The scene is back. (Kick-Off show recap)

Over 130 people are estimated to have packed out the Main Street Cafe last Friday night.[/caption]

"In my dream world I was like, I'm gonna walk in the back door with my equipment, and this place is gonna be packed. And then I woke up in the car, got out with my equipment, and the place was packed," said Craig Debastiani of Culture Thief on The Tightened Wig's podcast.

Debastiani wasn't the only one who felt like he was entering into a dream last Friday as the kick off show went underway. Anyone who was on the fence about the Main Street Cafe being able to bring people together and give the music scene a much needed boost are able to get rid of their qualms.

The show went better than anyone could have thought. At least 130 music-craving people off all ages came to downtown Clarksburg to take part in the biggest local show that Clarksburg has seen in a long time. Talent was overflowing as solos were shred and choruses were shouted. The crowd danced, moshed and held lighters high as each band brought something different.

Enjoy a recap of the show below, including photos and thoughts from attendees.

Thoughts from the crowd. 

"I’ve been to lots of local shows and this was a totally new experience. Every person who attended the show exuded such a wonderful energy, and it lit up the room. It’s corny, but I have to say that it was truly a magical night. The connection was undeniable and I really feel that it was just a small glimpse at the great things that are to come in this town." - Sissy Broadwater, manager of the Main Street Cafe.

"I feel as though the kick off show wasn't just kicking off the new management of the cafe, but it was kicking off a new music scene, where the local music can come alive again. And this show definitely has started the local music uprising in West Virginia." - David Smith, guitarist for Tomorrow to Forever.

"I left that show satisfied, it was like being at an old 2007 rec center show. The bands all impressed the shit out of me, even the Allied Brothers. Timelines and Culture Thief blew my mind, The Renfields always leave me entertained, and all the other bands had great sets. I look forward to playing here [Greg is in Get With It!] and seeing more shows here as well. Congrats to Daniel and Sissy for doing a great thing to this dead city." - Greg Tassos, attendee and local musician.

"My sister, who has Down Syndrome, has recently become interested in going to live shows and I felt more than comfortable bringing her to this one! Super-late shows, the bar scene, and huge, over-crowded venues just aren't the right atmosphere for her, but last night was perfect! She told me that last night was the best night of her life, and she meant it! Please, please keep shows like this coming!" - Krista Toth, attendee (shared on Facebook).

"Personally I thought that show was the best there had been in a very long time. This music scene needed a serious pick-me-up and I thoroughly believe that show was the beginning of a great new era for this scene. Very welcoming, to say the least for my mates and I after being away from everything for so long. Keep up the good work and A Gentleman’s Sport will always be there for anything you guys need." - Jeremiah Price, guitarist for A Gentleman's Sport.


Dick Ramsses and Dr. Herbert Von Renfield IV of The Renfields pose with some dedicated fans. Credit: Feathers Fall Down photography

The Abominable Vincent Renfield gives his ghoulishly handsome smile. Credit: Feathers Fall Down photography

Jamie Lee Renfield, freshly back from the unknown, massages Dick Ramsses while he churns out face-melting punk riffs. Credit: Bethaney Wallace

Tyler Rieser and Daniel Mosley from Of Existence scream out some impassioned post-hardcore. Credit: Aaron New

Tomorrow to Forever serenaded the crowd with melodic, heartfelt pop. Credit: Aaron New


The Allied Brothers brought some hearty southern rock to the evening of tunes. Credit: Aaron New


Ryan Glaspell provided acoustic jams in between sets. Credit: Aaron New


Daniel Ludwig, bassist of A Greener Shade of Blue, contributed to the band's lively set with riveting tambourine playing.


Neil Wallace (left) and Craig Debastiani (right) joined the rest of their Culture Thief bandmates in providing sexy, innovative jam music. Credit: Aaron New

Head to our website to check out more photos from the show, and if you have any that you'd like to share please send us a message on Facebook.

The Main Street Cafe would like to give an enormously huge thank you to every single person that came out to the show. Whether you were playing, listening, or helped making the event happen, we are deeply grateful for your support. We couldn't exist without the support of the community. Please continue to support us. This is your cafe. Grow with us.

Leave your thoughts and experience from the show in the comments below!