The authorities, though, flexed their muscles several times, shutting down a handful of shows in progress. On more than one occasion, bands that had traveled hundreds of miles to play for 50 kids were forced to either cut their sets short or cancel their shows entirely. This is where we get creative. Since the summer is virtually the only extended period of time I get to see my friends who, during the school year, are scattered across the country, the highest priority is always just hanging out with them, as a group. Unfortunately, the powers that be seem to frown on this in certain areas of our fair city, so we are forced to turn to our imaginations.
Parks are good, though they occasionally fall into the off-limits zone.
Emerald Park in North Little Rock, located high above the Arkansas River next to the Veterans' Hospital, is a great spot, for both intimate conversations at sunset and peaceful pre-dawn moments of silence. Restaurants are always a fine choice for talking and, well, eating, and no other place equals North Little Rock's Starlite Diner as a haven for the younger set. Friends' houses often play a key role in plans. We often gather at a friend of mine's house and, though in the guise of finding something to do, hang around, playing Nintendo or forming new bands in the attic that will make up only two songs and never, ever play a show. The Tandy 10 cheapo movie theater has hosted us on dozens of summer nights, and for good reason.