I Attended the Hanson Concert
Last Sunday on my stopover in Winnipeg, I went to my first concert in YEARS. Normally, I am not a huge fan of concerts because unlike some folks, I get incredibly drained from being around so many people, lights, and sounds - BUT 10 year old Teri would have DIED to have the chance to attend a Hanson concert so I decided to honour her by getting over my fears/dislikes of this type of event - after all…this roadtrip is all about adventure and the unknown.
It took me a good half hour and the opening act for me to figure out how I was supposed to act at a concert. And I know it sounds silly, but I literally was like…”Do we just stand and stare at the stage?” And my amazing friends assured me that sometimes you dance, sing along, or just enjoy the show. Once Hanson took the stage, I was truly into it and I know when you hear “Hanson” you either are like Aroha and ask “Is it Han-SIN? Or Han-SON?” because you don’t know who the hell they are. OR you groan and roll your eyes because you picture the once 10-15 year old trio singing MMMbop in the late 90s. But here’s the thing, this brotherly trio has managed to stay in the game for as long as they have BECAUSE they love the music. For them, it wasn’t about getting bigger or shinier or sparklier - it was about song writing, playing, harmonizing, and producing their own albums to avoid falling into the popstar trap. Since MMMBop, their music has taken on more of a bluesy, folksy, rock sound and they are still talented as ever.
As I stood, tapping my foot to the music and watching the lights and the people in the room get super excited I thought about how this music had helped me as a young girl. They had some songs that were about the strange feeling about being weird, feeling alone, and making the most out of life. As a 10-15 year old I was obsessed with them because their music helped me through so much: bullying, feeling homesick at camp, feeling lonely at school, etc. I would plug in the ol’ discman and just let myself drift into their music. Most of the songs were familiar and by the end I was singing out loud with my whole body and enjoying the full show.
It was an important experience for me for many reasons. First, I got to satisfy a desire of 10 year old me. Secondly, I saw this band that had sustainable longevity in an industry that tends to churn and burn because they opted to avoid becoming STARS and focusing on the music and the people who loved it. They weren’t trying to convince anyone to like them or not - they just showed up. They wore basic tees and jeans and took the stage in a 5 person band with minimal lighting and effects and a simple banner behind them with their album name - it wasn’t showy which meant it was accessible. The tickets to the concert were ALSO accessible at $45/ea. They just wanted to share love and light through music and community - something I am really getting smacked in the face with from the Universe these days. Thirdly, 3 of my friends came with me - 1 that saw me through my first Hanson phase and 2 who didn’t even really know who they were and just wanted to join in on my Joy. Fourthly - I did something out of my comfort zone and the risk was worth the reward (as it usually is). Lastly, I was brought to tears when they encouraged us to sing along in a harmony and the gospel sound was so beautiful and powerful.
This is what art can do.
