I had no idea The Promise Ring would drag out so many people on a weeknight. The Sapphire Supper Club was filled to the gills with kids from all over the state. It was surprising. All the other times TPR have played in Orlando, it's been the small "hardcore" venues that had them (Brodies, Theatre of Pain and Club Z) and now they were moved to the "biggest" indie music venue Orlando has. Maybe it helps to have a full bill..... In addition to The Promise Ring, Jets To Brazil, Tugboat Annie and Far were also going to help rock this crowd.

Far was the opener. They were already playing when I took my place at the end of the line, which stretched all the way down to Barbarella. I did get inside to see a good portion of their emo-rock show. I thought I was unfamiliar with them but I recognized two songs they played from the radio.

Seeing Tugboat Annie on the marquee was a nice and unexpectant surprise, evoking a vocal "yeah!" and grin from me. I was already familiar with them and had no clue they were on this tour. I knew they played in Boston a lot (many times opening for Karate) but didn't knew they had moved there until they said so. They were originally based in NY. Boston is awesome and so is anything coming out of that city. They were pretty good and the kids seemed to get into them.

Who: The Promise Ring, Jets To Brazil, Tugboat Annie and Far. Where: Sapphire Supper Club. Orlando, FL. When: Wednesday October 28, 1998.

A lot of people were excited to see Jets To Brazil. Who wouldn't? It's made up of alumnus of Jawbreaker, Texas Is The Reason, Handsome and The Van Pelt... all stars! I liked them. Blake has this British way of singing but I don't think he's British. You know who they reminded me of? This may be a bit silly but as I listened to them I couldn't help but think they sound just like 70's classic rock heroes Blue Oyster Cult. This is a compliment, of course.

[ Jets To Brazil ]

Anything I write about The Promise Rings performance will be repeated info. How many times do I need to say they have one of the funnest live shows? This show was no exception. It was all around fun. The bands demeanor was fun. Their music was fun. People jump around and sing every word. They knew what the kids wanted and they delivered. They only did one of the new songs that was on their new Boys and Girls 7" on Jade Tree... not that The Promise Ring need new songs to tour on. They just go. Thank goodness :)