It's Been Awhile

There is something amazing about the human spirit.  We have the ability to form bonds.  Bonds that extend beyond time, beyond distance, beyond differences.  We can form friendships where we don't connect for days, weeks, months, or even years - but yet.  But yet we still connect.  You can see a long lost friend after years and pick up like nothing has changed.  That is extraordinary.  Absolutely amazing.

And beyond picking up where we left off... With a really good friend, you can pick up right where you are now.  You have the memories, you have the bonds, but you aren't stuck in the past.

How do we do that?

How do we move on yet it is like nothing has changed?

Not sure I will ever get an answer to that.  And I'm not sure that I need one.  I will simply enjoy this part of the human brain and heart.  And enjoy the friends and family that I don't see often enough, but love, nonetheless.

So these were the thoughts rolling through my head when I was at a concert this past Thursday.  The show was awesome - more on that is still to come.  But while you wait - enjoy this song by the amazing Pat McGee.

(So this is the right artist, the right song, and the same venue where I saw it performed - only from two years ago)

Haven't Seen for a While - by Pat McGee
As I lay here in bed
Your smile fills my head
I'm using this pen to talk to you from here
From southern way

It's been weeks since I've seen you last
Time away from you ain't moving too fast
Wishing my summer away
Just to see you again

I'm there by your side, I'm looking in your eyes
Seeing you with me, what else could there be?
If I could get away, I'd be there today
You'd be wearing that smile, haven't seen for a while
I haven't seen for a while

Wake up everyday, go through the same routine
Go to work, come home, does it all really mean?
Check the mail, just hoping to find
Another note from you would ease my mind

It's 5:15, I can picture you driving home
From your same old scene
In 5 you'll hear the phone ringin'
Have to settle for talking again

I'm there by your side, I'm looking in your eyes
Seeing you with me, what else could there be?
If I could get away, I'd be there today
You'd be wearing that smile, haven't seen for a while
I haven't seen for a while

I can picture you now
You're standing outside your house
The breeze is blowin' off the northern shore
Loving you more

Long for the day when there's no goodbyes
Wish I could see you, I'll wipe the tears from your eyes
Tell you everything is alright
Lay you down, say to you goodnight

I'm there by your side, looking in your eyes
Seeing you with me, what else could there be?
If I couldn't get away, I'd be there today
You'd be wearing that smile, haven't seen for a while
I haven't seen for a while, I haven't seen for a while

Haven't seen for a while

Whiskey makes everything better...Right?

The place: Seven Steps Up
The time: 8pm on 4/10/14
The artist: None other than the amazing Teddy Geiger

So here we are, back in our little slice of heaven.  Beth, Lainie, and I were at a front table and excited.  Lainie & I met Beth at a Teddy Geiger show last year.  It was wonderful to make a full circle back to see this amazing musician.

This was an acoustic show featuring just Teddy.  A great chance to interact and hang out.

Yep, I was totally one of those people - took a picture of the set list.

I have to give you some amazing news - Teddy did not follow his set list  Now, he really did play everything on it - but he played so much more than that!!!

As you know - I like to record favorite songs - or new songs.  For proof on how wonderful this show was, I took a few more videos than normal.  A few more - meaning....12.  Yeah - may have gone overboard there.

So - back to the actual show.  This was Teddy's first show at Seven Steps Up.  For those who have never been there before, it is a very unique environment.  You have a silent crowd (well - silent as in outside of cheering or singing along) who is paying more attention than you have probably ever had before.  I have to imagine that it can be a little unsettling.  Teddy told us that he has been performing a little sporadically - which also doesn't help the whole live show thing.

If you haven't read my past comments about this venue - one amazing part is that if you want a drink, you raise your hand and they will bring you what you want - and you pay at the end.

We were about 1/3 of the way through the show and Teddy sees several people ordering drinks.  He then asks if he can get a drink.  Of course, they say yes and offer whatever he wants.  He requests whiskey and it was on its way.

