You Rock My World, Michael Jackson

The news of Michael Jackson's passing came today as I sat at work, and a music-lover co-worker (Thanks!) called to notify our office. I felt my heart stop and hoped it was not true, but sadly it was. I instantly felt sad and here is why:

Michael has had some issues and media frenzied-controversies the past few years. It seemed that lately anything he did was deemed as "crazy" or questionable. I can see both sides of the story, but as we all know, one cannot know the whole truth until you have walked in their shoes. Anywho it seems that Michael had gotten the resources necessary for his huge comeback, his UK concerts. I was excited that he was going to once again show the world of his talent and innovations, but sadly he will never get to show that. This then leaves his name tied to recent events and he was never given the opportunity to prove otherwise. For now he will entertain the masses in heaven and finally receive some peace.

As I got in my car to go home tonight, one of the saddest Broadway songs started playing on my satellite radio. I shed a tear or two as I reminisced of his impressive songs, dancing, and memories;

• In the 4th grade going to the local roller rink and skating to Black to White with my cousins. It was the highlight of the night since I hated roller skating
  
• Dreams of hosting a game show with a taped opening of "Wanna Be Starting Something"
• Saving my money so that I could go buy his most recent album... on cassette tape.
• On family vacations, my cousins and I would imagine Michael and Lisa Presley's conversations.
• Spending a summer night in junior high to watch The Wiz, just because Michael was in it. Even though some parts were super long, I told myself I could not fast-forward it because of his influence on it.
  
• Spend many moments having dance parties, and when his songs came on instant bursts of energy filled my soul, no matter how tired I was.
  

I will miss you Michael! Thanks for good times, tunes, and memories. May you and your family be comforted at this difficult time.

Black and Gold, Sam Sparro

So lately it seems that my life has been filled with concerts...I was able to see and meet the Ting Tings... Their music screams summer driving with friends.


I went to No Doubt, and I have to say it was a really good concert. There was no need to worry about Gwen singing live, or what to expect. No Doubt really are back, and provided good *dance* music. At one moment Gwen called out to this little girl who was dressed really cute and had her come on stage... It was fun to see.



*Towards the end I think I should issue an apology to the little one next to me.I think it was his first concert. I was really feeling it, and dancing pretty wildly, and he might have thought I was drunk... Don't worry I wasn't just full of nebula.


Taylor Swift....

Wow! I have to say she put on a dang good show. My cousin, and our mutual friend decided last minute to go and it was worth it. There was an opening band, Gloriana, who had a lot of trouble vocally. Perhaps it was because the brunette girl was jealous that the blond had an MTV reality show 4 years ago...

Then Kellie Pickler was supposed to open but was sick... BIG DOWNER because I really enjoy Kellie's songs.

Taylor opened with being a band member, and then had this video segment where Hoda (Today Show) interviewed her. Then Hoda magically appeared!


Then Taylor took two glorious hours that were filled with backup dancers, funny videos, sneaked into the audience for an acoustic set (all the while hugging her fans, signing things, and shaking hands), filled the audience with optimism, banged on drums (theatrically), played a Justin Timberlake cover and FINALLY DANCED IN THE RAIN WHILE SINGING. Simply amazing, and one of the top 5 concerts I have been to.




My favorite parts:
At one point after a song the crowd went crazy for a minute without Ms. Swift saying anything. It was evident that she stood facing the crowd with tears down her cheeks. The crowd then roared with our love for her, and with a hand to her mouth, she stood stunned and simply replied, "Salt Lake I promise you, I will never forget that the rest of my life!"

"If you break my heart," Swift said after playing 'Picture to Burn,' "or of you hurt my feelings, or of you mess with my friends in Salt Lake City, then I'm going to have to write a song about you." I laughed and pretended she was my new friend.

During the song change she showed various photographs that show hardships people endure (high school, loss of job, disability, Iraq War, funerals etc...), and then shared her message that, "There are a lot of hardships in life, and I promise you that someone is there to support you and things do change!" She then carried on her chorus of singing Hallelujah several times with everyone reaching out their hands in the air. It filled me with hope in regards to my life, and reminded me that things do change!

And of course singing and dancing in the rain: