It’s been a long and winding road to get here, but we’re finally seeing some sunshine at the end of this very dark tunnel we’ve been in for over 12 months. Live music is back to happening in person and not just via your screen with shoddy sound. I’ve partaken in more than a handful of socially distanced, masked shows during this “unprecedented, unparalleled, uncertain time” (insert trademark). But, this past weekend I was able to enjoy two shows in two separate towns that were just completely normal. Masked if you wanted to be. As spread out or as close as you wanted to be. If you wanted to be front row Joe and scream along, you could. If you wanted to be seated, masked and away from everyone, you could. It felt invigorating. It felt like seeing a big rock n’ roll show for the first time.
And in a nice way, it felt so familiar. Like seeing an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans. In a word it was righteous.
It was everything we all love about live music. The connection with the artist. Locking eyes while they sing that perfect lyric. It was the communal aspect of being part of a moving, dancing, singing crowd as it ebbed and flowed throughout the set. It was the bartender pouring your drink a little too strong (just like you did at home during quarantine tbh). All of it. It felt so much like 2019 and before that it was hard to believe it was taking place in 2021.
And that feeling extends from the fans to the artists, crews and venues. It feels as if Elon Musk is strapping us all to his latest rocket. Except this one is called rock n’ roll and it’s about to explode to the bar reaching regions of 11. Like so many other things, music was taken from us this past year and we’re getting it back slowly and safely. And to quote the old Foreigner song, it feels like the first time. And nothing is quite as sweet as the first time. MINOR CHORDS
-BAYLOR BEARS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! I never thought I’d live to see the day. My Grandad was a hardcore fan and alum (class of ‘52). He used to take me to games as a kid at the old HOT Coliseum in Waco. Yes, Baylor used to play basketball games in a horse arena. And the level of play equaled that environment. What Scott Drew has done for the university and the city at large is unprecedented. So many sad sports moments over the years, it makes winning the big one that much cooler.
-It’s baseball season, and the only thing I have to look forward to is visiting the new confines of the GLF.
-River Jam 2021 planning is in full swing and we’re looking to make it a special one!
-It’s only a matter of time before some podcast evaluates musicians like Mel Kiper evaluates players for the NFL draft. Can’t wait to see what player man has the best finger fast twitch on six strings. -I keep seeing how award show ratings are down. Perhaps it’s because nobody cares. And that nobody ever cared, but we just didn’t have any other viewing options when it aired.
-Last Chance U on Netflix, the basketball version featured the best coach of the series. Check it out.
-Heading back to Mile 0 in a few weeks. Hallelujah! –This month’s recommended album: Mason Lively – self titled. Produced by Wade Bowen and Justin Pollard, this record finds Lively reaching new levels of assuredness in quality in his songwriting and delivery.
-”Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.” – Mark Twain
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