NURTURE THAT WHICH NOURISHES 'YOU'

Let's face it, up until High School, my window into the world of music was pretty slim. When my friends were jamming out to U2, my parents were taking me to Kenny G. Live. Not that there's anything wrong with Kenny, but he was not the COOLEST artist for my age group at the time. Mixed tapes were all the rage then, but I am pretty sure I received them out of pity, "Oh here you go, you need to hear this." Had it not been for good friends and their diligence to share the love of great tunes, I do not even want to think about what I would be listening now. Scary thought, to say the least.

Pris, one of my dearest friends, introduced me to the Joys of Live Music only a few short years ago. After one Austin City Limits Festival I was hooked. The stories of that weekend will have to be a blog of it's own. However, I will reveal that within those three days I experienced an "Aha moment" that would change my thoughts on Live Music forever.

Imagine my delight when the Hubs and I resolved, early on in our relationship, that Live Music would be, well, kind of 'our' thing. We have taken that mantra seriously by travelling so far as Chicago to see a few of our faves. To say that the Hubs is a music enthusiast is the understatement of the century. Introducing him to a musician he had not previously listened to was quite the feat. And that is how we came to attend our latest Show, kind of. The tickets were a Valentine's Day Surprise, he is an uber thoughtful gift giver. Fortunately, Dallas and Memphis (both can be music hot spots) are only a hop, skip, and a road trip away from the Spa City, so we hit the road to Memphis on Wednsday to Catch The Cardinals featuring Ryan Adams.

All I can say about seeing my number one most favorite Musician, Ryan Adams , for the second time is. . .

Road Trip to Memphis = A pocket full of gas money

Ruined dress due to overly enthusiastic beer drinking fan = irreplaceable

2 rounds of Fat Tire on Tap = Upwards of twenty bucks

Ryan Adams belting out 'Come Pick Me Up' Live = PRICELESS

However, I do so wish for my second time around to see Mr. Adams that he would have graced us with an Encore. Just this once. Just for me. After all it was a SOLD OUT show and the crowd was overflowing with excitement. The energy was truly palpable. Alas no, he is 0 & 2 for encores.

All and all totally worth it, as all Live Shows are Nourishing to our Souls.

Want to be more Proactive about Live Music. . .

Flip through your Local Publications or cruise around online to find which Musician/s are playing Live Shows in your area. Once you are familiar with your fave Venues and Artist/s stay in touch with upcoming shows by following them on MySpace or if you are a City Dweller, check out Metro Mix . Of course, you do not have to venture out just for the Big Names in the Biz, there are an array of aspiring artists everywhere. Go ahead and throw down the extra cover charge at your neighborhood pub, slip into some comfy concert attire (flats recommended), get your dance on, or pull up a chair and ease into the Soul Nourishment of Live Music.

Your stress and tension will melt away with the first few chords and your Soul will Thank You.

Namaste