Sylar at the Beat Kitchen in Chicago
When I saw Sylar’s post on Instagram about their first headlining tour, I was ecstatic. I bought VIP tickets for their Chicago date on May 14th. Chicago was the closest location to Kalamazoo, but always worth the drive.
After impatiently driving two and a half hours to get to the Beat Kitchen in Chicago we lined up waiting to get called in for the VIP event. There were maybe 20 people at the VIP session, so it was really close and personal. We got special VIP merch: a t-shirt, a wall flag, and a lanyard. We watched Sylar perform two acoustic songs, and did a Q&A. The guys of Sylar are some of the friendliest, most open minded people to talk to. The main vocalist, Jayden, mentioned how they want to welcome fans with all types of music taste, they just want people to feel good when they listen to their music. One fan asked how the band felt about their song ‘All or Nothing’ being played on Monday Night Football. Their drummer, Cody, explained how he played football growing up and his dad was his coach. Not only was the band stoked to have their song played on Monday Night Football, but Cody’s dad was so proud. After the Q&A we got to take pictures with Sylar.
Since we were VIP, we got priority entrance into the venue. We were front row. The venue was small, but not cramped. I waited, antsy, for an hour as the place filled in before the show started. Sylar had three opening bands. First, Bloodline, then Varials, then Cane Hill. Each band was outstanding and the crowd’s energy was unmatched. Finally, at 8:30pm it was Sylar’s turn to perform. I was just as excited as the first time I saw them. I was exhausted from singing, dancing, and headbanging for almost two hours already, but a sudden burst of energy swept over me. I let everything out during Sylar’s set and felt so decompressed when the show was over. The guys of Sylar were giving out the set lists to the crowd, and I got a guitar pick from Travis, the bassist.
Sylar is one of those bands whose lyrics help you through the tough times in life. Their shows are powerful with so much energy that you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face. The guys of Sylar are so great at interacting with their fans, you almost feel like friends. I will definitely be seeing Sylar every time they’re performing nearby.
