As the doors swung open at 8 PM sharp, anticipation crackled in the air like the electricity about to surge through the amps. It was Friday, August 18, 2017, and the stage was set for a night of epic proportions as The Jelly Jam descended upon Rockpile. With direct support from RUSTIK and local talent THE REED EFFECT, the scene was primed for a sonic journey that would shake the foundations of conventional rock.
For those unacquainted, The Jelly Jam isn’t just any band; it’s a powerhouse trio forged from the talents of Ty Tabor (King’s X), John Myung (Dream Theater), and Rod Morgenstein (Winger/Dixie Dregs). With such an illustrious lineup, expectations were high, and boy, did they deliver.
As a photojournalist immersed in the sea of eager faces, my lens captured the electrifying essence of the night. From the first chord of “Nature” to the encore’s crescendo of “Who’s Comin’ Now,” The Jelly Jam seized the audience in a relentless grip of progressive rock mastery.
Ty Tabor’s vocals soared through the venue, intertwining seamlessly with the intricate melodies he conjured from his guitar. John Myung’s basslines thundered like a heartbeat, grounding the ethereal chaos, while Rod Morgenstein’s drumming seemed to defy the very laws of physics.
The setlist read like a roadmap through the depths of the human experience. Tracks like “Memphis” and “Heaven” pulsed with raw emotion, while “I Am the King” and “Halos in Hell” unleashed a torrent of sonic fury that left us breathless, craving more.
But it wasn’t just about the music; it was about the palpable connection forged between band and audience. The energy ricocheted between stage and crowd, each feeding off the other’s fervor in a symbiotic dance of sound and soul.
As the night drew to a close, and the echoes of the final encore faded into the ether, there was a collective sense of awe lingering in the air. The Jelly Jam had not just performed; they had transcended, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
In the end, as I packed away my camera gear and joined the throngs dispersing into the night, I couldn’t help but smile. For in that moment, amidst the pulsating rhythms and wailing guitars, we weren’t just strangers in a crowd; we were united, bound by the universal language of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Jelly Jam at Rockpile wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience—an unforgettable journey through the depths of musical brilliance. And as I looked back one last time at the illuminated stage, I knew that the echoes of that night would reverberate within me forever.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
