Dirty Heads, 311, The Interrupters, and more at DTE Energy Music Theatre was a foggy Michigan evening.
No, not actual fog. Fog machines, vape pens, weed, all filled DTE Energy Music Theatre on a very warm, very humid Friday July 5th. Co-headling their summer tour Dirty Heads and 311 alongside friends in The Interrupters and The Dreamers to DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan.
I arrived at DTE to scoop my ticket about 20 minutes before doors so I can get a little hydrated and collect my thoughts before my 2nd DTE show this summer. Dirty Heads copped me a great ticket and a photo pass to give you my first hand account of the gig. I appreciate it fellas! I've been jamming these dudes for years and am stoked to get a shot at photographing and experiencing a great set.
As for 311, this is a band who went massive the year I was in 6th grade, 1994. They have come and gone through the years but I will always listen to this band. I will straight up be in the old folks home listening to 311, Dirty Heads, and The Interrupters, no doubt about it.
As for The Interrupters, they have been touring and putting out music like creative ska punk machines for years. I was lucky enough to photograph them at Warped Detroit 2016 on one of the small stages so to be able to get them at a huge amphitheater show is such a fucking gift to me. Been behind this band for 5 years now. Nothing but admiration and love to them while taking inspiration and letting go of negative energy every time I hear their records.
So sitting around waiting to get escorted for the first band and I have come to a massive realization, I fucking forgot bug spray. Its 90 degrees in the sticks in Michigan. I've done some stupid shit in my life but this is already proving to be some of the dumbest shit ever. Mosquitoes are already making breakfast, lunch, and dinner out of me. Some are going for seconds.
4 piece funky reggae with a hand drummer Bikini Trill started things off groovy and chill. Melodic and beautiful vocals work perfectly with their late afternoon vibes. It's almost as if I need to be falling off a dinosaur floaty trying to pass a joint to a friend in a kangaroo floaty.
We didn't even go back to the normal media hangout area as Bikini Trill only played a couple more songs before they were taking their gear off stage and the fellas in DREAMERS were getting their setup ready.
The breeze is starting to finally come in but I fear a wild storm coming our way. It almost feels inevitable. 6 weeks ago I was here and I heard sirens through multiple cities on the way up Telegraph Ave. I don't have that same deep emotion of impending doom gripping my anxieties.
Dreamers are a completely different vibe. Leaning more towards indie or lighter alternative than reggae at all. At the core of this band is amazing songwriting and with that their third song was a debut live performance of "Take Me Home".
LA's The Interrupters amped up the energy with California Ska Punk that can easily grip a hold of you and make you a fan for life. I know this because it happened to me years ago. The Bivona bros create the perfect soundscape to match their lady leader Aimee Interrupter.
Walking down the amphitheater steps there is a countdown til 311’s set time. At the 5 minute mark smoke starts bellowing out of fog machines on either side of the stage. Once the countdown was up the band walked out on stage to a roaring applause. If you're a pothead and love 311 your goal should be as elevated as these dudes are when they play. I had to sneak a few vape hits in during All Mixed Up, its legal in Michigan ya squares don't freak out. PNut is such an absolute beast on bass and Chad Sextons complex drum beats lift their rhythm section higher than their strains of cannabis.
What an amazing display from this great group of dudes in Dirty Heads. They were so on point that it was hard to keep my concentration on shooting. It happens sometimes. Mostly when artists walk out and command the crowd from the moment their set starts. I’ve never had the privilege of seeing them live before either which adds to the whole experience. To be in a massive amphitheater that is near to my heart, and see more and more bands and artists here, it’s easy to stand here and be grateful. If you get a chance to check out any of these 5 groups live, I highly suggest it.
