I Think Colin Meloy Would Be Our Friend.

Elbows leaning on the stage.

Mere feet away from Colin Meloy.

Ah – Colin Meloy.

If the name’s not familiar to you, he’s the lead singer of a band called The Decemberists.

He’s Kevin’s pal.

(Well.  He’s not technically Kevin’s pal.  He isn’t even technically aware of Kevin’s existence.  But I’m pretty sure we’d all be friends if we could ever get two minutes together at the dinner table.  As long as I don’t serve him lentil soup.)

He’s also written two novels with his wife crafting the illustrations.  Those novels influenced the name of our homeschool.

In other words, we’re pretty big fans.

Last weekend Kevin and I drove a few hours south to watch Mr. Meloy perform a handful of his manymanymany fabulous songs.

Kevin was giddy.

Giddy.

Celebratory and exuberant.

I mean – we were leaning against the stage.  If my arms were only four feet longer than they are, I could have touched the man.

It really was such a wonderful concert.

Intimate – a pleasant-faced performer singing such well-crafted lyrics and melodies as familiar to me as our living room furniture.

As Colin sang (can I call him Colin?) in my right ear, I could hear Kevin singing along in my left ear.

And I didn’t think, “Shh, Kev – I want to hear our best friend sing his tunes.”

Actually, I thought – how perfect to hear this music live in the exact manner I hear this music at home …. Kevin and Colin harmonizing and reveling in quirky words and beautiful metaphors and pure refrains.

I loved the concert.

I loved how much Kevin loved the concert.

I loved a little night away with my husband.  (Thanks to sweet and kind Rachael.)

For Kevin, his buddy Colin Meloy was among his top three performers to see live.

My top three list includes the Avett Brothers and Indigo Girls.

Who would be on your top three concerts to attend list?