saw my first RCR set in 2000. The Rebels aren't reinventing the wheel here. They are a punk band. They write catchy, anthemic rockers in a style they clearly consider to be timeless. Bopper told the audience at the start of the show that his microphone was their microphone, and it was. There was lots of singing along to some of these hard-won classics that were featured in their set. They also played three songs from their new 7" release Pop Culture Baby (which I preordered and received in the mail before it's official release) and there were a few crowd members who already knew the words. All in all, this band has their shit together and they always put on a great show.

   If you want to know where the great art is happening in White River Junction getting out to events at the Main Street Museum is, in my opinion, the best place to start. And, as always, a heartfelt thank you to the hard-working volunteer staff at the Museum.