Be Moved. Then Act.

This has been floating around this past week so you may have seen it already. If not, please watch it now and then do something about it.



It brought me to tears.

Takin' the long way

Last night, I watched the documentary of the 'fall and rise' of the Dixie Chicks, Shut Up & Sing. I have always liked the Chicks' music and anyone who has the balls to lambaste the President during a concert certainly deserve more credit than they are given.

I liked the show so much, I went out and bought their past two albums. I felt compelled to show my financial support because in the movie, they are worried that their new album wouldn't sell well (I guess that Grammy nomination helped).

Some things I learned from the movie:

• The leader singer, Natalie, is married to the guy who plays Nathan Petrelli in Heroes. He's hot.
• They wrote all of the songs on their new album--something they've never done before.
• Between the three of them, they have 7 children--all under the age of 5. Ugh.
• Right-wing nut jobs are absolutely insane. This movie proves it.

"It's all down to drugs; at least I remember taking them and not a lot else."

If there is one thing I love more than music, it's live music. I have been averaging about one to two concert once per quarter for the past few years now. In my hey-day, I'd get free tickets from labels to go to shows; it was pretty sweet.

On Monday night, Mel and I went to see Snow Patrol at Salt Air. I swore that whenever they came to Salt Lake, I'd be there no matter what. (I haven't been to Salt Air in over 10 years and "kinda" got a little lost on the way there...LONG story...) (Oh, and if you haven't heard of Snow Patrol and/or you don't like them, we are no longer be friends).

I am very particular about my concerts. I like to be entertained; that's why I pay money to go to them. I've never really been to a bad concert, mostly because all of the artists I've ever seen are ones I love. (I mean, why else shell out the money to see them if you don't, right?)

There are three basic elements to a good show.

1. Artists who don't play their songs EXACTLY like the radio/CD version. This can include 5 minute guitar solos or nice little jig from the lead singer.

2. Artists who keep the entire audience entertained throughout the whole set. This includes ensuring that people are singing along or clapping rhythmically or whatever. But if you have people yawning during that slow song, you might want to consider taking it out of the next evening's set.

3. Artists who have conversations with the audience from the stage. You know what I mean. After every song, DON'T just say thanks and move onto the next song. Tell us a little about the song or what girl broke your heart or a funny story from your youth--ANYTHING that helps us get to know you. We are fans, we care.

Now, Snow Patrol did a great job of #3. The band hails from Ireland and every time the lead singer opened his mouth and spoke, a fantasy of mine popped into my head. My favorite time of the night came when a girl shouted from the audience, "I love you!" He replied in his heavy Irish accent, "'ow can ya luv me? Ya don' ev'n know meh. 'aven't ya listen'd ta meh lyrics? Ai'm not a vey goo' boyfrien' ya know."

As for #2, there was a lot of singing and clapping along, but during some of the slow songs, my A.D.D. kicked in and I started making fun of people (okay, so we did that the entire night, but still). I did get chills when they played my favorite song, "Chocolate" and loved watching them sing it as it's the only song of theirs that I know every sing word.

And #1, there are only a few concerts I've been to where an artist/band has done this. And when it happens, you know you're witnessing greatness. We love songs and artists because we love the lyrics or the voice of the singer or it has a catchy tune. But when an artist is able to turn their song into something completely new during a live show, you know they are a true "artist." It was great to see them sing these songs that have so many meanings to various situations in my life. I love seeing an artist's soul on display through their music.

Overall, I give the show an eight and I'm so glad I went. It was definitely worth it.

How to make me feel old

Ask me what a record sounds like. (Thanks, Shawn)

Yes, I do own a record player and many, many records.

And yes, I do listen to them.

If it's possible to become a bigger fan after a concert...

...then I am more in love with Imogen Heap's music than ever before.

I've been to a lot of concerts in my life and last night's show definitely ranks in the top 5 shows I've ever seen.

Imogen Heap, the former lead singer for the band Frou Frou, put on an amazing show. The opening acts, Levi Weaver and Kid Beyond, were not only amazing in themselves but proved to be incredible backup to Imogen for her 1 & 1/2 hour set.

Imogen is pretty much a one-woman band. She creates her amazing and unusual sound with synthesizers and mixing boards. Throw in her backup musicians and you have one great show. She played most of the songs from her new album, "Speak for Yourself" and the song "Let Go" from when she was Frou Frou.

I was a little concerned because of the concert venue (In the Venue, aka Club Sound) but it proved to have great lighting and acoustics for such a show. Imogen is like a throw-back-to-the-'80s pop star with her funky outfits (and subsequent hairdos) and use of instruments like the guitar-keyboard thingy. Her sound is incredible and it really was so cool to see her perform. She reminds one of early Madonna--that is, if Madonna played her own instruments and mixed her own music on stage. (And, since Madonna's old producer made up part of Frou Frou, it totally makes sense you know).

I was a huge fan before the concert but seeing how Imogen created her music made me love her music even more. She showed us this deeply personal part of herself and let us into the world she loves. Seeing an artist or band is one thing but getting a glimpse into their world and seeing their personal passion truly makes it worth it.
Holla!

THE gayest concert ever

What were you doing 3 nights before Election Day?

I should have been working but instead I was at THE gayest concert ever: The Pet Shop Boys.

My brother-in-law was in town to see the show and invited me along. He said that I should think of it as belated birthday present and I figured that since my real birthday sucked big time, I should do something fun for it on another day.

It was-by far-the best concert I've ever been to as well. It was an entire show of lights, dancing, and singing. Gay men were everywhere and of course I saw some that I knew.

Neil Tennant, the lead singer, is oh-so flamboyantly G-A-Y so it was a little awkward watching the show with my very straight brother-in-law and 9-year-old nephew.

I'm hoping he didn't really notice the scantily clad twentysomethings gyrating on the stage....

I found a place to find straight guys

One would think that hanging out with so many men, I'd know or at least meet, multitudes of straight men.

Oh how I wish.

Not only do I not know any straight men but the gays in my life have steadily not introduced me to any.

I've come to realize that I must take matters into my own hands.

I love music. I love going to concerts, especially when they're free.

A friend of mine invited me to see Bonnie Raitt and Keb Mo last week. I LOVE Keb Mo. He is so very hot. And as I sat there freezing (it was outside and it had rained) I looked around and saw an enormous amount of straight guys! Now, a vast majority of them were married of course but I did manage to scout out the very available and very attractive men at the concert.

This got me thinking. I simply need to go to more concerts. Not just any concerts, but concerts where straight, single men will also be. The other most recent concerts I have been to were Death Cab For Cutie, Keane--not a lot of straight guys are going to be seen there.

But if I go to concerts like Phish or-or someone else...I may just find some guys who don't play for the other team.

Oh wait. I just thought of something; I need to watch out for concerts where the lesbians hang out.