I must gush about the show we went to last night. I’ve had a relatively healthy obsession with Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s music since seeing Once. The Swell Season was in town at the Keller Auditorium last night, and they didn’t disappoint. A sellout crowd and recent Oscar didn’t distract from their street music roots. My girlfriend and I spent the evening trying to deduce from twenty rows back whether the two are still a couple. Given their body language and the fact that they sang inches from each others lips into the mic, I say yes.
My favorite moment of the night was when Glen called an audience member down from the cheap seats to sing. The band went for a walk along the waterfront before the show, and met Joseph, an aspiring singer. Joseph made his way down to the stage, visibly shaking, and sang a rendition of “Brandy You’re a Fine Girl”. I’m guessing it was a song he performed for his high-school talent show. He wasn’t spectacular. His voice cracked, he looked to band for guidance, and grinned sheepishly to the audience. But he brought the house down.
Getting on that stage in front of thousands, with no preparation, rehearsal, or idea what to sing is the ultimate exposure–a risk others might be unwilling to take. As his voice cracked and wobbled at the beginning of the song, the audience cheered louder, willing him on. He found his rhythm, and the band swelled behind him. When he finished we all jumped to our feet, not so much applauding an amazing performance, but applauding his willingness to fail.
For me it’s a reminder to all artists how invaluable it is to put yourself out there, whether it’s your artwork hanging on a coffee shop wall, or reading your poetry aloud to a class of hungover students. Thanks Joseph for taking the stage. Thanks Glen for sharing it.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 9:11 am and is filed under Movie Must Sees, Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
2 Responses to “Take the stage”
Great review! I was at last night’s show as well. You had better seats
I posted a review at http://isorski.blogspot.com/ – check it out.
Wow, I just now realized that I could comment on your blog, Kate! I’ve been coming here and reading thinking, hmm… I wish I could comment on this post. But it wasn’t until today that I noticed the #1 in the corner that was clickable! Geez, I feel like an idiot.
But about your post, what a great reminder! Taking chances, putting yourself out there… those are definitely words to live by.