I found myself at El Rey yet again, shortly after seeing Delta Spirit play with my sister less than two weeks before. It was another packed house, and I was ready to dance and get lost in the voices that made up City and Colour (Dallas Green was accompanied by his friends/musicians for this tour). I told my date for the night, Ryan, over and over again, “Oh my God I’m going to pee in my pants I’m so excited!”

I was totally stoked for the show. Originally I had planned to go with another Vegas friend almost 2 months prior, but plans fell through so I found a quick substitute and I was happy that Ryan was down to come into town just to go to the show with me. 2 months seemed to take forever to pass. I just wanted to be under the bright lights dancing and soaking up the tunes, brought from heaven to me by Dallas Green of Alexisonfire.

The lights went down and the crowd quieted as the curtains opened. Sitting there all by himself in a suit, with his knuckles tattooed and a banjo in his lap, sat William Elliot Whitmore. I’m a lover of all types of music, but there was something about this grown man and his banjo that just totally turned me on. Not only was his voice impressive as hell, but his songs were amazing. From songs about the government to belittling a cop, they were funny, deep, and made me want to hug someone.

When City and Colour hit the stage I did not pee in my pants as promised, but trust me, I almost did. There’s truly nothing like being at a live show that really gets my heart going; the loud live music, the talented musician and tons of fans all squished into one little venue, whiskey and beer everywhere, and people down to sing at the top of their lungs…GOOD STUFF! I grew up going to shows but every time I go to a show I’m reminded of just how great live music is.

I love Canadians and I spent most of my childhood in beautiful British Columbia. Besides Zellers, beaver tails, coffee crisp, chicken at their McDonald’s, and their occasional “ay,” Canadians have a great sense of humor. One audience member kept yelling the most random things during City and Colour’s set and Dallas took it lightheartedly.

“Can you imagine what it must take to be that guy that yells things? I mean, c’mon, he must really have some balls to just yell things out of nowhere. Do people just come and have the urge to be like ‘Woooooooo?’ Like through out history… People probably got killed for yelling at public events. Man!”

It was great. He even called out LA for their weak audience participation. He hit that one on the head. Me and my sister were wondering the same thing weeks ago; why the hell do Los Angeles kids not like to dance at shows? I request a 2 foot radius around me please, I may be too busy rockin’ out to notice that I made you spill your beer, sorry dude.

Like a gentleman, Dallas thanked his fans for coming out. He was super humble about it, something you don’t see in very many musicians these days. “I really wish that you could understand just how I feel, um… I can’t explain it for you to get it, I’m so thankful to you for coming, and this is all I can do” and away he went with his guitar and sang his heart out. He did get lost in his words and a tad bit tongue tied because he really meant it; that’s what makes for great performers; musicians that actually take the time to sincerely send their gratitude to their fans and appreciate them.

City and Colour just finished their tour and will be back in a few months. If you’re down to dance with me at a show, holler at your girl. If not, then check out City and Colour, as well as William Elliot Whitmore and feel free to dance in the privacy of your own home.