Perspective - Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (Funky goodness)
The Hindsight Notes - Cold Night For Alligators (Artsy Djent w/ killer clean vocals)
Jackpot Juicer - Dance Gavin Dance (post-hardcore jazz fushion)

Was poking on Craigslist looking for gear for a band I used to play in (sadly we broke up), in I want to say 2019, I misclicked and ended up on the tickets page. Just so happened in the first few adds was a posting referring to a meet and greet give away for 3 Veil of Maya tickets, seemed almost too good to be true, but it was just posted so figured wth let's try. I reach out and within moments got a reply, asking me my favorite track by the band (at the time it was It's Not Safe to Swim Today, which they played!), and list their current members. Answered correctly, and then the person contacting me reveals she is Lukas' mother (current lead singer), and as much as she wanted to see them, didn't want to go alone/do something nice for some fans. My former drummer and another former buddy came with, we took her to dinner at a fancy Italian place as thanks before the show. Super pleasant woman, and was as happy to talk to us as she was to listen. Talked about her children's musical endeavors, apparently her daughter is also extremely musically inclined. After dinner got to the venue for the meet and greet, which was small, maybe 10 other people tops. So got some one on one time with each member, and I got to pick at Danny's brain for bass tips and techniques, which I can happily say he gave me a means to improve ( you likely won't ever see this Danny, but thanks! ). They were all super chill down to earth guys, got some merch, and my shirt signed as well. We then spent the show protecting 'Mimi' (Lukas' mother's self given nickname) along the front security gates, so she didn't get smashed or swallowed by a mosh pit. Was great to inform a few folks nearby of who she was (extra help versus pit, got wild on a few songs) and see first the wonder in their eyes, followed by a double take, a "No way", and last look of determination to succeed in protecting the woman who gave of us the gift of Lukas Magyar. Best concert experience for me, hands down.

The Grid - Leo Kottke