West Coast

1,300 people. That's how many people were standing in front of me when I walked out on stage at Oregon State University on Friday night with Cloud 9. As soon we set foot on that stage, I had a new respect for all musicians who do this night after night. The overwheeling feelings of joy and fear hit with the same intensity, at the same time, and for the first time in a long time, I was honestly freightened to be on stage playing music. Before this, the biggest show we had played had been maybe 100-150 people in a bar. Standing up in front of almost 10 times that many people and knowing that we had a job to do was a very strange feeling. But as soon as we kicked into our first tune, and everything went off without a hitch, I knew that the entire weekend would be fine.

We played, finished up our set, which ended up being the best one we have played to date, and headed back to our merch table to hang out. We had people come over to buy some merch, ask for autographs, and just hang out with us, which is honestly my favorite part. People who buy a shirt, or a CD, are awesome, because it provides the band with a little more cash to put towards these trips, and other expenses. But when someone comes up to you after a show, and tells you with a straight face that your music made their weekend, or cheered them up (both of which happened Friday night) it really sticks with me and reminds me all over again why music can be something more than notes and beats.

We ended up hanging out with a decent size group of kids from OSU both Friday and Saturday night. They showed us a great time, bought us drinks, and were just all around good people. I don't think I could have asked for Cloud 9 to have a better weekend away from home for the first time. Next weekends show is down in College Park, Maryland. Hopefully we get to meet and hang out with another amazing group of people and enjoy other weekend of doing what we love to do together.

Until next time, I am a Beaver Believer!!!