Late afternoon, just over a week ago, I received a phone call from an associate that was the catalyst for a very interesting evening. Instead of laundry and YouTube, I was invited by AK Rhythm Magazine to attend the Godsmack show at the Sullivan Arena on behalf Anchorage Night Out. Wichita Shadows, a local Anchorage metal band, was picked, by a unique set of circumstances, to open the evening. I accepted this offer, as a night of arena metal sounded a hell-of-a-lot more interesting than the daily grind. I made my way, (via my trusty two-wheeler) to the biggest event arena in Anchorage. As I pulled off the Chester Creek Trail System and into the parking lot, I acknowledged just how big the Arena was. Here was the first milepost of the evening for Wichita Shadows. They were about to play the George M. Sullivan Arena.

Wichita Shadows is: Ryan LeBlanc (drums), Mike Albano (vocals), Matt Oberlander (bass), Damien Tserlentakis (guitar, vocals), and Alex Vonn (guitar, vocals). They are a diverse metal band, experimenting with other genres and grooves, giving them a leg up on the metal scene in Anchorage, Alaska. It doesn't hurt that they have some seriously talented members. They've opened for national acts Atreyu, Godsmack, and Iwrestledabearonce. Check them out at Anchorage Night Out:

I entered the arena with the AK Rhythm crew, and they got right to camera work. They shot Wichita Shadows' sound check at a furious rate. We were also informed that we could only shoot Wichita Shadows for 3 songs at front stage, then we had to shoot from the sidelines. This was only a minor inconvenience, as the band performed with loads of energy and enthusiasm in the first three songs, and it made for some very cool photos and footage.

Their set was ferocious, energetic, and altogether tight, musically. They played well, and showed a comradery I admired. They had terrific stage presence, overall, and were very professional. They started on time, and were off stage with a few minutes to spare. The band sounded strong and heavy. They had prepared for this gig. This gig was earned.

The band won the opening slot because 106.5 KWHL, a local rock FM station, put on a Facebook poll. This is a fairly new trick used by promoters, managers, marketing, and the like, to wage fan reaction, gather public opinion, and socially network. KWHL asked their listeners on their Facebook page a preliminary open-ended question, polling them on which local band they would like to see open for Godsmack. Three lucky local bands came out of prelims to line up for an official vote. These bands were Cry for Help, City in Ashes, and Wichita Shadows. KWHL re-posed the question, only this time, you could only pick one of the three aforementioned acts.

Wichita Shadows was victorious in Facebook-land and added another notch to their belt. Online presence has become a huge factor with unsigned musical acts and their success. Musicians and bands have altogether bypassed the record companies and become commercially successful without guidance from A&R Reps and big-time record labels. This was a step in the right direction for Wichita Shadows in that department. They proved they have enough support from fans and friends to pursue special opportunities like this one, opening for national rock act Godsmack at a huge venue.

Just after their set, basking in the glow of their achievement, they were invited by Godsmack's security guard to pass another milestone. "Guys, Sully wants to take a picture..." Sully Erna, Godsmack's lead singer, guitar player, and "guest" drummer, is the face of Godsmack. This was an absolute honor for Wichita Shadows; they were floored. AK Rhythm was invited to photograph the introduction, and as we waited outside a door marked "Sully - Massage in Progress: Do Not Disturb," I got some reactions from the band.

"It felt good..."

"We sounded big!"

"I can't believe Sully wants to take a picture!"

The boys were giddy, understandably, but as Robbie Merrill, bass player for Godsmack, walked out of the dressing room to strap on his ear monitor, the hall got quiet. Robbie finished, turned around quickly, and with a grin, waved the bunch of us into the presumed "dressing" room.

This was no dressing room, folks. They had converted a standard conference room into a VIP lounge for the members of Godsmack, the smell of burnt incense and the glow of black-lights off the tapestries were apparent immediately. There was a spread of fruit, cheese, and assorted meats on a covered table, along with what looked to be a mini-bar. The two bands immediately co-mingled and started shooting the breeze. Godsmack were hospitable and genuine; quite endearing guys.

Ryan LeBlanc and Shannon Larkin, the two drummers, got along fantastically, and even had a seperate photo taken together. Sully gave the boys huge compliments, assuring the boys they were "heavy as hell" and that he was surprised that sound came out of Alaska. He also asked Ryan LeBlanc if he could photograph Ryan's Godsmack tattoo on his right bicep. The room was full of positive energy.

Click on the logo below for Wichita Shadows' profile!

Upon leaving the VIP lounge, as showtime was being counted down while we conversed, the bands exchanged thank-yous, good lucks, and goodbyes. Everyone was thrilled, even Godsmack. Walking back down the hall, Jeff Staha, manager of WS, expressed excitement for the free drink he'd received. "Sully poured me some Patron and Red Bull!" He was holding fairly good-sized Dixie cup, full to the cardboard brim with a dark-yellow ominous liquid. He passed it around to everyone, and we all sipped in celebration. It was a Godsmack communion of sorts.

The boys watched the majority of the headliner show from the sidelines. They got to see how a functioning road-crew worked, and got to experience what it's like to play in a big venue. The security, medical team, sound engineers, and guitar/bass/drum techs were collectively incredible. They were a well-oiled machine that never missed a beat. It was a great experience for Wichita Shadows and spoke a lot to Godsmack's experience and professionalism.

With fan support, the gig was earned. Wichita Shadows played their biggest venue yet. They got to meet and play on the same stage as a huge national act. They were heard by hundreds of new people. These milestones are big ones, and the boys should be proud. I certainly felt a sense of pride for the local scene. These guys are proof that this scene is what we collectively make of it.

Jeremie plays bass guitar in Anchorage rock band Robots Helping Clones and is an Assistant Editor at Anchorage Night Out. You can reach him at bands@anchoragenightout.com.

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