My thoughts are in a million different places right now (how's that for an emo start to a blog?).
But in all seriousness, I just finished reading Michael Cunningham's The Hours. I'm reading it for my Women in Literature class, but this is one of those rare instances in school where I actually enjoyed an assigned reading. Anyway, for those of you into books full of metaphor, drama, and contemplative notions, you should most certainly read it. Two thumbs up from me, that's for sure. However, be warned that it might make you fairly (or very) depressed.
This week has been a mess of homework, planning, socializing, and everything else that occupies us in the hours before (and during) sleep. We're getting into the last few weeks of the year; I think we have about 5 left? Maybe a little more or less? This time of year always feels jumbled. People rush to finish things but also try and enjoy the end of another important chapter of their education, and their lives.
One chapter I can certainly close is the one on Tea Time With Two Loons For Tea. Planning the event took up much of my thought space and time since I began the planning process in late January. It was stressful up until the first note was played by the band. Only then could I begin to breathe and bask in the success of the event. Sure, we didn't have as many people as I wanted (we had about 35, I wanted triple that). However, we raised money for the GLBTQA scholarship, and also exposed people to some amazing music.
The band arrived around 2pm and began setting up, during which we served tea and cookies in Bremner Lounge. People socialized and it was exactly as I envisioned.
Then, the female half of the band, Sarah, alerted me that there was no sound man to manage the band's soundboard. I thought the student union workers were capable, but they didn't have the knowledge to manage something as complicated as what the band had. For that moment, I panicked. I tried not to let it show, although I'm sure my deep sighs and closed eyes gave me away.
Randomly, an Advocate member named Dan said he had some experience managing soundboards similar to the one the band provided. When he sat in front of it, the flash of "oh no.. this is not what I'm used to" darted across his eyes for a second, but he soldiered on. After a 45 minute delay, with help from union workers and random patrons, he got the sound levels even. The show went on.
The band took the stage around 6:15 and played for about an hour. As I sat in the audience, watching people nod their heads to the beat and eagerly clap at the close of the songs, I felt a sense of pride. I felt regretful about the sound issues, but all that mattered now was that moment of people enjoying the event for its intentions - relaxed atmosphere, fantastic music, and promoting awareness of an important cause. Not to mention, at that point I could enjoy the show as a fan. After all, I have been a fan of Two Loons For Tea since I was a junior in high school (maybe prior, actually) and I had never seen them live until they played here at Loyola. I mouthed the words and tapped my foot to the beat, completely lost in the exchange.
Jonathan, Sarah, and the rest of the band graciously thanked us, as we did them, and stayed around to chat with the audience after their set. They were both as friendly and humble as I imagined. They even said they'd love to come back again.
Once they do, we'll have the sound problems fixed beforehand.
And now, for the pictures...
Here is the banner I threw together a half hour before set-up.
The band feeling the groove (Jonathan on the left, Sarah on the right)
And another! The band performed songs from all 3 of their studio albums, which are all equally amazing. The highlight for me was "The Strongest Man In The World," and also a new song never recorded, called, "See You Around."
I had to get a pic with the band! Oh, and they didn't smile, I know. That's just their thing. They were plenty happy to see me... honest.
Everyone go listen to at least one Two Loons song at www.twoloons.com, and enjoy your weekend.
Jake, you are the strongest man in the world. I cannot believe how much you take on.
Just so you know, I am so glad I went to 2L4T!
Posted by: Meghanne | March 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM