On Wednesday, July 25, 2012 I went out to the National in Richmond by myself to see my old favorites Michael Franti and Spearhead. I had debated buying tickets and unreasonably long time, because it was a Wednesday night and I had to work and I am unbelievably boring like that nowadays, but at some point the old me took a stand and said "screw you, you're going".
So I went. I grabbed a good drink as I walked in, and made my way to the front side stage. Small crowd due to the weeknight, but already could tell it would be a fun crowd. I made friends with a woman next to me who had won the poster contest for the night and had been back stage before the show. I was on my iphone and had posted on facebook joking that I would be getting on stage tonight. The show started with that energy that Spearhead shows are classic for. Everyone Deserves Music - one of my favorites.
A few songs in I left to get another drink. Contest lady saved my spot. Those drinks are very strong, funny how that happens when you drink doubles.
So about 4-5 songs in, they start playing "All I Need Is You" which is a great song, very sexy, but it's a slow song, which allows the ADD part of me a little window of "hey, I wonder what fascinating things are happening in my iphone" so I look down and start reading responses to my post on facebook. The post I'd made about getting on stage. And then it came to my attention that something was happening. I can't remember if someone tapped me on the shoulder or I just naturally looked up, but when I did, I saw Michael Franti on the end of the stage pointing to me and crooking his finger - come up here. I didn't hesitate, and that must have been the liquor. I knew I was busted.
In retrospect, it all happened in slow motion. I walked up the steps to the stage, he held out his hand and pulled me up. I just stood there, didn't know what to do. He walked up to the mic - I couldn't hear everything he said but I knew he was calling me out for "texting" during the show, and that we weren't going to text we were going to dance. Then he pulled me off to the side, and we danced. Together. All I remember is that smile. That gorgeous smile. I said "we've met before my friend". He probably couldn't hear me. He then walked back to the mic and continued singing "All I Need Is You" - get it - all he needs is me, to get off my damn phone and pay attention. He turned and motioned to me to come to him, so I did, and we put our arms around each other. He was sweaty and gross and glorious. It was about in that moment that I realized in my vodka induced haze that I was on stage. With Michael Franti. With a whole hell of a lot of people staring at me. He then said something else into the mic, and asked what my name was - I sad KC and he said "give it up for KC". I then quickly got off stage.
The rest of the night was a blur. A high from the moment, people coming up to me and saying things about me being on stage. Vodka. It really was a bit too much for a drunk introvert to take in. I'm now convinced I looked like a fool, and just stood there like a dumbass. But man, what a story..
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