When I set out on this journey to live life in a bigger way, I didn't exactly have the intention to get back to being *me* so much, but my musical adventures this year have surely had that effect. If you're not familiar with my road-tripping history, I have met several country stars. I have seen my favorite country star (Eric Church, of course) around 50 times, and met him probably 30 times as well. I have had some incredible experiences through music, like getting to meet friends from all over the country, getting to see Eric play acoustic on the back of a tailgate, and getting to see some incredible sights, like Niagara Falls covered in ice, and the Rocky Mountains. I have proved my dedication with trips as far as Massachusetts without even staying overnight, with sitting all day in front of a stage at a venue, and even with a musical tattoo. But, I thought these crazy days were behind me until this year.
the old days: eric insisted on this picture because he said it was so rock and roll, that we were sinking into mud but STILL rocking out in the front...
eric, me and the tags at red rocks
My first musical tiny adventure of the year was seeing the Light of Day Foundation benefit in Asbury Park. I had heard that Bruce (who needs no last name mention, clearly) occasionally showed up to play the benefit. Last year's headliner was Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, ACOUSTIC. So, I knew the night would be epic, but mainly bought tickets with the hopes of getting to see Bruce live for the first time, and for my dad's Christmas present, no less. One great surprise was a few songs by Joanna Cotten, who has some seriously amazing pipes and has sang on a few Eric Church songs. There were several bands in between, and then musical perfection. Johnny Rzeznik playing acoustic was honestly a spiritual experience that I find tough to explain here. Truly once in a lifetime. And then.... BRUCE!!! He came out with a surprise set at the end of the night that was at least an hour long. It is always an incredible experience to look around a concert venue and see every person singing along, but it was even more incredible in this case, since I find it so difficult to understand the words! It was really amazing, and a great moment to share with my dad too.
I also had the incredible pleasure of seeing Frankie Ballard 4 times last year, starting with a Wednesday night show in Dewey Beach, Delaware. It really brought me back to my crazy road-tripping days, especially when I got home so late and went to work the next morning! Me and Alex hung out at the venue, keeping a close eye on the stage, because I NEEDED to get her in the front row. (This is just an excuse, and I'm selfish and need to be in the front, haha.) I knew Frankie would be amazing, and I was not at all disappointed, as we spent the evening hard-core rocking out. Spent what seemed like half the concert with his guitar in my face, and it was incredibly inspiring (I'm still no further along with learning either, but it really does make me appreciate guitar playing even more now that I know how difficult it is!) A few weeks later, Brittany, Alex and I made the trip up to Point Pleasant on a weeknight, as well. Just as amazing. Just as inspiring. Just as tiring for my next day of work. But so worth it to feel like myself again. Back to my road-tripping roots! A few months later, we experienced the VIP experience with Frankie in Philly, and got to hear a few songs acoustic, along with some joking around about cheesesteaks, of course. He's really going to be a HUGE star, and he was very sweet to meet in person, as well. He is NOT TO BE MISSED in concert!
I also road-tripped to Boston and Salem with the purpose of seeing Frankie up there, but that deserves its own #tinyadventure blog entry.
Discovering new music brings its own thrills, and I have Frankie to thank for my favorite musical discovery of the past several years, the Morrison Brothers Band! They opened for Frankie in Dewey Beach, and I have NEVER enjoyed an opener so much. They are based in DC, and unsigned (although not for much longer, I am sure). They rocked out pretty hard, with their original music, and it's hard to believe that they aren't getting major national attention yet. I picked up a cd that night, and it almost hasn't left my cd player since. I was able to see them at Musikfest last year, as well, and rang in my 30th birthday at one of their shows in the DC area. I had hoped to take a big trip to celebrate the big 3-0, but somehow ending the year of tiny adventures with the Morrison Brothers Band was more fitting, and so much more me. A concert road-trip, dancing with my girls, and losing track of time listening to some of my favorite music made it all too easy to accept getting OLD! The band moved to Nashville a few months ago, and they are going to be huge, so you heard it here first, check them out!
pre-concert, the big 3-0!
I also saw the Avett Brothers for the first time this year at Musikfest. I had been looking forward to seeing them for a while, but every time they came to the area, I was at another concert! I took my cousin who didn't even know their music, and even he was impressed by the end. Not only was it true musicianship on display, they have this incredible cult following, which I was surprised by since so few people I talk to know who they are. The entire crowd, even in the back where I was, spent the concert drumming and swaying to the music. Another moment of my year where I looked around amazed at that feeling of everyone singing along and really feeling that powerful music in their soul.
I also saw Dierks Bentley this summer, who was the entire reason I began to listen to country music. He never disappoints, but I miss the old days of tiny bar shows, in little white tank tops!
November and March brought more Eric Church shows, and the opportunity to rock out to the music that really began it all (although technically, I mildly stalked Dierks as practice before my "Church Choir" days). Sinners Like Me can still bring me to tears, as can the moments of seeing every single person sing along to the artist that I used to hear "Eric who?" whenever I'd bring him up.
rocking out with an entire arena, my how far we've come!
I hope to continue my musical journey this year, with more road-trips, and hopefully, more guitar practice too. And maybe a special line added to my music tattoo, that sums it all up for me- "funny how a melody sounds like a memory."
Thanks to all my concert and road-trip buddies, near and far, for all the memories. I truly wouldn't be the woman I am today, if not for those I've loved along the way. <3
