Bon Iver Live

In late November, I purchased tickets to see Bon Iver at the Sydney Opera House. I cried tears of happiness when those sweet tickets arrived in the post and I tucked them away safely until that special day.

That special day came yesterday. I have been excited about this show for so long, that I was actually nervous on the drive into the city last night. Would the show be all I wanted it to be? Would they sing my favourite songs? 

After a pre-show drink at Opera Bar, we hurried over to the Concert Hall and took our seats.

What transpired for the next hour and 45 minutes was nothing short of miraculous. I started crying about 13 seconds into the first song. I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer.

The setlist was absolutely perfect. A mix of old and new. The crowd and myself were in awe, respectful and enchanted by what we were all witnessing. If I had to pick a favourite track, then Perth, Beth / Rest, Towers, Calgary, Blood Bank, The Wolves [Act I & II], Creature Fear and Re: Stacks would have to top the list. 

Tears flowed as my heart swelled with love as every song seemed better than the last.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that music is a passion of mine. Almost gospel like. It's my religion. It's all around me, always. In the car, on my ipod at the gym, when I blog, in my house, always on.

When I got in the car and digested what I had witnessed, I realised that I had just seen the best show of my life. It was utter perfection. And best of all? I am blessed enough to be seeing Bon Iver again in 4 weeks at Coachella Festival. 

If you haven't already heard the brilliant Bon Iver, I highly recommend that this video below be the first taste of their talent. 

The latest act to record a unique set are Bon Iver who recorded their set recently at Air Studios, February 2012 in London.

Speaking about the simply shot but stunning session, the filmmakers behind, artists Iain Forsythand Jane Pollard it told Q: "Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best - two remarkable musicians [Justin Vernon and Sean Carey] in one of the best recording studios in the world, both playing incredible Steinway pianos. No jiggery-pokery was needed, we just captured what happened in that special moment."

Date Night - The Ballet

28.04.10

Date Night

Dinner - Rockpool Bar and Grill

Ballet - The Silver Rose at the Sydney Opera House

James and I decided to have a grown up and arty date night for April. I purchased tickets to The Silver Rose at the Sydney Opera House when they had almost sold out. I was lucky to buy 2 seats in the 6th row, a complete beginner's fluke!

My mother-in-law drove into the city with her overnight bag to mind Abigail and stay the night in the spare room. We showered Abigail in kisses and headed out for an early dinner at Neil Perry's Rockpool Bar and Grill on Bligh Street in the city. James had the signature dish, a wagyu beef burger. He loved every bite as we enjoyed our swish surroundings.

We were grateful for the slow downhill walk from the restaurant to the Opera House to walk off dinner and enjoy the fresh autumn breeze. There was a chill in there and we both wore jackets and scarves. I'm no expert at the ballet, but the crowd were dressed quite well. I've been before and seen people wearing tracksuits and thongs. We saw mothers with young aspiring ballerina daughters, old ladies linking arms, eating dainty sandwhiches and couples, like us, enjoying a night of culture and art.

The 3 acts were all different and lovely in their own right. I find my mind often wanders watching the ballet, but I am drawn to the music and the exquisite bodies of the dancers. We could see the orchestra from our seats and during the performance, I spent a few minutes watching 1 violinist flipping pages of her sheet music and staring at the conductor. I thought to myself, why are you staring at this woman, ENJOY the dancing!!

This was James's 1st time to the ballet and while he confessed it was rather long, he did enjoy himself. Hopefully he will agree to another performance with me later in the year. He gets to choose our next date night, he mentioned seeing a movie which we NEVER seem to do anymore. I was hoping for an art exhibition but what can you do. If he happily sat through 3 hours of ballet, then I will return the favour by sitting through a 3 hr action movie for him. The things you do for love.

xx

Ballet Images from David Kelly