We were getting pretty tired by this point; although Dirk had slumbered through eastern Ontario & Stacy had managed a curled-up catnap in the seat, I had not been able to sleep at all. It was late, we'd been drinking, and the first band (This Ascension) was insufferably boring. I was just about ready to head back to the hotel when Bella Morte took the stage. The reminded me of Nic's bands in a way, because I had no idea what to expect. After the first song I turned to Stacy, who was equally tired. "You know, these guys are pretty good." She nodded noncomittally. Two more songs gave me the energy to stand, and we decided to join Dirk in the crowd. Up close, the gyrating dots turined into a crew that was surprisingly cute - 3 bouncy Mohawked boys in front and a guy resembling St. Pete working the Mac loops & beats. The lead singer (Andy) had enormous energy, which he used for dancing, stomping & thrashing about when he was not holding forth in an amazingly full & powerful voice. I started to have fun. Suddenly, mid-way through a song, the lead singer jumped in the crowd & started a mosh pit. I squealed & ran into the fray...only to hurl myself out when it became apparent that the only people in the pit were gigantic boys. Honest to God, I'd been sure that Convergence had only admitted thin wispy androgynous bois - these troll-sized men scared the crap out of me. I consoled myself with the fact that at least I wasn't a solitary chicken: no other girl was brave enough to enter the battle. Small comfort, especially as every member of the group (except the guitarist) found their way into the pit for at least one stretch. The pit was obviously the cool place to be. Still, it was nice to have come out in one piece. After the show I raced to the back to snap up a Bella Morte baby-t and a free ep. After I paid for the shirt, I realized that the band was signing merchandise on the stairs. Of course, it was then that a horrible shyness possesses me, and I was unable to do anything more proactive than stand nearby the boys with a lame smile as more aggressive girls pushed their stuff past my unresisting body. Eventually I made my way to them, and discovered that they were surprisingly nice: talkative, energetic & oblivious to the fact that I couldn't think of a clever thing to say. I shook hands and wandered away, pleased as punch. Little did I know that the best was yet to come... I mean, uh...punk rock! (photo) Andy from Bella Morte: the cutest punk rock boi evah. detail of a photo by Pink Cyber Kitty