Xavier Rudd - 8x10 & 9:30 Club - 7/28/2007 & 7/29/2007

Review by Nicole Parisi-Smith.

Thanks to support from the concert promoters, Walther Productions, we were able to set up a table at both of Xavier's DC-area shows. Saturday night at the 9:30 Club, and Sunday night at the 8x10. Thanks to Eli Kiljanek, who helped me run the table at the 9:30 Club!

These were fantastic shows. Xavier has a really dedicated fanbase. At the 9:30 Club show, our booth served as a meeting place for fans who had come to the show from all over the region, and were staying at area hotels. I really enjoy providing a conduit not just for us to engage in conversations with fans about Surfrider and the artists, but also as a conduit for fans to meet each other, and make new friends.

I have a lot of respect for Xavier because he strongly supports ocean conservation issues, including Australian free surfer Dave Rastovich's stance against the slaughter of dolphins and whales. Check out this video, filmed at an Xavier Rudd show, towards the end of 2007:



The 8x10 show was a lot of fun, too. It was a sold-out show, and fans were standing out in front of the venue before the show started, holding big hand-made signs indicating that they were looking for tickets for sale. I saw a lot of fans get in that way, which was awesome:) I heard that Xavier had wanted to say hello, but did not have a chance to come by the Surfrider table. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!