Gotta say - whiskey does help make things better.  Teddy's music was wonderful, before he ever touched a drink, but the show certainly got more entertaining afterwards.  From jokes about 2 nips - to experiencing new and incomplete songs - to having a chance to hang out afterwards and discuss life and dreams and goals.

So, it is ridiculously hard to catch a photo of Teddy performing with his eyes open.  Not such a big deal when he was chatting with us - but while singing - it just doesn't happen. :)

Here are a few of the songs that Teddy performed - including some of the music that he is currently working on.

Random picture of our M&Ms - a perk to having a table

So then...it was time for Teddy's finale.  I have to say - we could not have asked for more.  Teddy was great, his music was great, the venue was great.  And then he did his last song.  Ummm - just watch this!

Yep, he rocks!!!!!

So sadly, the show was over.  But part of the highlights were yet to come.  We hung out, chatted with the staff, and waited for the crowd to thin.  Then spent about 20 minutes chatting with Teddy.  As he didn't bring any merch, we had him sign copies of the set list - which mine will be proudly hung and added to the wall of music that is developing in our home.

So thank you Teddy - thank you Seven Steps Up - thank you to my rockin' friends for being part of the crazy journey.  It was a wonderful night.

The best venue - The best artist - The best night

Have I mentioned how much we love Dan Godlin?  I mean seriously - he is wonderful.  His music is beautiful, he is a blast on stage, and is the most welcoming performer we have ever met.  We. Love. Dan. Godlin.

Okay.  Gushing done.

In my last post I mentioned that we went to the Anna Nalick show to see the opener, being Dan Godlin.  He made a huge impression on us when we saw him in the fall - and we want to help support him, his music, and hang out whenever we can.

As usual - Dan put on a great show.  His energy is infectious.  His pure joy in enviable. 

Have to say - I love this picture!!!

(So every time that Dan performs this song "Dance Baby" he says that despite what it might sound like - it does not say Dan's Baby - but now that is all I hear!)

Dan has promised us a new album soon - hopefully this summer - and also promised another trip back to Seven Steps Up (cause really there is no better venue out there).  The next trip he will be headlining with a full band.  In return we have promised him that we will be front row and cheering.

There is something truly amazing about an artist who loves his fans.  If you follow him on Twitter, or have ever met him in person, you know that he really appreciates everyone who supports him.  We are stoked for a new album - as all of his music is amazing. 

This is my song of the day the day - in honor of Dan's amazing show.  It is one of his new ones and I cannot wait to hear it performed again.

So here it is - "Love You Forever" by Dan Godlin

Breathe...Applaud....Repeat

Next up - time to get back to my favorite venue in the world...Seven Steps Up.

I have to say - Beth and I were thrilled when we heard about a concert that was coming at the end of March.  Won't lie - we were going to see the opener.  But I will talk more about that amazingness in my next installment.

But first - the star of the night was none other than Anna Nalick.  You may not immediately recognize her name, but trust me, you know her music.  In fact, I blogged about it here.

Anna was a wonderful entertainer.  She has great stories, a beautiful spirit, and even more amazing music.  We were thrilled to hear a lot of new music that she is working towards putting on a new album. 

As continues to be one of the perks of Seven Steps Up - we got to meet and hang with the artists after the show.  It was an honor to meet Anna.  I am truly looking forward to her next album as I am sure that it will be the best one yet.

For my song of the day - I am giving you one of Anna's older songs - one that wasn't played that night, but I love nonetheless.  "Sort of Delilah" by Anna Nalick

Simple Joys

So, the headliner last Monday was Todd Carey.  I have already blogged about his songs After the Morning After and Nintendo here and then, very personally, about Gotta Be Next to You here.

