Sep 20

Late Nights & Impossible Dreams 

There are times in my life where I’m reminded what it really feels like to be sixteen again, and in the optimistic “nothing can get in my way” kinda way, not the angst-ridden high school is hell kinda way. I’m happy with my age, and am thankful for everything that I have, but every once in a while there are brief glimpses into my youth that even inspire, and remind me to be proud to have lived the way I have thus far. Two projects started by my friends debuted in Richmond this weekend; the culmination of which instantly transported me (and many of my friends) back to the well-worn Converse of my sixteen year-old self.

The Cardinal Sins is a group of Richmond skaters that a few of my friends helped form in order to build an indoor bowl at an area warehouse. It’s awesome that friends from different circles have finally come together, it’s kinda satisfying in a way that’s hard-to-explain. Although I never skated I spent enough time in mall parking lots with those who did, and seeing the joy on their faces after they dropped in for the first time was an electrifying experience shared by everyone watching.



Heks Orkest is a band started by a bunch of my friends that melds the loud, noisy, 90’s Midwestern rock from AmRep and Steve Albini with a Richmond edge that references the members previous bands: Engine Down, Sleepy Time Trio, Denali, Action Patrol and Avail (to name a few). It’s great to see everyone playing music and having fun again, since after years of playing in bands it’s easy to be jaded by the trials of an independent musician.