Dexter Tortoriello performing as Dawn Golden, opening for Crosses †††.

We were the first to be let into the venue and claimed a table up front to prepare our equipment to photograph the show. As fans started filing in we heard a lot of complaining about "a DJ opening the show." Once Dexter began his performance, they changed their tune, quickly. After each song, he was met with louder and louder applause. The crowd, it seemed, were appreciative of the passion and exertion that Dexter was putting forth. He seemed entranced, and his intensity was mesmerizing. I had to remind myself to keep photographing multiple times; I just wanted to watch him perform. As he thanked the crowd and announced his last song, I was disappointed that his performance was over. That is a rarity for me with opening bands I've never seen or heard before. It all went by too fast. I'll be following Dexter's career from now on and will be looking for opportunities to witness Dawn Golden again someday. If you get a chance, don't miss him.