ABOVE: Jamies Elsewhere labors through sound issues at the Empire Theatre. AT FRONT: Down For the Count judo chops the appreciative crowd. Photos by Anya Muradian.

The Halloween show at the Empire Theater was eventful, to say the least.

What seemed like a fun way spend Halloween quickly turned into a costumed drama fest filled with sound issues, and one of the most childish displays of discontent I have seen since I babysat a family friend’s four year-old.

During the sound check before doors opened, anyone could tell that something was clearly wrong with the sound system, and it was apparent that this was going to be a very long night.

The first three bands, Push Push Pull, Down For the Count and Jamies Elsewhere were very good sports about the situation. The monitors were not working at all, so none of them could hear themselves at any point, and it felt like the bands were getting very little support from the folks on the boards.

Case in point: Down For the Count needed another vocal mic, and it took about 15 minutes for someone to hook one up for them. It was one of the most poorly run shows I have seen in a long time.

Push Push Pull, Down For the Count, and Jamies Elsewhere did a fantastic job, considering the circumstances. The three bands played as if nothing was wrong and tried to put on the best show possible. They had great energy and remained positive throughout their respective sets. I applaud all of them for being professional and mature about it.

As Watchout! There’s Ghosts was setting up, I was having thoughts that the group was not going to play. I’m not really surprised that I was right, but what I am surprised about was the way that Watchout! There’s Ghosts handled the situation.

I somewhat sympathized with the band at first. It sucks when you can’t hear yourself, but all of the other bands dealt with it and did a great job, so why couldn’t this band do the same? They apparently decided that it wasn’t worth trying during the second song, as the members threw a temper tantrum, tossed their equipment and stomped off stage.

As if that wasn’t enough, they encouraged people to scream “f--k the Empire.” Hey, if you’re pissed, that’s cool, but don’t start throwing stuff around like you’re five years old and then want to be respected as a band.

If you want to be mad, be mad at those that were hired to run the sound. Don’t disrespect the venue.

The other bands all did an amazing job and gave a thoroughly enjoyable performance. As far as Watchout! There’s Ghosts is concerned, they have to know that there was a better way to handle that situation.

Oh, and Down For the Count and Jamies Elsewhere…nice costumes!

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