I have had the privilege of hearing some incredible music the past month or so and as always; it’s had an impression on me.I live in the “Live Music Capitol of the World,” that’s what a lot of marketers say anyway. Regardless of the title, there are tremendous amounts of musical talent here.
I love most any show but when major recording artists or groups come to town I do try my best to see their shows. I love to hear their stories and Restless Heart was no different.
Their lead singer did a great job of narrating their musical journey through numerous top 10 hits of the past 25 or so years. They had an amazing light show (pictured above) but those things are just a small part of what made me want to write about this.
Also pictured above in the front was the band member who we just happened to be seated closest to. I really enjoyed the music, but I more enjoyed watching him play it. I’d say his eyes were closed 50% of the show but [to me] it’s not impressive entertainers or elaborate props that make a show great… it’s the actual music. I don’t think I ever made eye contact with him but I sure felt every emotion he did. Great music just stands alone, you don’t have to package it nicely or in my opinion even sell it well.
Then when it was almost the end he sang this original song called “Home.” He told the story of why he wrote it and although I’ve never heard it before I was so touched by it; I will probably remember it forever. From the second row I saw a man more than twice my age cry on stage, completely vulnerable to an entire auditorium and loving every minute of it. It was therapeutic for me to just watch him… I can only imagine how freeing that actually would be.
Later that same week I went to see a long awaited [by me anyway] concert featuring John Mayer… or who I like to call the love of my musical life. His opening act was surely entertaining; they paraded around the room and had fun with the crowd. My friends and I danced around to a few of their songs and I really did enjoy myself… but for me nothing compares to what lied ahead. I spent two glorious hours standing and soaking in the wonderful sounds of John Mayer live in concert. No song is ever the same as the record cut and every guitar solo is intensified.
I’ve heard it all about John Mayer, from “I can’t even stand to watch him sing” to “I can’t believe you support that woman hater.” Here is what I have to say. If you can’t stand to watch him sing, then don’t. The beautiful thing about lyrics like his, are that they make their own image and you don’t have to see him to hear that. I’m not showing support of his lifestyle by going to his concert. I love his music and he is very talented at playing it. Unfortunately, I know a lot of people who do things I don’t “support” but that doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge their presence in the world or even the room for that matter.
Instead of wasting all that negative energy tied up in hating what they stand for or morally opposing it through slanderous (though many times truthful) words, I wonder what would happen if we prayed for the people we don’t see eye to eye with? Not to pray that OUR eyes see more clearly but that God’s will would be done. Speaking of music, I heard a beautiful song on the radio that said, “What the world needs now is love.” I think that is so true. Even if you don’t pray- don’t allow yourself to waste time on negativity.
Instead of putting up a wall and keeping people we don’t “approve of” out of our lives, why don’t we show them kindness and let our actions lead them our direction. So, although I do think it is pretty atrocious what Mr. Mayer has said about the leading ladies of his life… I’m going to try and pray for him that he might find true happiness and not feel the need to treat the people he is closest to the worst.
No matter what I will probably always love his music and as long as he has concerts, I’ll be at every tour. We could all use some positive energy in our lives so next time you hear a story like John’s kiss and tell escapades or even your own neighbors infidelity, just remember this extremely long blog post.
I’m trying to do my part to spread a little love, one reader at a time.
Loyally,
Kristin
