There’s just something magical about music, most especially live music.

For me personally, I don’t care if it’s a big band performing for a packed-out arena, or a local artist as a concert in the park, good music is good music.

Of course, all of our ears hear differently and what I personally deem as “good” might be garbage to someone else and that’s okay. Years ago, I remember someone asking me what kind of music I liked. My response was exactly as I just stated, good music. There truly isn’t one genre I prefer over the other, music in and of itself is powerful and in many cases can be transformative.

Take for instance the simple and popular “Yacht Rock” two words I came to learn several years ago while out floating on the lake. Prior to that day, it was just music from my childhood, really good tunes. Tunes that remind me of road trips with my mom, days spent as the beach or family gatherings with all of us singing at the top of our lungs.

Music is one of the few things which can bridge the gender gap. I love that.

I thought about some of this, last week as I accompanied my daughter and another mother/daughter duo to a concert. Truth be told, I was a tag along.

My daughter’s friend had invited her to join her and her mom and in the last minute of purchasing tickets I inquired if I could join them and so I did. Having no idea as to who we were seeing, only knowing that my daughter and her friend were thrilled at the opportunity. I was simply excited to have a night out with a few fun girls and the opportunity to make a few memories.

Without boring our readers on all the details, it was a really fun night, regardless of who was on stage.

As I sat in the audience listening to the music for the first time, I couldn’t help but think back to my own teen days and concerts with my mom. Good memories, great actually often with friends in tow, sometimes just the two of us. 

My favorite part of live music is listening to the crowd sing with the band. Last week was no different. 

I didn’t need to know the performers, the songs or the lyrics, listening to that crowd of young girls (and some boys) sing with each artist at the top of their lungs simply filled my heart. In truth it’s moving to be in a place of such beauty.

As I looked to my girlfriend (aka the other mom), both of our girls singing with the rest, our eyes were tear filled.

“An audience singing together is my favorite part of a concert,” I told her. She implied the same.

“Regardless of life, music brings us all together,” I continued, and she agreed again.

For those curious the young man we saw was Alec Benjamin. Apparently, he has quite the following and he was a real class act on stage for sure. 

Watching him that night and listening to every song being sung by those in attendance reminded me of so many moments in my own life. Watching my daughter and her friend, well it was like time travel to a simpler time in life with a whole life ahead of me.

What a blessing. 

There are many ways in which we can choose to navigate and live our lives. Ultimately, I’m glad I took advantage of a moment two months ago by requesting to simply tag along and share a memory with my girl and a few friends.

At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about- moments and memories and then you’re to music for making it all the more special.