The best Vertical Horizon concert experience to date.

June 4, 2017

  It's officially summer concert season! Looks like this fan-girl is going to splurge not just this summer, but this whole year. Ahh!

HOME Bar, June 2, 2017.

  Like the crazy woman I've been more and more since the start of 2017, I decided to go to two Vertical Horizon shows -- including one VIP package -- within three days. Was it worth it? Definitely!

It's the little things, literally.

  Wednesday was an outdoor show with Vertical Horizon opening for Blues Traveler. They took a day off from the So Much For The Afterglow tour with Fastball and Everclear. My anxious-self was very, very to ensure Dave and I would have a front row spot, the stage in reach. I was tamer than the 90s Fest gig back in 2016, but I was still recognized by other music-goers as a crazed, fun fan. I'll never forget the many times connecting with each band member with a smile, a nod and even an I'm sad this is the last song, run finger from my eye down the cheek face. Another crazy, heart-throbbing moment was Ron's ending solo/riff on the drums. My appreciation for drummers has exponentially heightened because of the song Instamatic. Oh! What about a NEW SONG? yesyesyes! I'll also treasure the thoughtful acts of kindness by Matt and Mark, providing me with unexpected mementos. After the show, I was very nervous and worried about not having my Friday one of two tickets purchased. Glad I had a six-hour car drive to mull over all the what-ifs.

Let's just sit a while and watch the cars go by, maybe save the talking for another time. I just want to make it to a better day. I wonder where they go to make it all okay...

My dance partner, forever.

  It all worked out, of course! Friday's show was at a local music bar. An old work friend, Zech, attended the show with me. He and I were always the sober, dancing fools on the weekends when I was living in IL. This vacation was a much needed time to catch up with the friends I haven't seen since January, not just to see VH in concert. Being able to combine the two reasons made the short trip from OH to IL more meaningful.

  The majority of the time (for me), the most profound and enlightening way to listen to live music is seated, eyes glued to the performers or eyes closed, with cell phones out of reach, and fans vocalizing lyrics at a minimum. Something about being around new friends -- who are also deeply moved by and invested into VH -- made this the most gratifying VH concert I've attended.

  The room was filled with lovers of 90s rock, and our section was the VIP meet and greet gals, who are unique, genuine and extremely kind. Experiencing these multiple connections at once during VH's set channeled our energy into a cohesive flow, creating a powerful, moving performance.

There's something chemical in us and it's just like lightning.

  Literally, there was a force at Friday's show uniting us as one. The room was undoubtfully and perfectly in sync. Each song embraced me from head to toe - especially Ron's drums - causing a pounding in my chest and becoming part of me as if for the first time... except for one that's now part of me because I had only heard it for the first time just hours before. OMG MORE NEW MUSIC. IT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL. I was beyond proud of how the band performed the new song! As someone without any music talents, I can only attempt to imagine the difficulty of performing a new song to a large crowd.

*insert the second-heard, new song's favorite lines here but only once it's released because I don't want to spoil it for anyone because that's just not nice and I wouldn't want someone spoiling it for me!* :)

Me with my new VH gal pals!

  I was very nervous about spending money this weekend, but I was very calm during this mini vacation. Some activities and dining options were higher priced than what seemed necessary. Even so, nothing can take away the memories I'll relive when work becomes stressful or when I'm on edge for a petty reason or for no explanation at all. You can't put a pricetag on the positive emotions you experience when listening to the music you deeply connect with or on the smiles and hugs between old and new friends.

  At the end of the day, I reflect and question how I got this lucky and blessed to have a strong bond and a driving want -- an undeniable need -- for the two main music influences (Colin Hay and VH, just in case ya didn't catch on) in my life. It could have been two or more of the many bands and artists out there, but I'm thankful it's the two that have stayed unbroken through all these years. Just as I've learned from Lucky One, it may have taken so long to see, but I actually believe myself when I sing to myself, I know I'm the lucky one because I'm here and you're with me.