I’ve really enjoyed watching various friends get all dressed up and enjoy their time with Taylor Swift this past month. If you are one of the ones who’ve zeroed in on your *era* costume with amazing precision, I salute you.
It’s gotten me thinking, though. I’ve been fortunate to see some great concerts in my life. Here are a few of my very favorite concert experiences, in no particular order (because it would break my heart to rank them):
Jason Harrod and Brian Funck open for Rich Mullins
Paul Simon’s farewell tour
Lilith Fair, the year that Natalie Merchant and Sarah MacLachlan were headliners
Garth Brooks in Central Park, with surprise guests Don McLean and Billy Joel
That time we put on an “Andy and the Andys” show at the Neighborhood Theatre here in Charlotte
Billy Joel, in 2022, after waiting two full years with tickets in hand
My first live music experience after Covid, crammed into the Evening Muse with The Arcadian Wild
The Caedmon’s Call reunion concert at the Ryman
A special mention to Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God tour, which we have seen more years than not since its inception…I’ve lost count.
What’s on your list?
This is fun to ponder. Here are some of mine:
- Over the Rhine touring their (best) Christmas album “Snow Angels” on a very cold and snowy night in Holland, MI, with twinkle lights.
- U2’s 360 Tour in Lansing, MI in 2014, I think? Probably not a remarkable tour stop for them, but it was my first big stadium concert and it totally blew my mind.
- The Milk Carton Kids at Calvin College. Once in their huge and lovely concert hall, and once in their small chapel in the round. The guys moved their mics every few songs and played to the entire circle. I love them. 😂
Duncan Sheik opening for Jars of Clay at Mamakin in Boston
Innocence Mission opening for Natalie Merchant at the Orphium in Boston
Boston Pops on the Esplinade in Boston
Bare Naked Ladies "Stunt" release concert at Government Center in Boston
Christopher Williams opening for Ellis Paul at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA
Andrew Peterson & Bebo Norman opening for Caedmon's Call at Messiah College
Goo Goo Dolls opening for Counting Crows at PNC Pavilion in Charlotte