I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Dispatch; I was in heaven.
Truth be told, I was somewhere in middle school, maybe at a friend’s place, maybe at school, I’m not really sure. The only thing for certain is that I fell in love with the band. So when I found out they were playing a free show on Flavet Field on Friday, I lost my shit.
Brad Corrigan, Pete Francis and Chad Urmston met while going to school at Middlebury College in Vermont. From there, they based Dispatch out of Boston and proved to do the impossible: succeed in the fucked up system that is the American music industry. Without the help of major label promotion, Dispatch became a word-of-mouth sensation across college campuses all over the country.
As a middle schooler, my first thought was “when can I see these guys play?” Unfortunately for me, I found out the band had already broken up by 2002, playing a couple of reunion shows until, alas, they came together to reunite for good in 2011, playing shows in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York/New Jersey and two shows in Cali.
I was lucky enough to be in Chicago for that tour, seeing them at the University of Illinois – Chicago Pavilion. I’ve seen my fair share of incredible concerts: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arcade Fire, you name it. Dispatch ranks as one of the most jubilant experiences of my life. Not a second of music passed without an insane smile on my face.
This band defines exuberance. They bring good vibes on and off the stage, getting involved in charitable work wherever they perform. They’re on a mission to make you happy, and damn it they’re going to succeed.
So when Friday night rolls around and you’re thinking to yourself, “Well, I like that song ‘The General,” but I think I might go to midtown instead,” you might as well hit yourself in the face with Hulk Hands. The fact that the school is providing you with a free show is reason enough to go check it out, and the fact that it’s Dispatch is positively divine.
So come on out and get your happy on. It’s the first time these guys have ever played a show in Florida, and we damn sure want to make sure they come back. Grab your friends, bring the good energy and get ready to enjoy what will surely be a magical experience.
Via: lawrencecentral.highschoolmedia.org/
