You Have to Attend to Experience
Local live music is an experience like no other. The connection with the audience and musicians become cherished memories.
On any given day in the greater Austin area, amazing talent performs. I try to make it to 3 – 4 events a week capturing “new to me” musicians. I am honored to photograph these experiences wishing only that I was not limited to one location at a time.
The energy of these live events is palpable. There is a connection not only to the musicians but the fans, many of whom I do not know. The commonality of being there is the starting point of relationships that would be furthered by additional attendances. I am hooked, not only because of my photography but the “high” I get when a night of music has exceeded all expectations. Last night was one.
When Austin musicians travel to play in other cities, they become our ambassadors claiming the stage as sovereign Austin territory during the time of their performances. In Houston, these musicians played in Austin. Last night the Patrice Pike band and the phenomenon known as Vallejo put it before us and never ceased until it was over. Fans stood in front of the stage singing and moving to the songs. There were so many people that one could only dance in place, but it was all some needed.
Each group reached out to their audience, witnessed by the photographs. As I photographed, my mind kept playing one observation over and over. This can only happen if a person attends. You cannot watch this on television and feel the same way. To experience live music, you must attend. You must attend.
The commonality of all is that we are given the same number of seconds per day. How one chooses to a lot this asset of life to activities is our choice. If live music is not a regular activity of life, then please make the effort. Once the music begins, you will forget the effort it took to get there. Live music is great medicine. Live music helps us make connections to people of differences. These connections remind us that we are all part of a society that, deep down, wants the best for all though we may have different beliefs to get there.
Live music, though we are different, we are one.
