SoundProof - Live: The Saint Alvia Cartel

Before the bands took the stage, the evening didn't look too promising. Apart from the die-hards who showed up early (5 p.m. doors?), a snowstorm the night before and a 7 p.m. show time wasn't enough of an obstacle for fans.

For the believers, forgive me, for I had little faith.

When the Little Millionaires took the stage, the early crowd was ready for them. They put on a solid show, and after a few broken strings and a false start, the band joked that it was actually the first time they had ever played music.

By the time the Reason hit the stage, any worry that people wouldn't show had vanished. I admit I had never seen these guys before. I missed them opening for Bigwig years ago at Moe's Tavern in Waterdown, but that was by accident. Their unwavering harmonies and incredible energy gave the people already familiar with the band more of what they loved. Consider me converted.

And then came the Saint Alvia Cartel.

There are few bands that rival TSAC when it comes to having a good time onstage, and these guys do everything they can to make sure you have a good time too. The band has been getting more attention lately, with good reason; their live presence is a force, maybe due to the fact they have four frontmen — or so it appears. Ben Rispin (vocals), Greg Taylor (guitar), Rob Pasalic (guitar) and Greg Fisher (bass) split lead/harmony duties, while Matt Richmond (drums) and Brandon Bliss (keys) hold it down behind them.

The band's most accessible song "Time to Go," was well received, and their closer, "Stones on the Road," had the band bring back the Reason for a bit of a bro-down. Rispin encouraged anyone and everyone to join them on stage for the closer, and one brave girl took him up on the offer.

All three bands were overly appreciative to those fans who eventually made it out, and were maybe a bit apologetic for the unfortunate time slot. There was no need to be sorry though, as they gave the weather-beaten fans something to cheer about.