Love: Powerful Lyrics and Skillful Whistling

   Good morning my dear readers!! How I enjoy Thursdays since it's a reminder that the weekend is just one day away. I can't believe how quickly this week went by. I spent Monday and Tuesday at a work retreat, and I've been knee deep in work since. It's hard to believe that almost a week ago tomorrow, I was heading down to Toronto with my friend Geneviève to see one of our favourite bands: Boy & Bear.

   We were fortunate enough to have a spontaneous road trip (and by spontaneous I mean we only planned it a week in advance). Still we managed to get there just in time, have a place to crash for the night and managed to be front row for the concert. AMAZING!!! Gen and I saw them this summer at Bluesfest in Ottawa (always front row) and I was thoroughly impressed. The band has this kind of energy that is completely mesmerizing. They're really relaxed and chill on the scene, and I'm so very proud to state that I locked eyes with the lead singer and he smiled at me.

What's cool about Boy & Bear (other than their amazing music) is that they're still a small enough band to play at these more intimate venues which only adds on to the incredible atmosphere. They had a really good opening act called Kobi, and his sound (though quite different than B&B) was quite cool. He had a blues/classic rock vibe about him. I also locked eyes with him during one of his guitar solos, but that proceeded to be a little bit too long, and a little more than awkward. The overall experience was still super fun.

One thing to know about Boy & Bear (other than the fact that their drummer is this adorable bearded ginger man) is that they have haunting melodies, powerful lyrics and mind-blowing whistle skills. I can usually hold my own, but on their new album, the notes they can hit and the tempo they can keep is like nothing I've witnessed before. Ever since I had the chance to see them in July, I've listened to their music while I write and it sets the perfect mood for my stories. They connect with their audience with their honest songs. I've put their song Big Man on repeat more than once, to remind myself that "if failure don't hurt, than failure don't work"; a saying worth knowing and repeating when you've chosen a career path plagued with rejections letters. Despite it all, I keep listening; I keep writing; and I keep checking their tours dates to see when they'll be back. Maybe one day I'll be able to see them in Australia where they have a live saxophone solo for one of their songs. Yes, you read correctly, and yes, that would be epic to see.

So I encourage you to take the time to listen to them, or to go on a spontaneous road trip to see one of your favourite bands. The experience is incredible; the rush is intoxicating; and the time, memorable. I'm just so blessed to be able to have a friend to go with, and a car that will take me wherever I hear the world calling me to. There's really nothing to lose dearest readers; nothing at all but the tight routine you've weaved for yourself.

K.P.H.