Entertainment has the power to bring people together.  Music, film, comedy, theatre, art- they all seem to unite a people with a common interest. These kinds of outlets foster relationship and important social interaction (The Impact of Media). It’s a surreal thing to be a part of, if you get the chance. Of course, the opportunities to immerse yourself in this culture are endless. However, every once in a while if you’re lucky, you get to be part of something so beyond amazing- something that makes joy fill your soul to the brim, more than usual. I had an experience like this.

I travelled to Manchester for one night, and one night only. Why? A concert. Let me be clear, though, this was a band that I had never heard of, that I was going to see for my aunt who was in town this week. Manchester is about a two and a half hour train ride from central London. I was not too thrilled about it (serves me right). It happened to turn into one of the greatest nights of my life.

 

Dawes is an American indie/rock band from California. I’m not sure why they were in Manchester, but they were, and I am grateful. The venue was called Gorilla. It was dark and small and crowded. It didn’t feel dark and small and crowded though.

It felt light,like I was surrounded by friends, like the night could go on forever and the energy of the room was eternal.

I think it was the atmosphere, the people, the kindness that made this night what it was. Every generation was present. Every gender and race was represented. Sometimes, indie/rock concerts (though fun) can be chaotic and messy.This was different. It was a perfect display of happiness. It was graceful. To be broken away from the usual individualized routines of the world and to be placed in a bubble with nothing but love and unity existing produced a feeling that I cannot really describe. It was true bliss.

The band sang one song called “Crack the Case”. The lyrics were so powerful and I thought they were only fitting for the situation at hand.

“It’s really hard to hate anyone, when you know what they’ve lived through
And once they’ve given you a taste
She said, “This is for you to overcome, but I will always love you”
In her perfect state of grace
Maybe that would crack the case” (Goldsmith).

We don’t know what other people have lived through- all we can do is love them, show them grace. Maybe that is the solution for peace. I was indifferent going to this concert. I didn’t expect it to be life-changing, but I left inspired. I think this happens to many of us. We lose our excitement for life, for adventure, for culture. If we were more open to love and grace and peace, we might be surprised at the result. We might get to feel the magic.

*all photos in this post were taken by me in Manchester*

Goldsmith, Taylor. “CRACK THE CASE Lyrics – DAWES.” EL yrics, ELyrics.

“The Impact of Media.” CareersinPsychology.org, Careers in Psychology, https://careersinpsychology.org/impact-media/.