Music is a powerful thing. We all have our styles and reasons behind the types of music we enjoy, but every so often we come across a song, an album, or an artist that completely changes our world. For me that artist would be Gregory Alan Isakov.
I had always enjoyed his music, but it wasn’t until nearly two years ago I really immersed myself in his magic. Listening to him helped me not only blossom after a breakup, but gave me a sense of hope that I hadn’t had before.
OK enough mush, time for a recap! From the top.

These treats were actually mine, brought to me by my wonderful boss all the way from Portland. I resisted the urge to eatallthesugar and saved half for my mom.
As if my birthday weekend wasn’t enough, my mom happened to be born two days after me. Well two days, and a few years ago or so. For Christmas I selfishly purchased two tickets to see Isakov play with the Seattle Symphony, because when you’re already a fantastic artist having the symphony back you up just happens.
Her birthday fell on the day of the show, but to ensure that this was not her birthday gift, we made a day of it. Starting with the coffee and treats from above, followed by a hop, skip, and a twirl over to Seattle for a trip to the Roastery, Pike Place, & dinner.
After satisfying my monthly sugar quota with a vegan cinnamon roll the size of my face, we wandered like two lost souls in search of a land filled with glistening eggplant and oven crisped potatoes. Isakov will want to hire me after reading that sentence.
Lyrical genius.

HOLY yum to my face. Glazed Tofu Banh Mi: Glazed 5-spice tofu, char-grilled eggplant, house-pickled carrots, white cabbage. Fresh jalapeños, basil, cilantro, mint leaves.
Dinner knocked my non existent socks off. I felt the overwhelming urge to roll around in a sea of mint and basil leaves. This flavor combination was insane. Equally insane? The inside of Benaroya Hall. It was a shame I left my opera glasses at Walmart.
I was excited enough to take an awkward bathroom selfie. And the concert?…
He was fantastic, and he is the most humble artist I’ve ever met. Yes…met. Shook his hand and everything. I wanted a photo with him, but we weren’t allowed. It was a shame I had already broken all my allotted rules for the day.
His performance was so fantastic my eyes started to swell at times and this liquid stuff filled into the corners. I also looked like a fearful cat thanks to the hairs on my arms standing up from the chills the acoustics gave me. What an experience.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve been to?