Sounds of shattering glass, crashes, fans screaming, sirens and police commands. It was certainly the most frightening night of my life.
When I heard the deejay on hip-hop radio station 92.3 announce a free Drake and Hanson concert at the South Street Seaport in NYC, I immediately started planning what I thought would be a fantastic night full of music and free fun. Since I found out about this concert literally the day before the event, almost none of my friends could make it. I arranged to meet my sister and brother and our friend Tom at the concert; however, I arrived much earlier than they did. While I was waiting, I tried moving up in the crowd—which was impossible because the whole venue was mobbed. They had expected around 10,000 people to attend the concert. Well, somebody miscalculated, because there were more than 25,000 people there.
After a half hour of trying to find a view of the stage, my sister, brother and Tom finally arrived. The four of us eventually made our way up to a balcony where it seemed like we could get a glimpse of the concert. This all occurred in the span of a few hours. Then, I started hearing the audience screaming, “OHHH!” Everyone tried as hard as they could to see what was causing such a ruckus. Being short, I couldn’t see a thing. I climbed onto the stair railing with the help of Tom and my brother. When I stood up tall, I could see the thousands of people below getting restless and impatient. Drake and Hanson were not being permitted by the NYPD to get on stage because of the overcrowded conditions, so the Drake fans started physically fighting with the Hanson fans and the rest of the audience was getting excited about the action.
While I was standing on the railing, I saw people starting to throw flowers from flower pots and water bottles down at the people fighting. This started the riot. Immediately when I saw it starting to erupt I screamed, “Get me down NOW!” Everyone on the balcony tried to find cover. The next thing we knew, big glass bottles of alcohol were flying above our heads smashing the windows right next to us. Metal chairs, tables, whatever people could find were being thrown. All I could do was cover myself and my sister’s head underneath an umbrella. We were terrified of being hurt. My brother was incredibly close to being hit with a bottle, but thankfully a woman pulled him under the umbrella and covered him.
The next thing I knew, five or six police officers came running up to the balcony commanding everyone to get off. Holding hands, all four of us got off as fast as we could. Looking behind us, we saw a couple men being difficult—I wonder if they were the ones to be arrested for “obstructing police” and throwing a bottle? Seven people were injured that night—two with major head injuries. When we got home that night many of our friends had already seen the news about the concert. Everyone wanted to know that we were safe.
The next morning we found an article on the Daily News website with a picture of US included! I could not believe that out of the 25,000 people to attend this concert, the site happened to choose a picture of us for its article. The whole thing was insane and didn’t feel real at all. I had never experienced anything like this before in my life, and I hope I never do again. Next free concert I hear about, I will carefully think about what to expect and whether it is worth attending.
Comments: 
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Evelyn Diamond, The Sisterhood. The Sisterhood said: @evelyndiamond posted her experience at the free Drake/Hanson concert!! (pretty scary to me) http://bit.ly/9gOp1E #ERWWPR [...]
Good stuff here, as always.
great experience, dude! thanks for this great post wow… it’s very wonderful report.
I love your website! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
I told myself this post must give back! This is a rare nice post century ah
I love your website! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
I love your blog! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
Keep up the good work, I like your writing.
[...] concerts and outside movies in New York City this summer. Hopefully they won’t turn out like the free Drake and Hanson concert on June 15! (I happened to be right next to all the violence at the [...]
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
I want to post fast hi and want to say thanks for enlightened article. I digg and searching through the web for some kind of very useful like that, or at least a website. That coveredwhat i want to
Thank you.
Well this is very interesting indeed. Would love to read a little more of this. Great post. Thanks for the heads-up
Thanks for the captivating article, may I ask where you get your information from?
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Where else could one get this kind of info written in such an incite full way? I have a presentation that I am just now working on, and I have been looking for such information.
LOL!!!
hmmm…wow… good website this is most article original
Loved it, thanks.
Well, this is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Matthew, thank you for the detailed and well thought out response! That is exactly the sort of conversation I want to see grow out of CV!
Oralia, i read all your posts, and i’m really loving your contributions so far.:)
Well, this is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
I just stumbled on your blog when i was lookng on google. I have to say that the information here was the most complet that I found anywhere. I am definitly bookmarkin this to come bck and read later
Just wanted to give you a shout from the valley of the sun, great information. Much appreciated.
Hello, this is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting in your blog especially on how to determine the topic. keep up the good work.