Three Nights with Dance Gavin Dance: A Birthday, a Media Pass, and the Power of Asking

Some bands become part of your life long before you ever meet them.

For me, Dance Gavin Dance has been one of those bands. I've spent countless hours with their music playing in my car, through good days, long workdays, road trips, and everything in between. So when they announced their Return of the Robot Tour, I knew I wanted to experience more than just one show.

I ended up seeing them three times.

Each night became a memory I'll never forget.

Night One: Anaheim

The first night in Anaheim felt like reconnecting with old friends.

VIP gave us the chance to spend some time with the band, grab some exclusive merch, and enjoy a special acoustic set from Kurt Travis. Hearing him perform Uneasy Hearts Weigh the Most and Carl Barker in such an intimate setting was something I'll remember for a long time.

It was also one of those nights where music brought people together. Between waiting in line, talking before the show, and sharing stories afterward, I met people who quickly felt like friends.

Sometimes that's what makes concerts special. It's not only the music. It's the people you meet because of it.

Night Two: Anaheim

The second Anaheim show brought the same incredible energy.

I went with VIP again, but this night ended up being memorable for a different reason.

During the show I met someone who told me it was their very first Dance Gavin Dance concert. I had an extra signed VIP poster, and it just felt right to pass it along to them.

Watching someone experience their first show reminded me why this community is so special. Music has a way of connecting strangers, and sometimes the smallest gestures become part of someone else's favorite memory.

Night Three: Las Vegas

Then came Las Vegas.

This wasn't just another concert.

This was my birthday gift to myself.

For the first time, I wasn't walking into the venue as just another fan.

I walked in with a media pass around my neck.

Before Dance Gavin Dance took the stage, I photographed Horse the Band, knowing I'd soon be photographing one of my all-time favorite bands. Standing in the photo pit, camera in hand, was something I had imagined for years.

It was also my first media pass that I earned completely on my own.

Most of the concert photography opportunities I've had before came from knowing the right people or being fortunate enough to be invited. This time was different.

This time I asked.

Sometimes You Just Have to Ask

The funny part is that Vegas almost never happened.

I originally reached out asking for a media pass in Anaheim.

The answer was no.

That could have been the end of the conversation.

I was ready to thank them for responding and move on, but something told me to ask one more question.

I asked if there happened to be availability for any of the remaining tour dates.

They replied that they had space in either Arizona or Las Vegas.

Without hesitation, I chose Las Vegas.

That single follow-up question changed everything.

It's a reminder I hope I never forget.

The worst thing someone can say is no.

Sometimes they don't reply.

Sometimes they do.

And sometimes, if you're willing to ask one more question, the answer becomes yes.

More Than Just Photos

Looking back, I don't just remember the songs or the photos.

I remember conversations with the band.

The acoustic VIP performance.

Meeting new friends.

Giving away a signed poster to someone's first Dance Gavin Dance show.

Walking into the venue with my very first media credential.

Celebrating my birthday doing something I genuinely love.

Those moments mean far more than any image sitting on a hard drive.

I'm incredibly grateful to Dance Gavin Dance and their team for giving me the opportunity, and to everyone I met along the way who made these three nights unforgettable.

Here's to asking more questions, taking more chances, and seeing where they lead.