Chapter 9: Indie Band

"Are you sure you don't need me to take you there?" Evan Bell stuck his head out of the window on his left-hand side and looked at the pretty Blake Lively in front of him. Although both of them were a little dusty after the long road trip, Blake Lively, who had changed into a light yellow tank top and black shorts, exuded a charm that drew attention from the many passersby. 

It took them nearly four days to get from New York to Los Angeles, mainly because Blake Lively couldn't drive, leaving Evan Bell as the sole driver, which slowed their journey. After entering Los Angeles, Evan had to go to Eagle Rock in the northeast of the city, which was in the opposite direction of Blake Lively's brother's home.

"You don't need to bother, I grew up here. I know it better than you do." Blake Lively flashed a bright smile. "Go meet up with your band and make sure to have a great time at the festival." With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and started to walk away but turned around suddenly. "Oh, you promised to teach me how to drive, but we didn't get a chance this time. You better keep that promise next time."

Evan Bell put his right hand to his forehead in a mock salute. "Madam, I am at your service anytime."

Eagle Rock is part of the Los Angeles area, located in the northeast of the city. The Eagle Rock Music Festival, not widely known yet, was only in its third year, primarily attracting locals. It was often referred to as the Los Angeles musicians' festival.

A music festival brings many bands together under a theme to perform for fans over several days, creating a true celebration. These festivals are usually held outdoors to accommodate large crowds. Many bands have gained fame through standout performances at festivals.

Like most music festivals, the Eagle Rock Music Festival is a significant event for bands, celebrated for its rock, romantic, fresh, hippie, sexy, and loving vibe. Every summer, Eagle Rock's central mile-long street fills with bands and singers of various genres, promoting local independent and underground bands. This year, Evan Bell's band was among the invited performers.

Although Evan Bell was only eighteen, the high school academics weren't difficult for him. Alongside his rich extracurricular activities and outstanding community service, he applied to and was accepted by Harvard University two years ago. While excelling in his studies and furthering his training on Broadway during breaks, Evan also pursued a vibrant extracurricular life, including joining a band.

Evan Bell joined Blue Cheer, a band in need of fresh talent after their lead singer graduated and started working. Blue, named after a high-quality psychedelic drug from the 1960s, has a low-key rock style. Besides Evan as the new lead singer, the band included a drummer, bassist, and keyboardist, with Evan also playing guitar. Despite its small size, the band's talent was undeniable.

The Eagle Rock Music Festival featured diverse music styles, including rock, jazz, rap, country, blues, and Latin. Blue Cheer was well-known among Boston's underground bands, and this was their first invitation to an out-of-town festival.

When Evan Bell arrived at Eagle Rock, it was already past four in the afternoon. The entire street was packed with people. Although in its early years, the Eagle Rock Music Festival was already popular in Los Angeles, drawing three to four thousand attendees.

Blue Cheer was set to perform at 2 PM the next day for a half-hour set. Fortunately, Evan left New York in time to arrive the day before, avoiding missing their slot. At the Art Development Center's entrance, Evan reunited with his bandmates after a summer apart.

"We thought you'd abandoned us. You said you'd check in last week, and now you're the last to arrive," joked Jacob Tibo, the band's drummer. Despite his gentle appearance and glasses, Jacob was muscular, a result of drumming and frequent gym visits. His rolling eyes hinted at his energetic personality, far from the nerdy look he projected.

Evan hugged Jacob, playfully slapping him on the back, causing Jacob to cough. The tall, long-haired bassist, Gillen Haas, teased, "I told you not to mess with Evan. Your muscles are just for show." Gillen, with his height and model-like figure, was a striking presence. Although he wasn't ugly, his back view often led people to mistake him for a woman.

Gillen fist-bumped Evan. "Was your journey smooth? Any romantic encounters on the road? You do know they say that road trips are hotbeds for romantic encounters. The first question is just a polite remark, the focus is on the second part." 

Before Evan could answer, Jacob, having recovered from Evan's slap, eagerly chimed in. "Tell us, tell us!" He was used to Evan's playful paybacks, his resilience can even be compared to that of a cockroach.

Evan acknowledged Bruce Stewart, the quiet keyboardist, then shared that he'd met a hitchhiking girl, Blake Lively. He described her appearance and personality making Jacob smile. "She sounds lovely, Evan. But the question is, did something happen between the two of you?." Gillen asked with a teasing smile

Evan looked at Gillen confused and asked "What do you mean?" 

"Oh you know what I mean," Gillen said while humping the air insinuating what he meant. Evan laughed at Gillen's antics but denied the accusation "No, nothing of the sort happened between the two of us" 

Jacob protested, "Why not? What's wrong with having some fun with someone you met on the road? It's good to have stories to tell your future grandchildren you know." His expression and sparkling eyes behind the glasses gave away his cheeky thoughts.

Bruce Stewart interrupted with a rare comment, ending Jacob's fantasies. Known for his stoic demeanor, Bruce's intense onstage performances contrasted sharply with his usual silence.

The Eagle Rock Music Festival had already started. The distant music was loud and lively. After catching up briefly, the band decided to join the festival crowd. Evan parked the car, and the four of them walked into the bustling street.

In the festival crowd, there was no need to think or react. The music and atmosphere took over, making everyone cheer, scream, and move to the rhythm. At that moment, the music became the whole world, and the long festival street felt like the end of the earth.