A day full of LIGHTS in Salt Lake City

Lights made her 6th visit to Salt Lake City, Utah over the weekend as part of her Little Machines Tour.  The show took place at The Complex on Saturday, November 8, 2014.  With the show being on a Saturday, I made the decision to spend the entire day waiting in line.  It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I arrived at The Complex around 11:45 AM.  I was the first to arrive, and the only one in line for about one hour.  I noticed an employee taking down some banners for shows, including the one promoting the Lights concert.  I asked him what they do with the banners, and was told they hang them in an office after the artist signs it.  I figured that would be the end of it, until I saw him walk out a few minutes later with a rolled up banner in his hand.  He mentioned it was an extra one that had torn.  I was all to happy to claim it.  A short time later I witnessed the arrival of Lights' tour bus, which signaled the start of many great things to follow.

It didn't take much longer for a few more dedicated Lights fans to arrive.  I was happy to have some company for the long wait for doors to open at 7:00 PM.  It didn't take long for one of the biggest highlights of the day to occur.  Lights, Beau, and Rocket (in her stroller) made their way from the bus towards the gate.  We were all excited to see Lights.  She greeted us with joy.  At this time, I presented her with the stuffed lion I purchased for Rocket, and a card (containing illustrations of lions) with a personal note written inside.  She appreciated the gift, and was happy to take pictures.  Beau snapped a couple of pictures with my phone.  I was able to get the sweet banner signed, along with 2 vinyls (Little Machines and Siberia Acoustic).  After everyone had pictures, Lights (and family) made their way over to The Gateway (nearby shopping mall).

While basking in the afterglow of that wonderful moment, the few of us gathered in line began to become acquainted.  It turned into a wonderful bonding experience with fellow Lights fans.  It turned into one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had waiting in line for a concert.  I may have started the day on my own, but I feel I ended it with four new friends (Summer, Winter, Leah, and J) from that time spent together in line.  We looked out for each other.  Ensuring that each of us were part of the 50 for the post show meet & greet, while also have a place along the front of the stage.

Speaking of being up front, I was front and center for the show.  I had heard nothing of the opener Wild Party prior to the show.  They ended up putting on an entertaining set.  Playing a catchy brand of music perfectly suited for dancing.  Not a bad way to be entertained while waiting for Lights.

Finally just before 9:00 PM, the big moment we had all been waiting for arrived.  Lights hit the stage to the extreme delight of the near capacity crowd.  She opened her set with "Muscle Memory", followed by "Toes".  The crowd was into it from the start.  She played a nice mix of new and old songs.  Lights was definitely on her game.  I'm always impressed with her liver performances.  Her voice sounds better than the recordings, and she just knows how to connect with the crowd.  Seeing Lights live is an experience that everyone Lights fan should have at least once.  I'm lucky enough to have experienced it seven times now.

Lights closed out the pre-encore set with "Same Sea".  The crowd noise was tremendous.  That room was as loud as I've ever heard it.  We just didn't want this show to end.  A chant of "One more song" broke out.  When Lights returned the stage, the excitement went through the roof.  She played a two song encore with "Up We Go", and "Oil and Water".  It was a great way to cap an incredible show.

Setlist picture courtesy of Summer

After the show, it was time to prepare for the meet & greet.  I caught sight of my good friend Shannen on my way out to the lobby, and had to go say hi.  I was happy to talk with her about the show, and found out she had a wristband for the meet & greet.  We made our way out to the lobby, where I introduced her to my new friends met in the pre-show line.  We then were ushered to the line to talk with Lights.  It really is wonderful the way music, especially from Lights, can bring people together.  I was presented with another example of this when I was approached by Ryan, who recognized me from the Lights Forum.  He traveled to the Salt Lake show from Wisconsin.  I had a good chat with him, and was glad he made the decision to approach me.

We all took our turns chatting with Lights, and getting signatures.  I took my turn along with Shannen.  She presented Lights with another copy of her wonderful book "Pwned".  I should explain that Shannen is an awesome author.  She dedicated an entire chapter of "Pwned" to Lights, with the characters attending a concert.  Shannen was overwhelmingly delighted to find out that Lights had actually read the book she previously sent to her manager.  I was so happy to experience this bit of awesome news.  As for myself, it was just great to have a chance to connect with Lights again.  She's always been so incredibly nice to me, and I love that she knows me by name at this point.  She recognizes me each time I attend a show.  It's a personal connection that I really appreciate, and hope to continue for a long time to come.

The wonderful day full of Lights concluded with a post-show hang out session at Denny's with the new friends made in line.  We talked about our thoughts on the show, and the events of the day.  It was a great way to close out the day.  I've had some amazing experiences at Lights concerts, and this one ranks right up there with them all.  I love creating these magical memories that I am able to look back on with fondness.

THANK YOU LIGHTS!!!

LIGHTS LIVE!

As many of you know, I love LIGHTS!  No, I'm not talking about those bulbs that produce light.  I am, of course, talking about everyone's favorite Canadian singer.  I often find myself reminiscing about the fun experiences I have had seeing LIGHTS perform live.  I have been fortunate enough to see her live six times over the six or so years I have been a fan.  I decided to chronicle these memories in a blog post.  I hope you enjoy this journey of LIGHTS LIVE through the years.

