So last night, I went to a concert for two musicians that I really haven't known for very long. Recently, I had found out that Eric Hutchinson, originally from Washington DC, was coming to a local venue, and I figured why not spend some money to listen to him. Granted I did check out some of his music on youtube before actually buying the tickets, but that's not the point. The opening musician, all the way from Portland OR, was someone that I had never heard of before -- a woman called Anya Marina. They both seemed pretty legit.
All day I had been excited to see the concert. I knew that I was going by myself, and yes I was a bit nervous about it -- but that is why I had bought the tickets a week before the concert. I couldn't back out of going if I had already paid for them right?
Anyways, when I got there, I had to wait a while. Apparently the doors were supposed to open at 8pm and the concert started at 9. I guess I had missed the memo on that one, but I am glad that I got there early so that I could at least get a good spot. Definitely above the crowd next to the stage, but right in the front so I had a great view. When Anya Marina came on, she seemed really nice and made a few jokes. Definitely had some great comments throughout her show, but I feel like I need to say that she wasn't what I had expected. I mean, her first two songs were okay, but it was all the songs after the first two that I instantly loved. Her music isn't like any of the "now pop hits" but it isn't bad. She had some really powerful songs, and really made the crowd active. I don't think the youtube videos of her gave her any justice. She is WAAAYYY better live.
Funny thing is, so was Eric Hutchinson. When his band came onstage, they came in a procession -- all dressed in white shirts and red ties. Definitely a great bunch of guys. And when Eric himself came onstage, everyone -- the band, the crowd, and him -- immediately started grooving and singing and just LOVIN it. I loved how the connection between the band members were. The guy on the keyboard as well as Eric made eye contact and were smiling while singing and you could just TELL that they loved the music and were really into being there. There's no other way to explain it. They were there for the music and for the joy of playing. The drummer was too and definitely the bass player was -- him and his fro were grooving the whole night. And...OH MY GOD. The crowd. I could not believe how many people knew his songs and were singing along to it. Granted, I have been to a few concerts in my lifetime, but never have I been to one where pretty much every single person knew the words to pretty much every single song. Maybe it's because I usually see local small bands. I don't know. But it was pretty crazy. You could just feel the love the crowd had for his music and for him and his band. Downright crazy I tell you.
I am definitely glad that I got to see them. Two great musicians with the people that make their music happen. I wish that I had gotten some good pics of them, but it's ok. I have that image in my memory. Or at least bits and pieces of what I can remember. It might go away through time, but I'll still remember the general details, at least I hope.
Oh, I also met a pretty nice couple. They were from Grand Rapids MI and had driven from their earlier to see him in downtown Ferndale. I think (but am not entirely sure) that their names were Kayla & Mitch. They seemed like a really cute couple, one that meshed really well together. I really enjoyed their company. I think being next to them and having them groove alongside me definitely made my night.
And to think that if I had backed out of the concert, I wouldn't have had anything to write to you now. So YAY for random purchases and stumbles in life, especially one that involves people and music.
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