This year, I noted in my journal that I wanted to experience more live shows this year. And that I wanted to travel for fun and not for work. I’ve spent the majority of my traveling track record seeing other places because I was hired for a job in that city. I started traveling for dance workshops where I would take a weekend and do a one-two-punch: teach hip hop choreography pieces and host live dance competitions. My first trip abroad was Belgium… for one day. I flew in so quickly that I went straight from the airport to the hotel to the venue and back. I didn’t have a Belgian waffle. I did however have lukewarm fish and chips delivered to the greenroom.
I was in my art studio near Joshua Tree when I got his call. I had smoked a joint and was practicing my lettering brush strokes for a piece I was working on. There are only a few people that Facetime me. I love them all. “Guess what?” he said. “I’m going on tour with John Mayer.” I had been listening to John Mayer since I was fourteen. All of my highschool boyfriends played guitar, and I’m certain I’ve requested ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ more than I can recall.
JP and I met online. I reposted one of his songs on social media and we were connected digitally. I remember the first time we met in person, I wore a brimmed hat because I had to distract from my fried, green ends from trying to lighten my hair at home. (I’m glad I’ve learned the lesson of knowing what is not a DIY project since then. Hint: big hair swings). Cut to six years later, JP had been offered the opening spot at John’s show in Madison Square Garden. Here’s the cooler thing- remember how I mentioned I was traveling for dance workshops and live events? The way I learned how to dance was by playing an N SYNC concert dvd Life from Madison Square Garden in slow motion on my dad’s tube ‘flatscreen’ tv. I’d memorize the choreography and perform it for my family. And now, I’m standing in front of an almost mystical place that changed the trajectory of my life and career, supporting one of my best friends who is sharing the stage with the prototype for my teenage suitors.
He was incredible as always, and I lost my voice from screaming words of affirmation before John’s set.
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