Love Letter to Live Music
April 26, 2024
Writer: Zoe Gellert
Editor: Jaz Seiden
I keep returning to the moment I stood in the Capitol Theater, only a few feet from JJ Grey performing onstage. A man whose music has vibrated through the speakers in my home for as long as I can remember. I’m struck with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and unexplained emotion. Suddenly, I’m crying.
My mom notices almost before I do. She squeezes her arm tighter across my shoulder as we sway with the music and the crowd. My dad protects the space next to us, and my aunt and uncle are a little further left with our friends - who are family. The happy tears continue to fall. Now my mom is holding my hand; the room has transformed into an underlit magenta oasis, and the crowd is singing along,
“Brighter days, where did they go? Gone gone gone gone gone,
Lord, I’ll never see brighter days where they go, yeah.”
“Brighter Days” JJ Grey& the MOFRO
Earlier, I had gone to the courtyard for a moment to myself. I was surrounded by so many people who had a hand in raising me and who watched me grow up. About twenty adults I knew from Chappaqua were scattered through the crowd, including many couples I had babysat for and my childhood soccer coach. I assumed I would see adults who knew me in grade school, but I was ignorant of the change in perspective that would transpire.
“Feels so good to be warm - in the sun, loving every minute of living
so good to be warm - in the sun, loving every minute of living”
“Every Minute” JJ Grey& the MOFRO
The guitar solo captivated the crowd, and at that moment, as a sophomore in college, I realized my parents were becoming my friends. Live music has given us something to share. This was just like an ideal Saturday night at school: standing with people I love, slightly doused with spilled drinks, watching live music, and wearing the same paper wristbands my roommate and I taped to our bathroom door.
Growing up, my parents reserved Saturday nights for live music. I usually made plans during the week at school, knowing I would have a babysitter and could order Chinese food or pizza, make s'mores dip, and stay up too late. My mom and dad worked in the city full-time, so this was usually one of the only overlapping nights they were home each week. Admittedly, I occasionally got upset when they said they would “be out” Saturday night, but as I got older and my social calendar quickly filled, I realized it was like a playdate.
The music and culture of New Orleans has always fascinated me. Growing up, I learned about New Orleans and Tulane, played local music, and was jealous of my parents' yearly trip to Jazz Fest. The excitement and anticipation to live in this city manifested throughout my teen years. However, when I arrived as a spring scholar, I just realized that the typical Tulane University social life tended to include on-campus bars, greek life socials, and date parties, not necessarily live music. Initially, I was disappointed that so many people who attended my school had never been to a jazz club, but eventually, I found my people. I am no stranger to sorority events or a night at the Boot, but the power that live music has to unite the community and learn from one another is my favorite way to spend a night out.
It's encouraging to know that the fun never has to end. Now, at 20, I get to attend Jazz Fest and share live music experiences with my visiting parents and college friends. Seeing my parents and their friends enjoying a similar night out experience encourages me to work hard and set myself up for success—loving every minute I'm living.