One of my favorite musicians was set to perform at Stamford's Alive at Five on Thursday July 9th. I was first introduced to Michael Franti & Spearhead when they opened for, I believe it was, John Mayer many years ago. I saw them again more recently at Toads Place in New Haven with my sister and we also met up with a friend who was there. As soon as I saw he was coming back to Connecticut, for practically nothing, I asked my sister and friend if they wanted to go again. My sister was a no, friend was a yes. I also asked my cousin who was a maybe. Just days before the show my cousin said she wasn't interested in going. The afternoon of the show my friend told me he got stuck working. With the threat of rain and the realization I'd be going alone I was undecided. I really wanted to go though.
Just an hour before the last train getting me there on time was set to depart I was sitting at my desk mulling over my options, I decided that if I didn't go I'd be taking a step backwards from reaching my goal. And I still really wanted to see the band. So I said f*ck it! Right then and there I made the decision that I was no longer going to refrain from doing what I wanted to do just because no one else wanted to do it with me. So I went solo. I hopped on the train and made my way.
The best decision I've made in a while! I was able to do exactly what I wanted to do at any given point in the night. I didn't have to stay where I was or move from where I was unless I wanted to. And I mean no offense to any of my friends when I make this next statement but it was nice not having to be on someone else's bathroom, smoke or beer run schedule. I wasn't on any schedule for that matter, one of the things I'm starting to become a fan of.
They opened with one of my favorites Hey, Hey, Hey. Franti's music is about living life, loving one another and peace. I let the positive music flow through my body. I danced. I sang. I drank a few beers. I thoroughly enjoyed the music, the people and the event itself. I had a blast!
Being solo helped me obtain another goal. I talked to people I didn't know. At one point in the night I moved over to the other side of the crowd and found a group of guys with incredible energy. These guys were here to enjoy themselves. They knew the music. They danced. They laughed. It was beautiful. My opportunity to say hello came naturally. The photographer in me offered to take the group shot one of their friends was taking so that he could be in it too in return for them to snap my photo for me. We exchanged names. I even got a kiss and hug from one of the guys. I love hugs!
At another point in the night I offered to snap a photo for a mom and her two kids. I also took part in dancing with a crowd in the street. I had a few hellos in passing, waiting for the bathroom and in line for beer.
It was roughly 9pm when the rain my sister warned me about hit. I think the clouds kept people away but when the rain came after a few hours of dancing it was welcomed! It just added to the night for me. I personally love the rain, especially on a hot summers night!
At the end of the show I spotted a guy in the crowd who caught my attention. I couldn't quite place my finger on it until afterwards when everyone was lined up in hopes to meet Franti. I found myself right next to the guy. I complimented him on his dreads and I immediately realized who he was. I said hey is your name (insert a J name that isn't Joshua but I've since forgotten) and he said in a surprised manner "no but my brother is" so he asked me why I asked that and I said "well does he look like you!?" He said no and I managed to say "I think I follow you on Instagram!" So while I am a firm believe that social media has ruined peoples ability to communicate I was reminded that it was intended to and can still bring people together! It was in fact Joshua that I follow and there he was standing in front of me. I was drawn to his account because of his vibe and ironically enough I was drawn to him that night for the very same reason. We chatted briefly then went our separate ways.
I left the show feeling amazing despite being exhausted and soaked to the bone. I walked back to the train station alone. While waiting on the platform a train pulled up. It was earlier than the train I was due to take towards New Haven and they made no announcement as to which train it was so I waited outside. A minute later a younger kid walked by and asked me if this was the train, not sure I suggested we go talk to the conductor. It ended up being our train so we took a seat together and chatted the whole way home. His name was also Josh. He told me how he was an intern for NBC and how he was working the Alive at Five. It was nice having someone to talk to, especially one that could hold a conversation. As we parted ways I promised I'd stop by his tent to say hello the next show I go to.
This adventure was me literally not waiting for the storm to pass, it was me dancing in the rain. I have zero regrets on my decision to go solo because I never once felt alone! I'm well on my way to obtaining my goals for personal growth this year and I couldn't be happier!
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