When people hear the word ‘tabernacle’, they think church or Sundays, unless it is downtown Atlanta, in which case, think concerts. This former church was converted into a concert venue in the 90’s. The Tabernacle has been a place for bands to rock out since 1998.

On Sunday night, “The Op Presents Tour” featuring Boys Like Girls, with support from Cobra Starship, The Maine, A Rocket To The Moon and VersaEmerge, rolled into town and a fantastic time was had by all. It’s everyone for themselves at general admission shows, so to get a good place in line means showing up way before doors open. When opening hour arrived, a flood gate of eager fans busted open.

The first two bands to take the stage, VersaEmerge and A Rocket to the Moon (Fueled By Ramen), were a hit with the crowd. The powerful vocals of VersaEmerge front woman, Sierra Kusterbeck, combined with the talents of the rest of the band; Blake, Devin and Jerry, make for some amazing tunes. They performed all their hits including “Past Praying For,” “Whisperer,” and “Clocks.”

After a quick set change, A Rocket to the Moon came on stage and kept the energy going as they belted out some tunes off their full length album, "On Your Side," including “Mr. Right” and “Just Another One.”

The anticipation rose with each lowering of the lights. Boys Like Girls’ touring alums; John O’Callaghan/John-O, Garrett Nickelsen, Pat Kirch, Kennedy Brock and Jared Monaco, collectively known as The Maine, graced the stage third. Their music is a combination of fast and slow songs about figuring out who you are. Their hit album entitled "Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop" is multifaceted, being a line in a song and a fitting description for their career aspirations. Their onstage demeanor is all about having fun. They’ve had many successes along the way with no sign of slowing down in sight.

What was in sight for fans was another BLG touring alum’s set, Cobra Starship. Frontman, Gabe Saporta’s energy and enthusiasm is as bright and energetic as the strobe light display during their set. The energy level in the crowd was insane as fans enthusiastically “put their fangs up,” a hand gesture that resembles snake fangs. Crowd participation was at a constant high level throughout the set, songs from "Hot Mess" and "Viva la Cobra! " Nothing like ending on a high note as Saporta came off stage to get closer to the crowd.

The lights went up and the time seemed to slowly pass as fans anticipated Boys Like Girls taking the stage. Soon, the huge heart banner had been raised and screams recurred. Martin, Paul, Bryan and John kicked off the set with the title track from their sophomore album. "Love Drunk" (September 09) is the follow up to their massively popular self titled release (2006). Prior to the OP tour, BLG had been on a touring whirlwind supporting the first album.

Every tour has been a huge success so far and the same will apply to Love Drunk. The band played most of their new songs including “Heart, Heart, Heartbreak,” “Contagious,” and “Two Is Better Than One.” Taylor Swift sings on this track, but Sierra Kusterbeck did an excellent job performing the live version. Three examples of songs they preformed well live are “Hero/Heroine,” “Thunder,” and of course, “The Great Escape.”

No one ever knows what to expect at a live show. The band can do anything from throwing guitar pics or drum sticks into the crowd, crowd surf or even invite fans on stage. While Martin is synonymous for going through numerous guitar pics, a first for this avid concert goer was right before the last song of the night. It would of course be “The Great Escape,” but what was unexpected is that Martin told fans he wanted as many fans on stage as possible. Who knew how that would fly with the security guards, but when people were getting backstage, this reporter went for it and got to rock out on stage alongside Boys Like Girls.

It was the best end to an amazing concert experience. So for those fans of all these bands that haven’t had a chance to see them live, take it from someone with plenty of experience, do it.