It’s been obnoxiously cold these past few days. I know it’s fall and everything, Mother Nature, but 50 degrees as a high? Seriously? I’m pretty sure it was almost 80 degrees last week.

I was stupid enough to think it would stay “warm” last night in Cleveland, when I decided it would be a wise idea to brave the sea of plaid that was the crowd at the Brand New show. I saw them live for the first time 7 or 8 years ago in a weird little bar in Baltimore, when they were just a band with a sort-of clever pop-punk album playing for an audience of what seemed like largely uninterested teenagers. Honestly, I don’t remember why I ended up there; the only other non-pop show I’d ever been to was 311, and Brand New was an unlikely follow-up. Last night was different – the crowd was mediocre (I’ve been kind of spoiled by being part of incredibly enthusiastic audiences, I guess), but it was obvious they were actually into it. It was kind of disconcerting to feel like I was in the minority of people who were old enough to buy their own drinks, but holy shit – Brand New is like, a legitimate band now, and I totally don’t have to be embarrassed to admit to my whereabouts last night.

(I’ll interrupt myself here to say this: when I was in high school they were definitely not my “type,” and I was one of those jerks who pretended to not listen to music they actually liked in fear of sullying their “reputations”.)

In summary: I can’t remember the last time I willingly stood outside (did I mention that ‘outside’ part?), under-dressed, in the cold, but it was an excellent way to start October, even if it did end up making me feel old.

PS: Following the 6 hour round-trip to Cleveland up with a matinee of Zombieland? A great idea. Probably the funniest movie I’ve seen this year.