There’s a reason that when you walk into my room, ticket stubs are all over the wall above my desk. There is very little that beats music for me in general, but live music, seeing a band I love in concert, just the energy of the crowd–it makes me feel alive in a way I can’t really describe. It feels closer to humanity in a world where I spend so much of my time feeling lonely or insignificant; it means a moment where I feel close to God too (even in church, my heart is always laid bare in worship, in lifting my hands and offering a joyful noise to a loving creator, in the collective act of singing to a God I love).

It means being feeling closer to the people who also love the music, or had the experience with you. “The Cave” still, to this day, puts me back on a stretch of road in Northern California, just having an adventure with one of the best people I know. “Yellow” still makes me think of butterfly confetti and the nicest border guard I’ve ever met. “I Will Possess Your Heart” now brings me right back to the second row of general admin, with all the raw energy and talent flowing of the stage.

Music speaks to my soul in a way nothing else on the planet does. Live shows make my soul feel alive.

I’m so glad we’ve gotten to have some awesome concert experience together, with more to come. Thank you for being up for crazy adventures and great stories and just for being a spectacular person. Here’s to many, many more, my friend.

Thanks again Janni! I’m glad it turned out so well, and that you let me know about the conference!