Back when I was a teenager and struggling to find my place in society, I found tremendous solace in punk and what is now called alternative music. It was my escape from a reality that included feelings of isolation, discrimination, acculturative stress, family conflict, unemployment, and the like. In this rag tag group of people making angry, political music, I found salvation and hope. Then, I left music for a while, like a drug addict kicking a nasty habit, largely because my life got overwhelmingly busy with mundane things that take up most of our waking lives. Now, as I settle into adulthood (gasp!), I find myself returning to music.
Last night, luck was on my side. Mike tipped us off to the fact that Neko Case was performing at First Ave. Somehow, it was off my radar. Crap! Ken and I were worried that we would not get tickets to this likely sold out show. So, we made our way early to First Ave and waited in line. Then...luck intervened. First, some guy rides up on a bike needing to unload two tickets to the show. I snatch them up for $30 (saving $6). Then, we are waiting around some more because we needed another ticket for our friend, Kurt. Just as the door was opening, another guy says to no one in particular, "Anyone need an extra ticket for free?" Luck again. We snatch this ticket and we were set. Three tickets for $30! A savings of $24 but, more importantly, we are in! God must have known I was needing something for my soul.
The concert was amazing. Beautiful music. Ethereal, spiritual, warming, embracing, inspiring. It was at times haunting and other times down right fun and energetic. Neko Case is my new opium for the soul. She brought back those nostalgic memories of adolescent angst combined with a country sensibility to just get over it and move on. I could not have asked for a better evening.
Sometimes you need a night like last night. Nothing planned, nothing expected, yet things line up perfectly. I needed a kick in the *ss and this show was perfect. Music is my drug to which I return from time to time. It keeps me honest and true and gives me assurance and hope. Lovely.
Posted by richlee at March 30, 2006 09:22 AM