I have been fortunate in my life to see many of my musical heroes and all-time favorites. This year was a mix of long, long-time favorites and new greats.

Norah Jones

Oh my goodness, it was obvious when she began that she was a classic. We saw her at Woodland Park Zoo in July on a partially rainy night. Ironically, I have never seen a concert at this venue, and they are in their 40th year! It was grand.

Madonna

Yes, Madonna. I was supposed to see her around 10 years ago. For a variety of reasons, that didn’t happen. She’s worth it. 65, knee brace, bringing all the joy and years of working on her craft, she’s awesome. So good. Went solo. Met other long-time fans seeing her for the first time. Instant bond. What a trail blazer. We may forget, but she allowed us all to be more free with who we are, who we want to be, and show us how powerful a woman can be. What a gift she is.

Trans-Canada Highwaymen

As a long-time fan of Barenaked Ladies, I maintained an allegiance to Steven Page post-BNL departure. We took the opportunity to road trip to Whistler to see TCHM in August at the Olympics Amphitheater in the middle of Whistler Village. It was a fun, family-friendly show, and I learned about the other members from some of Canada’s rock bands consisting of Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan), and Craig Northey (Odds).

Although worth the trip north for yummy food and good tunes, our cat Johan left while we were gone. With some time since his departure, it is very possible that Johan knew that he wasn’t well and took measures into his own hands. He wasn’t the type of cat to be in trouble with cars anymore or wild animals. We miss him terribly. That’s going to be a huge hole in our hearts for years to come.

The biggest drag of the summer was coming home from Whistler to no Johan. The neighbors saw him shortly after we left, but our friend KJ couldn’t find him, and when we got home, he just wasn’t here. I spent days and weeks searching our neighborhood and surrounding area, but no sign. We MISS our boy so much. As I told a friend lately, 10 years is not nearly enough.

Justin Timberlake

On a tip from a bartender at the Loose Moose in Toronto, my pal Patty and I saw JT on his first night of two in the shadows of the CT Tower. Sometimes, you don’t realize how much you actually love a performer until you see them in person. I appreciate the whimsy of my buddy P, the tip of the bartender, and years of practice by a young man who has become an appreciative star. It was a great show.

Crowded House

They came all the way to America! This was a local chance I didn’t want to pass up. Worth it. Neil Finn, one remaining original band member, and now his son (or sons), were a delight.

Missy Elliott

Was supposed to go to this with Ollie, but he sadly had Covid. Went instead with my former work pal and neighbor, Derek.

Cricket & Snail

My cousin Jim and his wife Lucie visited in the summer and played at Artisans Cafe. Always nice to have them in the PNW.

Fishermans Village

…including Courtney Marie Andrews, Sol, and more

Looking forward to Dead & Company, Steven Page, and Counting Crows in 2025! Maybe more. 🙂