After I had a chance to regroup myself following the dance party madness that ensued with !!!, I made my way for the already full crowd 15 minutes prior to the Hold Steady. I have to admit, I was never fully won over by this Minnesotan party rocker outfit. I’m not sure if it was Craig Finn’s singing style, voice or just the fact that the group seemed to be overhyped and I couldn’t figure out why. Whatever I was so blind to, yesterday definitely opened up my eyes and gave me that cold, hard smack in the face I needed as I quickly converted from a hater to a big ole fan.

It wasn’t just the amazing live sounds that the group delivered to the packed crowd, but it was their presentation. These dudes were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Finn was all smiles and points and the rest of the dudes seemed perfectly content on kicking some ass and rockin’ out. Inflatable beach balls were flying all over the place—amongst the crowd, into the pit, up onto the stage—it was symbolic of the carefree, party sounds that had taken hold of Union Park.

Like I said, I’m not too familiar with Hold Steady’s material first-hand, but I recognized some tracks from Boys and Girls in America as well as some newer numbers off of Stay Positive as well. It’s so nice to finally watch some bands that seem to be having as much fun performing as the fans dancing in the crowds, I along with thousands of others in attendance, was definitely won over.