October 5, 2009

Throughout my previous posts, it's probably become apparent that I thoroughly enjoy music. So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to delve a little further into that hobby and the love I possess for music.

But first, in the order of events, Tuesday the 29th, OSU Student Foundation had a BBQ for our general meeting. John and Caroline Linehan, grandparents of STUFU Membership Chair Haylee Roy, were generous enough to host this event at their absolutely beautiful home. The BBQ was a big hit; we really wanted the chance to socialize with the freshman and new members, as well as everyone else, on a more casual level. Also, we were fortunate to have OSU Foundation President and CEO Kirk Jewell and his wife Jan attend alongside active donors and STUFU enthusiasts Mike and Anne Greenwood present that evening. They always bring a positive spirit to the atmosphere! Once the ice cream bar opened and blongo ball got into full swing, we were all really having a good time . Here are a couple pictures from the evening.

A group of STUFU members enjoying Bad Brad's BBQ.

The remainder of the week entailed long hours of studying and working on projects. The anticipation for the weekend was catching up to me though .

My full sentiments toward music may be difficult to express, but that's only due to the fact that it's hard to encompass so many feelings and relay them into words. Listening to music has always been both intrinsically and extrinsically valuable to me. It aids in my studying process, and anytime I'm feeling down or stressed out, music never ceases to keep me level-headed. It also helps remind me of the things that are truly important. Music is just a part of my life, I appreciate it on so many levels. Often, when I discover a new artist that I really like, it opens my eyes to how much music there is in this world just waiting to be heard. So I'm constantly not only listening to music, but exploring new artists and types of music. As far as my taste in music goes, I will honestly listen to just about anything, but of course I have my favorites. Genre wise, I would say my main interests fall among Alternative Rock, Alternative, and Indie tunes. 

Despite what it may seem like, I had maybe attended three concerts in my entire life before this semester, haha. Since my musical fascination has been evolving, concerts have just become a new-found passion. It's a fairly inexpensive hobby, and I've already had four of the most incomparable nights of my life. That may sound dramatic, but there's just an encompassing feeling and enjoyment that comes with live music that you can't find anywhere else. I can't begin to explain how fortunate I have been to see my favorite bands in such a short time period. Most of them have actually been coincidences, but I seriously feel like I have been living “the music dream” this semester haha. After this past Saturday there are no more upcoming plans to see musical performances, but that is OK with me, I think I have enough amazing memories to last me a lifetime!

Saturday night I went to see Kings of Leon and the White Lies at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. I've had the tickets since June and have been anxiously awaiting the concert for about 3 and a half months! They were definitely worth the wait. Describing that evening is difficult other than with your generic words: incredible, amazing, awesome. White Lies were great. I've heard their music before this, but they were so good live! Kings of Leon, wow - I'm quite sure the lead singer's voice will be resonating in my head for days to come . I didn't know what songs they were going to play, but I was very happy that they played practically all of them, or at least a fair mix of old and new! One other aspect about music that probably intrigues me the most is the journey and hard work that it requires. So many musicians simply start with a dream, which is so inspiring. For instance, the humbleness of Kings of Leon who were playing in front of tens of thousands of people was pretty awesome. The lead singer, Caleb, said to the crowd between songs, “So my dad and I were driving by this place and he said, 'you'll be playing there someday' and I said 'yea whatever'.....(pause)....'he was right'.” The crowd at the KOL's first performance at the Ford Center went wild cheering. Here are some pictures from the concert!

Me and my friend Zac, who went to the concert with me!	The light/video show was Incredible.

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” - anonymous.

My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.  - Edward Elgar.

Music can change the world because it can change people. - Bono.

GO POKES!