I was recently lucky enough to squeeze in a concert while traveling on business in Seattle. Here is my take on what I found to be a powerful and cathartic performance, and the curious way it all played out.
I am alone, yet surrounded. Eager concertgoers wait patiently as the queue slowly works its way towards the doors. He does not find much engagement. By now, most of us are indifferent, cynical, or in comfortable denial as we avert our gaze from a reality that stares back at us.
This is a problem that the local government is still struggling to solve. Once inside, we find ourselves in yet another line.
The welcoming warmth of the theater, which is the oldest in the city, is a nice change from the slight chill outside. A multitude of conversations play out within the crowd: tales of craigslist adventures, gossip about family and current events, concerns surrounding a recently-divorced heroin-addicted friend. A man with polished boots, horn-rimmed glasses, and wispy sideburns descending from his maroon toque stands a few spots ahead of me.
Suddenly, he crumples and falls to the floor. The experience of the crowd, its noise, bustle, and building excitement, overwhelmed him.
