By Jacob Engels
Tuesday night, it was time to leave the comfort of the suburbs to take in a concert at downtown’s Beacham to see Conor Oberst’s politically charged and recently re-united band Desaparecidos (have been on hiatus for 10+ years). Having seen Bright Eyes (Oberst’s other band) play in the past, I had expectations other than what I experienced..
Opening the show, and tasked with getting the audience geared up for the headliners, Joyce Manor, flipped a switch and ignited a constant thrall of crowd surfing and fighting. Understanding that this was their role, it seemed Joyce Manor was up to the challenge. However, combining alcohol with testosterone inducing music, the crowd became quite raucous. Upon the start of the Desaparecidos set, the crowd aggression intensified, including crowd surfers bouncing around, people fighting over their spot in the crowd to see the show, If it wasn’t for the aggressive yet professional bouncers, I would have lost my “assets”, plain and simple. In fact, I was waiting for one of them to snap, but they didn’t.
When called for comment, The Beacham regarded their security staff and stated ” We mostly look for people that apply for security that have had some kind of training with high stress environments in the first place. Whether it be through military, law enforcement, or if they come from a touring band member background. The last part is key for us as they all know how to keep a level head in stressful situations.”
Liv Jones Music Director and DJ at WPRK 91.5, who was also in attendance, commented after the show, “The Beacham’s security staff reminds me of the Queen’s Guard. Stoic, strong and able to pluck a punk from a sea of hands. They also ensure that said punk will be protected along with the other music lovin attendees. Some may call them saints, others curse them as sinners, but in fact they are the life blood and peace makers of musical harmony”.
Hats off to the folks at The Beacham for treating the inebriated, idiotic, and music loving masses with the right amount of patience and the right amount of force, to protect us suburbanites who love to enjoy downtown Orlando’s entertainment.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other business and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Japser, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
