I love, love music. Over the past month, I went to seven concerts. That might seem like a lot, but I disagree. The way that music lets me be in the moment and forget everything else for a few hours is otherworldly. Maybe that's just me, but it truly provides the best escape. But it's not even about escaping. It's how the music gets down into my soul. How a venue adds to the experience. How who I am with makes it shared and beautiful.
Take for example my former choir's concert downtown in the beautiful cathedral. The venue is spectacular. But, also, going downtown with my friend Lesley on a Friday night after work. Having dinner and then the concert. Seeing my friends singing their hearts out and so full of joy. Knowing some of the drama from what has gone on behind the scenes and being so overjoyed that they pulled it off.
Going to a community choir Christmas concert lead by my former director Gail. Hearing her play the piano and sing. Seeing some of my friends in the choir. Hearing Ingrid play the saxophone and seeing her smile as she catches me singing along to some of the former choir songs. For both these concerts, the connections with the people were what made them extra special.
My least favourite concert was John Legend. It was a great concert by all standards and I had a really good time with my friend Ursula. But the music itself didn't move me. I hate the arena and its ugly seats and sticky floors. I don't know John Legend's music enough to sing along. I just didn't care and honestly would not have gone if we hadn't been gifted the tickets.
I also attended two concerts that were completely new to me. Both were celtic and randomly came up in my social media feeds as ads. Sometimes those ads can actually be helpful. I was very happy to try something new and the celtic tenors as well as the Barra Macneills were fabulously entertaining and diverse. The Barra Macneills were at the Kay Meek theatre in North Vancouver and the tenors were at the Bell Centre in Surrey. Both theatres are smallish, have no bad seats, ample free parking and a cozy feel.
But, Christmas is over and I have put away the Christmas music. Luckily, last night I went to see a movie full of Neil Diamond music and it was fantastic. So, I'll just switch to listening to Neil Diamond instead...until the next concert, which is already lined up for January.
