Kevin Bronson on July 18th, 2016

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When Taste of Chaos returned Saturday after a five-year hiatus, it felt like a family reunion, with the emotions and nostalgia turned up to 11.

With the likes of Dashboard Confessional and Taking Back Sunday holding up their end of the deal as headliners, Taste of Chaos roared all day at the San Manuel Amphitheater Festival Grounds. As James Dewees of Reggie and the Full Effect pointed out, the fest’s lineup was like a flashback to the Vagrant America Tour, a nationwide jaunt that featured bands on Vagrant Records from 2001-03 (specifically Reggie, the Anniversary, Hot Rod Circuit, and the Get Up Kids).

Speaking of the Anniversary, the Kansans’ reunion after 13 years received a huge welcome. While the band was selling new merch, many fans came decked in vintage Anniversary gear.

Throughout the day, members of other bands playing Taste of Chaos stood sidestage to take in their peers. And the day featured plenty of cameos; with Reggie, for instance, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday and Matt Pryor of the Get Up Kids took turns on stage. Carrabba also joined Hot Rod Circuit, and Christian Jankowski of the Anniversary joined fellow Kansans the Get Up Kids.

Photos by Samantha Saturday