Just One Awesome Moment of the Weekend

My boyfriend and I went to see the Swell Season--Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from the movie Once--and it was fantastic. Neither of us are huge concert-goers (mostly due to the prices and the lack of motivation) so we almost missed out on this one, but we both agreed it was possibly our favorite concert ever. The age/personality range of the audience was huge--hipsters, preppy college kids, middle-aged couples, groups of elderly old ladies, etc. And everyone was really friendly and cool.

Obviously, the band itself rocked. Their songs are just so lovely and genuine, and it was exciting to hear stuff from Once as well as new stuff. Plus they just seemed so happy to be there, playing and singing and doing what they love to do.

One of the best moments came in the middle of the show, when Glen Hansard was on stage. He mentioned having seen a busker outside the arena, which he thought was great. (For those who haven't seen Once, it's about a street musician in Dublin who meets a pianist, who helps him put together a CD--plus adorable romantic tension.)

Then Glen said, "He said he was coming to the show tonight...so is Steven here?"

Steven stood up and waved.

"Come on up and play a song," Glen said.

Steven's brain = EXPLODING. He went up on stage and got to play Glen's guitar and was also really good. He was humble and funny and just a good musician. It must have totally made his life, to go from playing outside the arena to playing for all of us inside, on stage in the bright lights, and getting huge applause afterward. And that's what the Swell Season loves--they've had their ups and downs professionally, and they're just so happy they're at a point where they can do what they love and share it with other people. Even though it was a big arena, they totally got this vibe across.

The Swell Season is touring around the country and the world. Go see them!

Update: Check out Steven Bacon's website, with Swell Season Story!