I have been lucky to attend tons of shows in Seattle. Many are forgettable, but some stand out as especially memorable: AFI at the Northgate Theatre, Less Than Jake at The Showbox (2002?) and every Social Distortion show.

Dead To Me Live at El Corazon, April 12, 2008.

Saturday night's Bouncing Souls show was right up there. It was the best conclusion imaginable for a brilliant day. Everyone in attendance seemed to be in high spirits because of the warm weather and beyond excited to see the legendary Bouncing Souls live.

Opening act Dead To Me played an intensely entertaining set with outlandish showmanship and enjoyable punk rock tunes. I highly recommend checking out the band's latest release. "Cuban Ballerina." Dead To Me did a great job warming the crowd up for what they were about to experience.

There was a really unique dynamic in the venue that night. Before the set started there was a sense of anticipation, as if everyone suspected that something special would be taking place that night. Once the Bouncing Souls took the stage, they knew they would never forget it. Or at least I did.

Bouncing Souls live at El Corazon, April 12, 2008.

At the risk of sounding over the top, seeing a band like the Bouncing Souls is an intensely heartfelt and emotional experience. Not only are their songs honest and relatable, but with a discography that spans 19 years, the music reminds fans of where they've been and who they've become.

The band opened with "Hopeless Romanic" and it was on from there. The energy was over the top, with climbing onto the stage and diving off non-stop. The circle pit never stopped, the fists never left the air and fans never stopped singing along.

Although the dynamic shifted in the middle of the Bouncing Souls' set when they played a few acoustic songs, the energy never dwindled. The band blew me away with their mastery over instruments as well as their showmanship. I am thankful to have been there.