As the Republican National Convention was about to kick off in Cleveland, I made a last-minute decision to head to Ohio–despite some safety concerns and no specific plans for when I arrived.

The convention experience proved to be far different than anything I had anticipated. And while many political junkies may feel they have a good picture of what a party convention is like based on the non-stop cable coverage, there’s a lot more happening outside the reality television show taking place in the arena.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks at the Republican National Convention.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks at the Republican National Convention.

While I stopped by the convention hall, my true experience at this year’s Republican National Convention was an exhausting series of seminars, concerts, and parties that began early in the morning and stretched late into night, long after the convention coverage ended on television.

Cleveland felt very safe. Police officers had a constant presence everywhere in the city, and they were well prepared if there had been a problem.

Of course, none of this stopped my mom from reminding me every day to be careful.

(and based on conversations with others in Cleveland, everyone’s mom was similarly worried)

Police

Check out the officer on the left’s gun

 

There were protesters, but I did not witness anything get out of hand.

Protesters

 

Perennial presidential candidate Vermin Supreme seemed to be everywhere. For those unfamiliar with him, he wears a boot on his head and promises free ponies for all if elected.

Vermin

 

Advocacy groups rented billboards across the city to properly welcome Republican delegates.

Billboard

 

Film screenings and seminars were held each day. Newt and Callista Gingrich introduced their film, “The First American,” a documentary on the life of George Washington. Media organizations hosted panel discussions on such issues as how to get more women to run for office and how campaigns are developing new digital strategies. Guest speakers took the opportunity to make some news.

 

Newt Gingrich introduces "The First American"

Newt Gingrich introduces “The First American”

 

Evening and late-night cocktail parties hosted by DC lobbying firms gave invited guests a chance to meet leading Republicans and take in the Cleveland skyline from hotel rooftops.

 

 

Gingrich

Rooftop

 

But the part of convention most overlooked by TV coverage is the accompanying music festival. Each night featured a lineup of great bands–some of which had reunited just for the RNC. The bands played in small, private venues. Tickets weren’t available to the general public, and many of the performances had few enough attendees to walk right up to the stage.

Big and Rich

Big and Rich

Turnpike Troubadours

Turnpike Troubadours

 

The keyboard-trumpet-accordion player for Bob Schneider was a constant fascination–dressed as a janitor, doing a robot dance, and randomly sneaking to the opposite side of the stage.

 

One band tried to spoil all the fun. While giving a charity concert for sick kids (yeah–these guys are classy), the washed-up 90s band Third Eye Blind refused to play any of their hit music because they disagreed with the predominantly-Republican audience. This disappointed fans, but lead singer Stephan Jenkins told the crowd, “You can boo all you want, but I’m the motherf—in’ artist up here.” Again, this was a charity concert for sick children.

Me and Third Eye Blind

Me and Third Eye Blind


In great contrast to Third Eye Blind, Blues Traveler had possibly the most popular performance of the week. The band came on stage to “America, F*** Yeah,” and The Great John Popper led an out-of-tune crowd in “God Bless America.”

 

Popper showed what’s possible with a harmonica in “Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

 

“Hook” was a big hit with the fans.

 

The non-stop convention party was a lot to handle. Convention organizers were apparently aware of this. They handed out the hangover-cure Pedialyte to all concertgoers after Blues Traveler.

Pedialite