Ode to Switchfoot

My love affair with Switchfoot began 10 years ago. Unlike previous musical obsessions my fondness for Switchfoot stemmed not from a love affair with young musicians, but rather was based on a deep appreciation for their music. In many ways Switchfoot was with me through many defining moments in my life, and their music often provided the strength and hope I needed to get through very difficult times.

This past week I saw Switchfoot in concert at the Showbox in Seattle. Although I've seen them in concert too many times to count, they never fail to deliver an inspirational and highly energetic show. The place was packed with probably over 600 people from all walks of life. Young, old, preppy, grunge, drunk, and sober -- it was a very eclectic mix.

I was very disappointed that I wasn't allowed to bring my SLR camera into the show (apparently carrying a large camera bag with extra lenses and flashes requires a photography pass), but to say I lack photos of Switchfoot is quite the understatement. So although these shots are from concerts long ago, they will have to suffice. I apologize for the lack of quality as these are from my pre-digital days and have been scanned.

I've also been lucky enough to meet the band on several occasions. Usually these meet and greets happened before or after the shows, but I also once randomly ran into them when visiting Las Vegas.

Although my large camera wasn't allowed in, I still got to bring my point and shoot into the show and got a few decent video clips:

So what does this have to do with travel?? Here are my two cents: Music is such a deeply personal facet of life. If you've ever listened to a song and suddenly been transported back in time to a memory of your past, you know what I'm referring to. When travelling I often pick a new CD or song and listen to it frequently throughout the trip. Years later whenever I hear that same song I am vividly brought back to that place more so than any photo or video could convince me. Just like Switchfoot often seems like the soundtrack to my life, many other bands have enhanced the soundtrack of travel, making for an even more memorable travel experience.