Oh, I loves me some Ben Harper. I first saw him perform back in 1995, when he opened for PJ Harvey at the Warfield in S.F. I have seen every tour since, so I guess you could consider me a fan. Not a fanatic in in obsessed, creepy kind of way...but a passion for how Ben's music makes me feel.
He puts on fantastic shows...and I have occasionally had a very rich and deep experience beyond the average concert...now I'm going to put it out there and border on the goofy by saying that 'a spiritual experience' would describe it pretty well, risking that this could be even less helpful in explaining what I am trying to share. What can I say, the man and the music inspire me.
Recently, Carlos and I went to see Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals at the Paramount theatre in Oakland on November 17th. It is the "Lifeline" tour. I had never been to this venue, and it was the most beautiful theatre I've ever been to. Art Deco, 1931, restored, historical landmark, breathtaking architecture. Fantastic.
The show was amazing. I have to say his best I've seen thus far. Alot was played off of the 1995 album "Fight for your Mind", which is my favorite work of his. An amazing performance of "Like a King/I'll Rise", and a grand finale of "Where can I go" where Ben walked off stage into the crowd to sing acappella. I was very moved during the show on a lot of levels...from quiet peace to rocking out southern Baptist style. If you have not seen me rock out "southern Baptist style", it is quite a sight. I'll leave it at that.
After the show, as we walked in the cool Oakland fog back to our car, I asked Carlos if we could walk to our car by way of the block that the tour buses and semi's were. So, we ended up behind the theatre with about 20 other fans who were waiting in the cold for what appeared to be a sighting of Ben or the band. Something made me stay and wait in the cold. As Carlos and I waited, we watched the roadies do the very strenuous work of loading all the equipment back into the trucks. Slowly, band member by band member made their way out of the theatre. They came over and talked and greeted each of us....I was called 'sweetie' by Juan, hugged Leon who never stopped smiling, thanked Oliver, Michael, and Jason. Kind and gracious guys they were. You never know with rock stars.
It was getting colder....and later....but we remained. I told Carlos, " I think I'm actually going to get to thank Ben". You see, I have always wanted to thank him for his music...but I had never really pursued this in any way. I felt very drawn to continue to wait outside for what I hoped would be an eventual Ben encounter. I didn't want a autograph, or anything from him. It was my chance to reciprocate this time. Two hours since we first stopped behind the theatre, the trucks and equipment were loaded, the city was strangely quiet at 12:30am.
Ben's manager came out, told us to line up and Ben would be out to sign items, but no photos. We got in line with the other 15 of us and then Ben came out to greet. Dressed in a casual sage green velvet suit and a matching cowboy-esqe hat. The first thing I was struck by was his face, a very strong face, and...of course, he is easy on the eyes. I watched him give individual, kind, gracious attention to each person. We then approached Ben and it went a little like this:
I introduced myself. He smiled, looked me directly in the eyes the whole time, bowing slightly to my height, completely present in the moment, not distracted in any way, nor hurried to get into his warm bus for the night. I told him we had been seeing him since 1995 and he proceeded to name the show, venue, and city. He talked briefly of that show and how PJ was " so good to us". He talked up PJ's new album. Carlos thanked Ben for his music and shook hands, while the manager "Skottie" talked to me of PJ and her upcoming tour. I then had my moment...I thanked Ben for his music, we hugged, and he told me "thank you for being you." We then parted ways. I especially remember how soft his velvet suit felt.
Overall impressions? Intense. That's the best word to sum up how he is in person. Ben has a very intense presence about him, yet a gentle light-heartedness as well. I gathered my impression from my experience of him being completely focused on our conversation and exchange. That type of focus and mindfulness is something that can be scarce in our everyday lives, without active effort and practice that is. On the receiving end of this, I realized how powerful that can be.
Blah, blah, blah...enough about Ben. I can die happy now. I would have died happy had I not met Ben, but now I can be a little bit giddier.
www.benharper.net
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