Day 35 — i went to a concert

On Saturday, I took a little road trip to Common Grounds in Waco, TX to see Penny & Sparrow. It was lit.

First of all, this was my first Common Grounds (CG)experience. I’ve been to a lot of coffee shops, and yeah I know how they work. I’m familiar with the atmosphere and the vibe and the people that frequently inhabit them. CG, as was expected, is a big, cozy nook of a coffee shop, covered in soft lighting and worn in floral couches. But I peeked in and became concerned that I’d accidentally crashed a hipster convention. I walked in and found myself in a sea of horn-rimmed glasses and ESV study bibles, chunky knit scarves and Pinterest-inspired end tables.

It was more crowded than I expected. Shelves of merchandise told me that while CG was a homegrown joint, it’s definitely now a household name — at least in that area and also among their hipster demographic. I almost bought a “Keep Waco Wacky” mug because I’m annoying, but I decided against having to carry it around while maneuvering through the massive crowd of introverted Caucasians. Squeezing my way past all the leather-bound journals and loose-fitting beanies, I got in line and involuntarily eavesdropped on a conversation about a guy’s recent mission trip to Central America and his “heart for coffee culture.”

Finally it was my turn, so I rattled off my order to the enthusiastic barista, a Tiger Spice Chai — a spicier version of the basic chai — and then tried to find a clear spot against the wall to wait. The only open space was over by the bathroom, of course, so I was still in everyone’s way, but I met a really nice girl who told me my blue hair was “fun” so I guess it was worth it. I retrieved my drink and found an open spot for us out on the patio while Martha went to go get a blanket out of the trunk. I (again, involuntarily) found myself eavesdropping on conversations about charter schools and immigration and family recipes. The guy next to me was in deep focus, reading something by CS Lewis and journaling away, pausing occasionally to readjust his Ray Bans. I watched the steam swirling up from my cup and wondered what the hell I was even doing there.

We went back outside to get in line for the show. In an ocean of mobile tickets, the artificial light from everyone’s bright iPhone screens guided us through the gate into the backyard area. Somehow, we were able to push our way up to the front of the crowd, but still behind a 6’4” guy who we had to look around the entire night (it’s fine, still worth it.)

Before the show started, I listened to an 18-year-old kid in a Jesus necklace talk about how going to Baylor was “the best decision of his life” and how he’s super involved in the Christian fraternity on campus. We also got frequent updates on the Baylor/OSU game. We had about a 30 minute wait until the opening band came up and in those 30 minutes, I possibly became an honorary Baylor Bear? Not sure. Not mad about it either way, I guess.

Anyway.

Finally the opening band came up. It was just a young guy in a beanie on some sort of minimalist drum setup, and a young girl with a guitar and baggy sweatshirt, named Sara Davis. She had messy hair and excitement in her eyes. She seemed a little bit goofy and like someone I could probably be friends with. Then she opened her mouth and she had us mesmerized by the end of the first note. There was a rasp to her voice, like it was trying to break through the static to get to us and when it did, oh man was it pure — honey to the ears. The songs were loaded — more than just catchy tunes — you could tell they meant something. They sounded like something that was written in a cabin in December. They were written in a coffee shop like CG or on a bus to a new city after a fresh breakup. Her voice was reckless and also completely under control. She pushed the seams of the envelope but she always kept you wanting more. It was so good. She wore the passion on her face and you could see the scene of each song playing out. I wanted to ask her the stories behind some of those songs because from the feel of it, they were all based on true stories.

About halfway through her set, she asked us in the audience if we were doing alright — making sure we weren’t too cold. Then she said, “I’m sorry if you’re cold but we’re kind of glad this show’s outside because we think this is the type of weather that goes with our music.” And she’s right. It wasn’t just a show. It was an experience. Then Penny & Sparrow took the stage and we were absolutely transfixed. The raw melodies, supported by the violins and the cellos and the chilly breeze could take you anywhere. The harmonies were a double-edged sword that goes right through ya. It reverberates in your chest and sends shivers down your spine. It makes you want to take your heart and leave it at the front door of the people you never stopped loving.

All my senses were engaged and the weather turned a regular concert into a memorable event. The steam from their breath lit up in the spotlight, the aroma of coffee dancing in and out of our nostrils, the feeling of the drums in our chest and the bite of the cold on our noses created an atmosphere that was perfect for the melancholy, wintery sound. Wish you could’ve been there.