Just the concert I needed

A while back, Mary introduced Sam and me to the music of Newton Faulkner. (Actually, we heard him on KFOG in the car, and she smartly wrote down his name so we didn't forget.) We went and saw him live Friday at The Great American Music Hall, where he was sandwiched in between the unexpectedly amazing David Ford and the highly anticipated Ingrid Michaelson.

The week has been an intense roller coaster. Alex and I reaching agreement on my working at Dial House, telling the Academy, the joy of the presidential election, the disappointment of the Prop 8 vote, telling students about my departure, concern over the closing and opening of chapters. An emotional maelstrom, I tell you.

We walked into the venue and the first thing I noticed was the downstairs seating had been converted to dance floor, standing-room-only. Mary said, "We can stand!" While she and I had had naps, Sam had not. I didn't like the idea of him having to stand through 3 acts. I made one of the "executive decisions" you have to make now and then in a successful relationship. So while others petered around trying to make decisions, we headed upstairs and quickly claimed a wonderful center stage, elevated balcony table. Perched up there, we could sit, chill, get some drinks and grub and not worry about weariness.

We didn't know David Ford, but he started with this:

Wow. So visceral. It was a perfect beginning to a cathartic evening. He pops around the stage with causal movements, but a wrenching display of his music. Instrument to instrument, looping them all while belting out his vocals. Throwing down his hat. Very unique. You HAVE to see him live to truly appreciate what he does. We are officially fans.

Next was our "personal headliner" (although by evenings end, I loved all three equally, and really the composite experience was beyond expectation) Newton Faulkner.

Wow again. A fabulous storyteller. Another emotional singer/songwriter who has fun on stage. He accompanies himself by knocking his guitar or ukulele. (Do you have Newton Faulkner chops? He's challenging you.) Sam and I love UFO and were happy he played it. We were able to sing along with him almost the whole time. Again, tops for catharsis has to be singing with an artist in a fun-loving audience. While I love his original stuff, I have to admit participating with a one man Bohemian Rhapsody was real fun:

Next was the true headliner, Ingrid Michaelson. She had tremendous fun with the audience. Her voice is just so darn delightful. Most people know her for "The Way I Am."

Sam stayed awake and had a good time, despite it all ending past midnight. I don't know if I could have planned a more appropriate night for me at that time. Thanks goes to my love for finding the artists and getting the tickets. (And now Rhett in a few weeks!)