The Sun and the Sea, a five-piece, emo-influenced synth band, opened the night at the Firebird with a short set of tunes which included "Waves" and "Valiant" from 2012's "Vega." "Valiant" came off as drippy, with the droll sentiment, "You are the one, what am I to do?"

Featuring overture interludes that wouldn't be out of place during a long shot of the Tantive IV, a few moms vying for a better view of Claudio Sanchez's sprawling mane and choruses trusted to masses of loyalists, Coheed and Cambria provided a nostalgic escape for long-time fans and a glimpse into a fantasy world for new recruits.

The Dayton, Oh. quintet appeared on stage as lead singer and guitarist JT Woodruff beckoned the audience to leave the upper level of tables at the Old Rock House and join Hawthorne Heights near the stage.

A barrage of merchandise tents, non-profits, stages with unfamiliar faces (and names) and active half-pipes is likely to overwhelm even a veteran Warped fan.

The near 100 degree weather could not stop fans from Vans Warped Tour Wednesday, August 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. With over 70 bands and other attractions the “Punk Rock Band Camp” keeps chugging along into its 17^th year.

Sure, it's been done before. Cursive's done it. Panic! At the Disco did it. The emo concept album, that is. But few bands are quite as ambitious as the Dear Hunter.

Chicago-based Empires took the stage at the Firebird apologizing for their tardiness. No, seriously, they actually said "tardiness."

Last night the prototypical '90s emo-punk quintet, the Get Up Kids, wowed fans young and old at the Firebird in St. Louis. Their massive set ran the gamut of their nearly 15-year catalogue.

It would be myopic to say that people only go to concerts to be entertained. Any music nerd who saves his or her ticket stubs could tell you that.

Nueva trova isn't a likely starting point for contemporary rock bands but Kansas City's Making Movies bridges the gap between the classic Latin folk of Pablo Milanes and indie emo like Bright Eyes. The trio stopped by Alma Latina for a live, acoustic session.