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| Concert for the Kimberley-Federation Square Melbourne |
We arrived back in Melbourne for the last few days of this
holiday, back to enjoy some more time in my sister's current home city. One
brisk morning I'm on may way to the famous Victoria Market in Melbourne for
some relatively cheap souvenir shopping while thinking about how this holiday
really couldn't get any better. I honestly believe that there are moments when
fate strikes, when the stars align, when God intervenes, when plain dumb luck
wins out, call it what you will. This was one of those moments. As I was
approaching the market my foot kicked a piece of paper resting on the pavement
in front of me. For some reason this measly scrap of paper broke me of my day
dream and I looked down as I walked by, my eyes catching the words “Butler
Trio” on the crumpled scrap of paper.
I stopped short and my first thought was “No. Fucking. Way.”
Literally. I wish I had thought
something more poetic, but I ain’t Shakespeare. That moment is fixed in my
memory. As I stooped and unfolded the paper on the ground, all of my wildest
dreams fell into place. It was a poster advertising a benefit concert starring
The John Butler Trio, an Australian group that has been one of my favorite
musical acts since high school and that I have had the pleasure of seeing
perform live on three previous occasions. What's more, the benefit concert was in
Federation Square, the center of Melbourne slated for October 5th.
At first my heart plummeted because I realized October 5th was the
day before and I'd missed the show. But as I thought a little bit harder and
sorted through the haze of days that warped into one, I realized that it was in fact the 5th, and that I was in Melbourne on a night that John Butler was
performing live.
I'm sure everyone has had moments where they can't believe
their luck, where they are just waiting for someone to bring them back to reality,
to find out that in fact the world is not perfect. That's a bit how this was
for me. Before I arrived in Australia I sent my sister a message telling her to
be on the look out for any good music while I was in town, especially if it
involves John Butler. And through some pure dumb luck, enhanced by my inability
to pick my feet up or watch where I was going I had literally kicked my way
into achieving and item on my bucket list: seeing JBT live in his home country.
For the record, I love John Butler and have for many years. He is one of the
most musically talented individuals I have ever come across, and is very
clearly passionate about his music. And his guitar solo “ocean” is the kind of
music that makes people start playing guitar. It's pure magic. Literally, I
could be his promoter; I love his music so much. And now I was going to see him
live, for free, in Australia. Tick-off the bucket list.
The concert was called “Concert for the Kimberley,” a
benefit concert to raise money and awareness about The Kimberley, a section of
land in Western Australia that could soon be home to the world's largest
natural gas distribution plant. So far, public support against the gas plant
has delayed, but not prevented the project from going ahead. 8,000 people piled
into Federation Square to “Save the Kimberley,” and John did not disappoint.
Yet again, another amazing live performance that showcased his musicality and
showmanship. The guy is good.
For me, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to support a
good cause and achieve a life goal at the same time.
Here's a taste of how I think music should sound. If you've
never listened to Mr. John Butler, check him out. (This is not from the concert I attended, but my recording does not do this song justice).
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