Hundreds of people packed the plaza leading into the Rose Center. Their voices blended into a low, constant hum punctuated by bursts of laughter and excited shouts. Bodies pressed together in loose clusters. Groups of friends and fans huddled close. Strangers excitedly shared their enthusiasm to see Derrick and Inez. Couples danced to music that leaked out of their shared earbuds.
The smell of street food trucks mingled with perfume, cologne, and the pungent smell of cigarette smoke. A food vendor called out over the crowd, hawking hot dogs and pretzels, while the sizzle and pop of grilling onions carried on the evening breeze rolling in from the Willamette River.
Etienne groaned, "I know this was a bad idea. We're not going to get in until after the show starts, and that's assuming we can even buy a ticket at the gate."
Gabe crossed his arms, "It seems like I underestimated how popular those two are. I didn't think two DJs could draw a crowd this big by themselves."
