In Charlotte, North Carolina we bemoaned Tuesday night concerts. In Geneva, we just want someone, anyone to come play nearby. When we saw that the Dropkick Murphys on the bill at the Caribana Festival in nearby Crans-Sur-Nyon, we immediately bought tickets. We see them every chance we get and they always put on a great show. It was nice not to have to hop a plane to see some good ol’ punk rock-n-roll like we did for Groezrock.
We weren’t the only ones who were pumped. This guy was really cool. So were his friends.
He left work (gasp) at five and we got there early. It took awhile for the punks to arrive and we were able to get in the first row. Although a lot of people came specifically to see the Dropkick Murphys, the Caribana Festival has a diverse selection of artists (Lou Reed, Kasabian, Pony Pony Run Run, The Specials, Beth Ditto, Marina & the Diamonds, Gossip, Haight Ashbury, Stephen Marley).
Our view was amazing and I was cursing that I didn’t bring my real camera. We did so much jumping and fist pumping that it wouldn’t have been a good idea anyway. It wasn’t too crowded up front. He even felt good enough to leave me up there and mix it up in the mosh pit. He reported that it was a little tamer than in the US.
Al Barr had tons of energy. We couldn’t believe James Lynch was right in front of us!
Stephanie Dougherty did a great job. We saw her walking around before the show. I got a picture of the back of her head in front of the tour busses. I should have asked her to pose for a photo. She was watching from backstage and looked toward us. I mouthed “you rock” and she smiled. It’s nice to know that I can make someone besides the Queen of Sweden smile.
Ken Casey was amazing. We’d seen this guy in a wheelchair crowd surfing earlier in the concert. Ken got out into the crowd and passed him the mike to sing “Kiss Me, I’m S***faced.” When he was back on solid land, Ken went out into the middle of the circle pit where he was mixing it up to sing next to him. That guy was impressive. Heck, they both were.
Our new friend holding a setlist. We got one too. Score.
schwingeninswitzerland 
Just for your information, this is not Stephanie Dougherty on this picture it is one of the members of Parkington Sisters. I know that beacuse Steph has more tattoos on her arms. 😉
It’s Nora Parkington, not Steph Dougherty.