By Rachael Ullinskey Cleveland was the gracious host of Warped Tour Twenty Ten on Thursday, July 8^th, and the event can be summed up in one word: hot—both literally and figuratively.  The 90 degree sun was beating down on devoted concert goers but that didn’t stop the bands or fans from rocking out from sun up to sun down.  I personally felt like a kid on Halloween, going from tent to tent gathering freebies and merch in between my favorite band performances.  I took full advantage of my press pass, visiting and interviewing top bands along with some upcoming groups on the punk/emo scene. The first tent that caught my attention was that of Hollywood Heartthrob, a band from Phoenix who is on their first official excursion with Warped Tour.  A sign at the front of their tent read, “Lebron James will stay in Cleveland if we sell 100 CDs.”  Appreciating their efforts and humor, I had to stop in and meet this group of musicians and their story has to be one of the best I’ve heard. Hollywood Heartthrob consists of Grady Melton (vocals), Frank Littlefield (guitar), Brent Sutton (guitar) and Teddy Myers (drums).  This group was formally known as Faucet; however, after ten years of mediocre popularity, they decided revitalization was in need.  Teddy won a free ticket on a radio station in Arizona for a “Health & Wealth” raffle and miraculously won $1 million dollars.  He got married, bought a house and invested the rest of his winnings in what is now known as Hollywood Heartthrob.  His efforts have paid off and, since December of 2008, this group has been making its way to the top of the punk scene. “I’m broke again,” Teddy laughs, “but at least it’s all invested in the band.” When I ask him what the primary difference is between the old Faucet and the new Hollywood Heartthrob, Teddy doesn’t hesitate when he says it’s the appeal.  “We are now like the new age Avenged Sevenfold meets Motley Crue.  We push and strive to be flashy.”  Disappointed that they aren’t performing that day, the group gives me a free CD as a consolation prize.  I listen to it the entire way home from Warped, marveling at their talent and excited to see this group blow up into the mainstream punk scene. The main attractions of Warped Tour Twenty Ten included bands like Mayday Parade, All American Rejects and We the Kings.  All American Rejects put on a fantastic show, performing both old and new material to appeal to its diverse crowd of fans.  Founded in 2001, this band has grown to amazing popularity with songs like, “Swing Swing,” “Gives You Hell,” “It Ends Tonight” and “Dirty Little Secret.”  This four piece appeared on the main stage at Warped and they put on one hell of a performance.  Their energy and audience interaction is unparalleled and it’s clear why they are so popular.  Hundreds crowded in the main stage tent to hear them rock out and they weren’t disappointed. At one point, the lead singer Tyson Ritter stops the music and points to the security guards standing in front of the stage.  “You see these guys?” he asks the crowd who collectively respond with hoots and hollers.  “Let’s put these bastards to work!”  As the music cued again, the crowd erupted and dozens were seen crowd surfing to the front .  I smiled when I read guitarist Mike Kennerty’s Twitter post that night: “Despite what their hardcore scene would lead me to believe, Cleveland was the most positive crowd ever!  So many smiles and flying elbows.  Rad!” Immediately following the All American Rejects on the main stage is We the Kings.  Originating from Bradenton, Florida, this four man group has been on Warped Tour for several years and has enjoyed its popularity among punk fans.  Their recent duet with Disney princess Demi Lovato has propelled them to the top of the charts.  As a devoted fan myself, it’s nice to see their progression from obscure to mainstream.  They open with one of their hits, “Skyway Avenue” and didn’t hesitate in performing their hit, “We’ll be a Dream,” borrowing Cassadee Pope from Blue Monday for vocals.  Dubbed as front man Travis Clark’s favorite song ever, the band performed a rendition of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle,” which managed to even coerced parents out of the reverse-daycare tent to watch the group perform.  They closed with my all time favorite song, “Check Yes Juliet,” which cued the mass exodus from the main stage to the Ernie Ball Stage where Mayday Parade was performing next. From Tallahassee, Florida, Mayday Parade is comprised of band members Derek Sanders (vocals/keyboard), Jeremy Lezno (bass), Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts (guitar) and Jake Bundrick (drums).  Enjoying remarkable success with their major label debut CD, Anywhere But Here, it’s hard to believe that this band has only been playing together for four years.  As I looked in the crowd, it was even harder to believe that the band isn’t on the main stage for this tour; hundreds of fans were packed in like sardines to crowd around the small Ernie Ball stage to see them perform.  I felt like a 13 year old school girl at my first Nsync concert because this band is my all time favorite. I spoke with lead singer Derek Sanders before the band’s performance.  Derek was extremely humble and laid back as we chatted about his band’s success and the experiences he’s had on Warped Tour.  I asked what music he’s listening to right now and he told me that his favorites right now are fellow Warped Tour bands Four Years Strong and Pierce the Veil.  When I inquired about his favorite stop so far on the Warped Tour, he laughed and said, “Pittsburgh.”  Though I felt the immediate wave of nausea at his mere suggestion of the Steelers’ hometown, its okay—I still love him. Mayday Parade’s performance was ridiculous, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan.  Did I tell you that they’re my favorite band?  Even if I wasn’t a Mayday Parade groupie, it would be hard to deny their energy and amazing talent.  If you don’t believe me, ask the hundreds of fans who were standing on top of each other to see them perform.  And PS.: I had him autograph my copy of Buzzbin Magazine. I jammed to countless bands throughout the day and, as the sun began to set, it was clear that everyone at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre was exhausted.  As Warped Tour Twenty Ten closed, I was reluctant to close out such an amazing day.  Though the weather was as hot as Hades (and bottles of water were $4) I’m counting down the days until next summer’s Warped Tour.  The concert was an amazing success and as I sort through dozens of pictures that I snapped throughout the day, I can’t help but say out loud, “I have the best job in the world.”