Making Memories

Last night I went to one of the most amazing live concerts I've had in my life. I was surrounded by good friends and good music, which reminded me that moments like last night really make life worth living.

This might sound cheesy, but I'd have to say that seeing and hearing your favorite song played live is one of the greatest moments ever. Music has such an impact on my life. It's amazing how one song can pretty much sum up your life in 3 minutes. My music goes pretty personal and deep. My top five songs all have some history or meaning behind them. Last night's Guster concert took me back to Junior year of high school. Sometimes I hate feeling nostalgic because these memories make me so happy I get emotional.

So... Since I'm feeling so nostalgic I might as well go through my favorite concerts I've been to, in chronological order:

1. Jason Mraz - 2002. My very first concert! This is the time when I jumped on the music train and started buying cd after cd with my allowance money. Also, hearing Jason play The Remedy live was amazing. I knew every word and was so excited I could sing along with him. That song still makes the top ten list of favorite songs.

2. Rise Against - 2004. Now, I saw them and a bunch of screamy bands at the x96 show. It was defnitely a cultural eye-opener. But we stood in line for maybe 45 minutes to get Rise Against's signatures. They play another favorite song, Swing Life Away. Unfortunately, they didn't play anything acoustic at this concert. But it was still fun for a bunch of preppy naive girls to pretend to be punk.

3. Fall Out Boy - 2005 and 2006. I went and saw these guys twice when they were big. Sugar, We're Goin' Down and I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea that Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (why did they have such complicated song names?) were my favorites. The Dark Alley was my favorite break up song (which is really silly). Thank heavens I have Adele for that now...

The group before the big Fall Out Boy concert. We are babies! I'm pretty sure there's a better picture of us and the group out there, this was the only one I could find. Thank heavens I discovered mascara and tamed the bangs...

All American Rejects and Motion City Soundtrack also played with Fall Out Boy, which were some of my favorite bands in high school.

4. The Maine and Matt Nathanson - 2009. Aaaaah, The Maine. I owe it to my bestie Melissa for introducing me to them. As of now, I Must Be Dreaming is still my number 1 song. And when I heard them play it live, it was magical.

Melissa and I with John O'Callaghan (lead singer of The Maine). Yes, I have a death grip on him...I was super excited.

The Matt Nathanson concert was amazing as well. He was probably the best live performer I've ever seen. I highly recommend going to his concert, even if you don't know who he is (his famous song is Come On Get Higher). He was very entertaining.

5. Backstreet Boys Concert - 2010. This concert was amazing. Especially because I went with some of my best friends in the world. Talk about flashback to elementary school! Pretty sure we were the only group of 21+ girls surrounded by 8-14 year olds. The best part about it? WE KNEW EVERY WORD TO EVERY SONG. Those young girls didn't know what hit them.

 Before the concert

The Backstreet Boys!

 Us posing as the BBoys

  I have the best friends...

And last but not least...

 
6. Guster - 2012. I was constantly playing Guster on my iTunes in high school. So, the concert last night made me flashback to my high school days. Especially to Junior year, when we choreographed a dance to Demons for our dance company concert. This song is probably #2 on my favorite song list. It's got some great and memories associated with it.

A big thanks to Michael for giving me his video. My video has me belting (not singing) the song. You you get to hear his lovely voice instead of mine.

Here's to good music and making future memories!