...rock n' roll...

My best rock n' roll pose

St. Louis is filled with indie rockers all hoping to make it big doing what they love (or just make a living.) One of those rockers is Andy's lil brother, Aaron. His new band, Mariner, performed at The Mad Magician tonight, so we went to show our support, not only because we love him, but also because today is his birthday.

Five bands were slated to play, but the second band on the roster chose not to show. The next band up didn't want to play until their appointed time because their “fans” hadn't arrived yet. So we waited for an hour while the sound man played everything from country to G-Love to Nine Inch Nails. Things like this annoy me.

My lack of control over a given situation has kept me from participating in many things throughout my life. We weren't about to leave, so there was nothing that could be done, but I did complain quite a bit about the lack of foresight and organization. Upon realizing my bad attitude, I quickly tried to look at it as what it was intended to be: an adventure!

At 9pm, the band finally took the stage. Their fans? Two girls. (Yes, two.) I guess I get it. If I was a boy in a band, I'd totally want to wait for the two girls to show up. And, as it turns out, A Perfect Disaster was pretty perfectly awesome! They were all quality musicians and they put on a fun show. Andy and I even went up to the front to jump around, head bang, and display our general silliness.

The floor flooded with more people when Mariner began their set. Pushing my way into the front row, I dutifully took pics of my bro-in-law and his bandmates while attempting to still do my rocker dance moves.  It's obvious that the guys in Mariner are skilled as their set was tight and well composed.

Though they were all great, I was most impressed with Aaron. He's been playing guitar since the third grade, but humbled himself and learned to play the drums since that's what the band needed. Aaron isn't interested in the fame. He's only interested in the music.

Aaron in the zone

Now, at 27, he is past the age where people begin say one should have a “normal job.” As if dreams have a cut off point. But Aaron continues to believe in himself, persevere in his goals, and fight for what he wants. Few people possess this kind of bravery.

I can't figure out if it's utterly foolish or profoundly wise...

And who can truly know that but the dreamer himself?

Are you still dreaming? How are you chasing down your dreams?

Check out Mariner's music here and show them a little love with a comment on their Youtube page. You can also like them on Facebook here.