How I Spent My 20's Following Rilo Kiley - July 2002

7/22/02: Back in my 20's, I discovered Rilo Kiley on their first tour when they opened for Nada Surf at the Side Bar. From that point on whenever they would tour, I would hit as many shows as possible, driving to little bars in NJ, DC, MD, PA ect. This was before the band had found a real following so I would get a lot of time hanging around with them before and after shows, helping move gear and even helping pick songs for the setlist. That brings us to here; a hot, humid weekend in 2002. I make the trip to catch Rilo Kiley play a set at a little cafe in Washington DC. They let us write their setlist and we find out that they booked a show in the next night at an open mic night in Maryland. So, after driving home from DC that night, I call in sick to work the next day and drive to Maryland to catch their set. I followed Rilo Kiley their whole career. But this little slice of time, before the world had discovered my best kept secret, back in my 20's when I never needed sleep, will always be closest to my heart. #2000s #2000snostalgia #rilokiley