The Story Is Just Beginning

I am a girl with a passion for music. All music. Any music.

I don’t really discriminate.

I joke regularly that I would make an amazing performer – if I wasn’t so tone deaf. But alas, I am (seriously – it’s bad!), so instead I funnel my passion for music into being a fan. An observer. The girl in the crowd who is completely immersed in the sound.

Unfortunately, since moving to Alaska; my live music fix has become a bit more difficult to come by. When I lived in San Diego I used to go to open mike nights and cheap concerts regularly, but not anymore. In fact, it’s been almost a year since I've been to a live show.

Which is why, when I heard that Shinedown was coming to the State Fair this year; I knew I had to go.

Shinedown is a bit harder than my typical fare, but I’ve had a fondness for them for years. I just think they’re a cool band, and I often find myself relating to their lyrics.

And I am a girl who is all about the lyrics – I truly believe that every feeling, moment, loss, and joy can be expressed by some piece of music out there. One of my favorite movie lines of all time?

“This song explains why I'm leaving home to become a stewardess.” ~ Almost Famous

Why do I love that line? Because I have totally done that. I am absolutely the girl who has used a song to tell it how it is. And I listen for the meaning behind every piece of music I ever hear.

I am that girl.

And Shinedown did not disappoint.

First of all, it was just nice to get out of the house on a bright and sunshiny day (that’s right people – we had almost a full 24 hours of sunshine here in good old Anchorage!) Loo and I took off around 5, and made it to the fair just as the show was beginning. We each got a drink (yes, I did enjoy my 1 glass of wine – the first [and only] in over a month!) and then plopped ourselves up on top of a hill to enjoy the show.

And, as with every concert I’ve ever been to; I was immediately sucked in. Fist pumping in the air (a sight to be seen I’m sure – seeing as I am about as far from hard rock as they come), eyes closed, singing along – I make a good fan.

Out on the front line, don’t worry I’ll be fine
The story is just beginning
I say goodbye to my weakness, so long to the regrets. ~ Diamond Eyes, Shinedown

Yes I was sucked in, and reminded that the story really is just beginning. That I am still fighting, thriving, surviving. That all hope is not lost, and the next bend in the road could be the one where all my dreams come true.

Shinedown reminded me of that.

Sitting on top of a hill, sipping my wine, combating the fumes of the smokers all around me, and listening to the lyrics I needed to hear.

I love live music.


Untitled from S.I.F. on Vimeo.