current state of mind: sleepy
You can call me naive,
But I know me very well,
At least as far as I can tell,
And I know what I need.
~ “Life Less Ordinary” by Carbon Leaf
The band
Carbon Leaf (see above) is one that I unintentionally saw live in 2002. I was
in Dallas, very excited to see Counting Crows, and had amazing reserved seats
in an outdoor amphitheater. We were in the second row, courtesy of a radio
station win, which I actually used to do a lot (but we’ll save those stories
for another day). Because we had reserved seats, my date (whom I eventually
married) and I were wandering around looking at all the vendor booths and
enjoying each other’s company.
One of the booths
was a side stage where some bands no one had ever heard of were performing. Once
those bands were finished, Carbon Leaf dragged their gear onto the small stage.
When they did, people started yelling and screaming around us. They had signs
with “VA loves Carbon leaf” written on them. It was surreal how excited these
20 or so people were about this band that no one was supposed to have heard of.
The moment they started playing, I understood why these die-hard fans were
following this indie-band all over the country.
Interestingly
enough, Carbon Leaf was not the only band that I became a fan of that night. When
the first band took to the main stage, they were introduced as the “Graham
Colton Band”. Apparently, Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, liked the
band and had invited them to tour with them and John Mayer. If you have ever
heard Graham perform, you understand how earth shattering that evening was for
my musical exposure. Here was this kid from Oklahoma City, living in Dallas,
and holding his own while touring with one of my favourite bands. I was blown
away by his talent.
It was with
great joy last summer, that I had the privilege of taking Girl Twin to see
Graham Colton live at a small venue here in town. She also liked his voice and
music – so much so that she was actually willing to pose with him in a picture.
She bought his CD and chatted with him for a little while, which I thought was
awesome. After Graham, however, Toad the Wet Sprocket performed and I was even
more impressed with Girl Twin when she walked up to Glen Phillips, told him
good show, and asked him to sign a set-list for her. Not bad for a teenager
with “MINOR” stamped all over her hands.
To celebrate
these great musical experiences, I think y’all should go out and see a show at
a small, local venue. It doesn’t matter whether you have heard of the band.
Take a chance. You may find yourself becoming a life-long fan.
PERSONAL NOTE: Mad Libs really is the
world’s greatest word game.
CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: I get to see you in
3 days!!! Cannot wait!
