Lately, I’ve been trying to say ‘yes’ more often. Fresh ideas? Yes! New opportunities and unforgettable experiences? Sign me up! So, when I was asked if I wanted a free ticket to Train’s Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere tour at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Republic, I threw up my hands and said “Why not?”
Not only was my millennial heart bursting with excitement, but a few of Train’s songs spark emotions in me that I can only describe as closing my eyes and being transported back to my 16-year-old self – wide-eyed, full of angst, and drunk on the first stirrings of teenage love.
Once I arrived, I found a parking spot a few blocks away and excitedly strolled up to Will Call to pick up my ticket which sat in a drawer, patiently waiting for me.
I had never been to the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater and wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s safe to say I was blown away by the size. Perhaps I was expecting something smaller and more quaint, but no. Instead, I found an adequately-sized arena which was quickly filling up as the minutes ticked by. There was still an intimate feel to it, though, and people were laughing, talking and drinking cold beer and refreshments as the air fizzled with anticipation.
As my eyes scanned my ticket for a seat number, nothing stood out, so I walked over to a very friendly staff member and tapped on their shoulder.
“Excuse me, can you help me find out where I’m seated?” I asked, to which he answered, “Oh, you’re in the pit! Go to the very front of the stage and someone up there will let you in.”
I stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. Surely, this was a mistake. Me? The pit? Up close and personal with Train?
Apprehensively, as if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, I went to where I was directed, and a woman took a look at my ticket, smiled and wrapped a wristband around my wrist before saying, “Have fun!” as she stepped aside to let me pass.
That was the beginning of my epic night at the Train concert, and to add to my surprise, Matt Nathanson and Barenaked Ladies were the openers – the night just kept getting better and better.
Nathanson’s smooth blend of folk and rock music had me swaying my hips, and when he played “Come On Get Higher”, I sang at the top of my lungs, shamelessly, might I add. The sun was just starting to dip below the horizon, and the cotton candy colors of a Tahoe sunset made the night feel like a dream.
Barenaked Ladies were among the most entertaining bands I’d ever seen in my 31 years. They were so immersive, engaging, and full of energy and passion for their craft. At one point, my jaw was on the floor watching Jim Creeggan, the band’s bass player, absolutely ripping it on his giant double bass. At another point, drummer Tyler Stewart came out from behind his drum set and sang the best rendition of “Highway to Hell” I’d ever heard.
Before I knew it, they were setting up the stage for Train, and my cheeks were sore from smiling so much.
All of a sudden, “Can I Kick It?” by A Tribe Called Quest was blaring through the speakers and I watched in delight as Train barrelled on stage and began to perform.
Pat Monahan’s voice was as smooth as butter, the band was airtight, in sync, and oozed a one-of-a-kind stage presence that took my breath away.
Alas, I was 16 again. One hit after another had me dancing, singing, and tossing my hands in the air as all my worries melted away. “Calling All Angels”, “Marry Me”, then “Meet Virginia” and one of my all-time favorites, “Hey, Soul Sister” – as each song finished, I could feel the night slipping away, but I didn’t want it to end.
Shortly after that thought, I heard the classic piano chord progression we had all been waiting for as the words “I bet she’s back in the atmosphere” rang through the amphitheatre. I wouldn’t have been surprised if, by the next day, people up in Incline Village or Truckee said they heard us all singing – that’s how loud it was.
What really tugged on my heartstrings though, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it, was the emotional ending to the night. A giant, stunning photo of the late Dolly Parton was staring back at us as Monahan threw his hands to the sky and sang “I Will Always Love You”. That’s when it hit me that we had lost such an icon earlier that day.
The tribute was beautiful, and as Train left the stage, Monahan threw a guitar pick right in my direction with a smile. It landed on the ground a few inches away from me and as I picked it up, I vividly remember thinking to myself, “This is why I have to say ‘yes’ more often.”
They say Jupiter is the planet of luck, and as I walked back to my car, still buzzing from the energy of the night while gleefully admiring the guitar pick clutched in my fingers, I certainly felt like I had drops of it in my hair.
