In this episode we explore the transformational joy of the live music experience with fellow concert fan, international speaker, PGA professional and guitarist Ty Thompson. This was a fun one, my fellow concert fans. We connected with Ty to talk about why live music forever changed his life as a fan and artist. We dive into Ty’s inspiring insights and interconnected experiences as a PGA pro, live performer, Army veteran, and father. Enjoy the show!

Artist explore in the show:

• Michael Jackson
• Motley Crue
• Van Halen
• Toby Keith
• Alice Cooper
• Zach Bryant
• Dylan Scott
• Firehouse
• Johnny Cash
• Dianna Crawl

Live music is more than an escape. The concert experience can be an intentional quest for self-discovery, revelation and purpose. In this episode, we connect with fellow concert fan Leslie as she shares why, in 2022, she decided to embark on a 99 shows quest to find a deeper sense of healing, meaning and emotional clarity in the live music experience.

Explored during the show:

• Live music's impact on Leslie's childhood and upbringing
• Leslie's first concert experience, highlighting the importance of the venue, the audience, and the sense of community
• Leslie and Chris had a detailed discussion about Yoshi's, a sushi restaurant and concert venue in Oakland, California.
• The role of sensory elements like smell, touch, and sound in creating a memorable experience.
• Her story of a therapist's question, "What makes you happy?" left her struggling for an answer until she realized that music, especially live performances, brought her joy.
• She decided to commit to attending 99 performances to fully immerse herself in this happiness.
• Leslie's personal experiences with music and how it affected her mood and self-understanding.
• Why attending music shows, particularly jazz, folk, rock, and alternative genres, helped her reconnect with herself and rediscover parts of herself she had forgotten.
• The experience of attending shows was therapeutic for her, providing an opportunity to focus on her own emotions and thoughts.
• Why Leslie's experiences with music went beyond mere entertainment, playing a significant role in her personal growth and self-discovery.
• Her approach to the 99 shows journey: rules and personal guidelines
• Self-regeneration and socialization through music festivals
• Why her thirties were particularly challenging, causing her to lose touch with herself.
• Finding solace in reflecting on her experiences through writing articles.
• Wishing she would have seen Tupac live and reflecting on his legacy

Artist mentioned:

• De La Soul
• Talib Kweli
• George Clinton
• Tupac Shakur
• The Roots
• Dru Hill
• Slum Village
• Chico DeBarge
• Erykah Badu

In this episode we explore the live music experiences of singer/songwriter Brian Bertrand. This was a fun one, my fellow concert fans. We connected with Brian to talk about how he developed into a guitarist, the art of learning to play live, the different depths of community and intimacy when playing big stages versus small venues, and why growing up in a musical family forever changed artistic journey. We had a blast revisiting his most inspiring concert experiences which include a life-altering Pink Floyd show in Colorado, sneaking in to see early Styx in a high school fieldhouse in Chicago, and an unforgettable gig opening for REO Speedwagon!

Explored during the show:

• The influence family and siblings on his musical journey and guitar lessons from Sister Rose
• How covering other artists’ music live can help fans serendipitously experience healing, catharsis and comfort
• The significance of guitar design, player hand size, and the process of customizing instruments all matter and make an impact when playing live
• The art and importance of reading fan nonverbal communication and interaction during band performances
• Why his band takes stage setup inspiration from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
• The satisfaction of seeing people sing their lyrics back and the need for artists to cultivate a sense of community with their fans, both during shows and through social media.
• A life-changing moment when they attended a Pink Floyd concert at the Mile High Stadium.
• How music can bring comfort, especially when it resonates with a person's life experiences or emotions.
• His love for deconstructing songs and his live music experiences.
• The use of AI and hologram technology to recreate famous artists and their performances.

Artist Mentioned

• Reo Speedwagon
• Pink Floyd
• Styx
• Emerson Lake and Palmer
• Subdudes
• Garth Brooks
• Glenn Phillips
• Jason Isbell
• Sweet Remains
• Rush
• Amy Winehouse
• Rod Stewart
• Corey Wong