It all started on Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Avalon (now closed) in Salt Lake City, UT.  LIGHTS was still mostly unknown at the time.  She was opening for Copeland.  Lydia and Lovedrug were also openers for this show.  If my memory serves me correctly, LIGHTS was the first to hit the stage.  I was front and center for this show that did not disappoint.  This was back during the time when LIGHTS still rocked the headbands.  For your viewing pleasure, I present you with a picture of me with LIGHTS along with a video of "Ice".

The following year on Saturday, October 31, 2009 there was a magical Halloween party at Kilby Court in Salt Lake City, UT.  It was the first headlining show from LIGHTS in Salt Lake City.  I attended in my Alice In Wonderland costume, which proved to be quite the hit that year.  LIGHTS was dressed as "half-assed Michael Jackson".  She told the story of how she threw together the costume at a truck stop.  Many people in the crowd were also in costume.  To this day, this show is one of my top favorite LIGHTS memories.  It's a moment that I'm very happy to have experienced.  The intimate setting of Kilby Court was perfect.  It really felt like we were all just hanging out with LIGHTS at a Halloween party.  You can find a detailed review with setlist, pictures, and videos by clicking here.  Below you will find another picture of me with LIGHTS, and a video of one of the most magical performances from LIGHTS.

The following Spring LIGHTS made a return visit to Salt Lake City, UT as an opener for Owl City at Saltair on Monday, April 12, 2010.  It was during the popularity Owl City was enjoying with his hit song "Fireflies".  This was easily the biggest crowd LIGHTS has played for during her many visits to Salt Lake City.  Her opening for Owl City was pretty much a perfect pairing.  The Owl City fans responded very well to LIGHTS.  I'm sure LIGHTS gained many new fans on this night.  I did get to meet her again for a third time.  By now she was starting to recognize me, and remember my name.  I didn't record any videos at this show.  So this time I present you with a picture of me with LIGHTS, and one of her performing with a keytar.

I had to wait just a little bit longer before LIGHTS made her next visit to Salt Lake City, UT.  The show took place on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at The Complex.  It was originally scheduled to be a full band show promoting the recently released new album "Siberia".  The weather in Denver, CO decided to change those plans.  A bad snowstorm in Denver prevented LIGHTS from leaving in her van.  Now if something like this happened with most other musicians, they would just cancel the show.  Well LIGHTS is not like most other musicians.  She decided to hop on a plane with her guitar, and fly in to Salt Lake City for a special acoustic show.  It turned out to be yet another magical night with LIGHTS, and one of my top favorite memories.  It turned out to be a very intimate and personal show.  LIGHTS was really on her A game when it came to interacting with the crowd.  Seeing her play an impromptu acoustic show like this is a very special moment that I will never forget.  You can read a much more detailed review of the show by clicking here.  I was lucky enough to meet LIGHTS again, and she definitely remembered me.  I'll never forget her response when I said I was 4/4 with meeting her: "Let's make it 5/5."  Enjoy this picture of me with LIGHTS, and a special video from the show.

LIGHTS returned to Salt Lake City, UT on Friday, November 2, 2012 (exactly one year to the day after the epic acoustic show) at The Complex.  This time it was full band.  This show had the biggest crowd for a LIGHTS headlining show in SLC.  The crowds have grown bigger with each visit, despite her music receiving absolutely no radio play.  That's a big testament to strong word of mouth, and the way LIGHTS has really made excellent use of the internet.  For me this show had a bit of a hard time living up to the magic from the prior year, but still ended up being a great show.  Seeing LIGHTS live really is a special treat.  I look forward to her returning to visit her fans here in SLC again very soon.  I had a very good conversation with LIGHTS on this night.  We reminisced about her previous visits.  I finally came out to her, and let her know that I am transgender.  Being the super nice person that she is, she was incredible about it.  Telling me that I am beautiful.  LIGHTS just has a way of really making her fans feel special.  It's all part of why I love her so much.  I also didn't record any videos at this show.  Below you will find a picture of me with LIGHTS, and a picture from her performance.

My sixth time seeing LIGHTS was also my first time seeing her outside of Utah.  I took a road trip to Southern California to see a special acoustic performance in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the El Rey Theatre.  This was part of the tour to promote the new release "Siberia Acoustic".  It was my second time seeing an acoustic show from LIGHTS, but this one was actually planned as an acoustic show.  For this performance she had someone accompanying her on cello.  The cello was definitely a nice touch.  It was definitely great to have another chance to see an acoustic show from LIGHTS, and I'm glad I went.  Sadly my streak of meeting her at every show came to end with this show.  However at least I can say the streak is still alive within the borders of the state of Utah.  Even though I didn't get to meet her again, I did have a good time hanging around after the show with fellow LIGHTSarmy member Steven.  I also have no videos from this show, but will share a couple of pictures.

I hope you have enjoyed this trip down memory lane with me.  I really do have some great memories from all the times I have seen LIGHTS perform live.  She is a special talent, and I'm happy to have been a fan for as long as I have.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for LIGHTS.  Hopefully new music, and a return visit to Salt Lake City, UT will not be too far in the future.  Thank you LIGHTS for all the many great memories!

P.S. Be sure to check out my YouTube Channel for more videos from some of these shows, and my Google+ Profile for more pictures.  Thanks for reading.