Brett Dennen: A man full of love

So last weekend I went to the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and had a blast. We got free backstage passes, something our friends were extremely jealous of. Backstage allowed us access to food, cheap beers, and very close seating. In fact we were first or second row pretty much the entire day.

Obviously things in my life have been really chaotic as my last blog posts have all dealt with death and the pain of losing someone I love. But this day really helped me to remember how much love there is in the world. It is very cheesy-but it's true. There are a lot of people in the world who care deeply not just about issues but about people. There have been times this summer when I have seen the worst in most people-seen people with very little to no soul. I have seen people ravage my family and squelch them. I have seen friends hurt in ways that are unimaginable. I have seen disease take over someone's body. It's scary how much evil there appears to be at times.

But there has also been a lot of love this summer. A lot of reconnecting-re-coming together. A lot of love has been shown to people. And that was truly what Folks Fest was celebrating this year. A coming together of people to try and bring the love back into our relationships with others. (I feel very bell hooksian right now-with the love and all.)

First there were monks who performed some ritualized songs and chants and meditations. It felt very spiritual even if I am not an extremely spiritual person. Then Ellis, one of my absolute favorite performers from the Twin Cities performed an awesome set. Her music is so amazing because it is all about living in the moment, breathing, and just being. And she is just a great story teller. I can't wait until they put her on the main stage.

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But the really great part of the day was seeing Brett Dennen someone who I hadn't really listened to a whole lot prior. Talk about the queerest most endearing and eccentric individual I have ever seen performing live music. I mean the dude used to be a camp counselor and he is seriously quare looking. I thought he was just another Jason Mraz or John Mayer-but the boy has some serious moves and charisma! And he is just full of love and wanting to change the world. It was just surreal to be so close to him and in his presence. These are just samples.

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There is so much more, BD

When I heard the news,
My heart fell on the floor
I was on a plane on my way to Baltimore
In these trouble times its hard enough as it is
My soul has a known a better life than this

I wonder how so many can be in so much pain,
While others dont seem to feel a thing
Then I curse my whiteness,
and I get so damn depressed,
In a world with suffering,
Why should I be so blessed?

I heard about a women who lives in Colorado,
She built a monument of sorts behind the garage door
Where everyday she prays for all whom are born
And all whose souls have passed on
Sometimes my trouble gets so thick
I can't see how Im gonna get through it
but then I'd rather be stuck up in a tree
Then be tied to it

There is so much more.

I don't feel comfortable witt the way my clothes fit
I cant get used to my bodys limits
I got some fancy shoes to try and giggle away these blues
They cost a lot of money but they arent worth a thing
I wanna free my feet from the broken glass and concrete
I need to get out of this city
Lay apon the ground stare a hole in the sky
Wondering where I go when I die
When I die.

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And this one being all about love...

The One Who Loves You the Most, BD

When the sky is falling from above you
And the wind is raging from the coast
And you want someone who truly loves you
I will be the one who loves you the most

When the masquerades in burlesque falls
But come too ordinary to boast
You complain about the rain and hurting calls
I will be the one who loves you the most
I will be the one who loves you the most

When the women with their stolen graces
Don't invite you to play host
To their daughters with fake faces
I will be the one who loves you the most

When all the debutants desert you
All the doorways are all closed
And all the harlequins who've hurt you
I will be the one who loves you the most
I will be the one who loves you the most

When you'll suit a sneering swank beside you
And leave you hollow like a ghost
And you just want somebody to come find you
I will be the one who loves you the most
I will be the one who loves you the most

When you forgive your imperfections
And you've auctioned all your clothes
And you look to see your true reflection
You will be the one who loves you the most
You will be the one who loves you the most
You will be the one who loves you the most

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I mean check out those moves! And let him remind you that YOU are the one who loves you the most!

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Oh and then I climbed a mountain. Bringing me a little closer to myself and pushing my body beyond what it knows and comprehends. It reminded me that I love myself the most fer sure. And right now that is maybe the most important thing.