There is a magic in Todd's music.  I have found songs of his which work for almost any situation.  And that is pretty darn impressive when I only have 18 songs.  I have found songs that will cheer me up when I am sad, songs that will express my anger and frustration, songs that make me long for the past while hoping for the future, and most importantly, songs that make me smile.

There is a lot of really good music that I listen to (at least I think so).  And yet, a lot of it is not able to bring a true, simple, full smile to my face.  When that is what I need, Todd Carey is one of the first musicians that I turn to.

Monday night was no exception.  He is an amazing performer.  His energy and talent just flow through the room.  It was great to get to hear a lot of his new album (and waiting till Spring or Summer of next year is going to kill me!).  I am anxiously waiting for another chance to see him in concert, whether it be on the computer or in person.

New music

More new music

Curtis joined Todd on stage at the end of the show

As I said, it was an awesome show.  Afterwards we got to hang out with Todd for a while.  We gently reminded him that he was supposed to dedicate a song to Beth, but he had gotten caught up on stage and forgot about it.  So, we got two songs played while we were hanging out in the merch area.

And of course, we ended the night with pics and autographs.

Ya know, it really was a kinda perfect night.  Good friends, good people, great music, awesome venue.  What more can you ask for?

So, while thinking about that night, about Todd's music, about happiness....it brings me back to my title.  Simple joys.  I really do love the simple things in life.  I love when a day can turn around from the simplest thing.  And for this, thank you Todd.  Thank you for bringing smiles to our days - even when we don't think we have one in us.

My song of the day is one that Todd performs - and performs so well - "Ain't Got Love"

Where is your happy place?

So a lot of people that I know have commented on how I go to a ton of concerts.  When I look at it, it doesn't feel like all that much.  Really, it is my hobby.  And truly, I love going to small concerts.  While there is nothing better than the energy created by thousands of people all excited to see a favorite musician, there is also nothing better than an intimate gathering.  A gathering where the people are TRUE fans.  Fans who know every word to every song, fans who have followed the musicians when they were small and will tell all their friends about them, in hopes that they will make it to the stadium - one day.

The concert on Monday was one of those intimate gatherings.  As I mentioned before, Seven Steps Up is a venue with just over a hundred seats.  A venue designed for you to be able to hang out with the artists.  And this came true time and time again on Monday.

Beth, Lainie, and I arrived early - as we do.  Dan Godlin was still on soundcheck, so they closed the door.  Then we see Todd Carey heading down the stairs.  We had the opportunity to chat with him, about the tour, about his music, and about the StageIt concert where Beth tipped enough to get a dedicated song - so plans were made for that.

Pretty soon we headed in for our seats.

Not a bad view, huh?

We were ready.  Ready for Dan to take the stage.  We had been listening to his music, talking on Twitter, and ready for an awesome show.

Once again, we weren't disappointed.  Dan Godlin is an awesome performer.  He engaged those of us in the crowd, played beautiful music, and looked happy while doing it.

After the concert was over, we got to meet all the artists.  I do not think we spent less than 30 minutes talking with Dan.  He was such a great guy - very down to earth, very enthusiastic about his music.  And he was also appreciative of his fans.  Always awesome to feel like our enthusiasm helps. :)

So let's back up a step.  The name of this post is "Where is your happy place?".  There is a reason for that.  Dan's newest single is called "Summer Roads."  As he got ready to perform the song, he talked about the feeling of driving down the California coast, wind in the hair, music on the stereo.  The funny thing - is that is my definition of a happy place (well - that or being at an awesome concert).  After the show I talked to Dan about that fact.  It's fun to find something that you have in common.

So this next video is Dan's song "Summer Roads."  While you listen to it, think about your happy place.  Where do you go, or what do you do when you just need to be happier.  What can turn your mood around, no matter how rough the day has been?  Everyone has something (or two or three somethings).  I think that it is important for us to know what that something is, so that we can find strength, even on the toughest day.

And for me, this song will give me that feeling even while I wait through the long, slow Michigan winter. :)