that one time, when my life was made

So a few weeks ago, I found out that Bon Iver was coming to play in Salt Lake with a band called The Staves.

As Bon Iver is one of my very favorite bands, I got really excited... Until I found out that it was already sold out, and that even if it hadn't been sold out, tickets were $40-$70, which I certainly can't afford at this point.

I had accepted the fact that it wasn't going to happen.

Last Monday, I got a text from my lovely friend Tad - "What are you doing tomorrow night? Wanna go to a Bon Iver concert?"

I just kind of sat for a second, then completely geeked out. I told him yes, I would absolutely love to. Then I told all of my friends who would appreciate the news, because I simply could not hold it inside, and made a Spotify playlist of both bands that would be playing. I immediately loved the Staves, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to so much Bon Iver :)

Anyway, fast forward to Tuesday night. Tad picked me up, we went to his house and waited for his brother to go pick up his date, our friend Monique, then made sandwiches and headed to Red Butte Garden, where the concert was going to take place. We waited in a nice long line outside the amphitheater - got to hear The Staves doing sound checks, which made the wait nicer - then went in and found a spot on the lawn inside. We ate our sandwiches and drank tasty juice and waited for The Staves to come on.

And then they did.
And then Bon Iver did  later.
AND THEY WERE ALL SO FANTASTIC.
I wish that I could fully and adequately describe in words how it was to be there.
Music is such a powerful medium. But more on that later. I have a whole post worth of thoughts on that topic. ;)

Anyway, I officially crossed seeing Bon Iver live off of my Bucket List. But I'd be okay adding a "x2" next to it. Or maybe like "xhowever-many-times-they-come-for-the-rest-of-their-togetherness," because I'd be totally okay with that as well. Everyone that performed did incredibly. They are all so talented....

Suffice it to say that -
1) I love three-part harmony.
2) I love Bon Iver, especially their self-titled album.
3) I love live music.
4) Live music gives me butterflies. (I've tried to make moves but it's usually crowded... S'pose I'll make do with boys for now. Sigh.)
5) Almost everything is better outside, even if it's kinda chilly.

Thanks to Tad, Monique, Sean, The Staves, Bon Iver, Red Butte Garden, Red Butte Garden's sponsors, camera phones (however crappy), free stuff, autographs, and the beautiful, clear night sky. Also to my Father in Heaven who made all of those things... The guy knows what he's doing, that's for sure.


Seriously?
Life. Made.