From JuJu with Love

Sometimes we inherit memories we didn’t choose. A song can remind us of someone we loved, someone we lost, or someone who simply isn’t part of our life anymore. But eventually, if we’re lucky, we get to make new memories with the same music.

Train has long been one of my favorite bands to see live. I’ve seen them perform many times.

My best friend was a program director and on air radio personality for several radio stations across the country. Through him, I was lucky enough to see Train from the front row and even backstage.

Matt Nathanson often tours with Train, and I’ve seen him perform several times as well. But the highlight was with J in Las Vegas, where we joined about 20 listeners from his radio station for a private Matt Nathanson concert at the Foundation Room high atop Mandalay Bay.

Last night, I was back at Pine Knob. Matt Nathanson opened for Train once again.

The moment I heard Drops of Jupiter, Save Me San Francisco and Marry Me, I lost all my inhibitions and danced like I was a Dancing with the Stars finalist. I know every word. I was trying not to sing out loud… but I was definitely singing every lyric in my head.

The songs still make me smile.

They also make me nostalgic.

My friend Janet and I danced and sang and made new memories.

The seats may not be front row anymore, but the music hasn’t changed.

I did tear up a couple of times. Not because I missed the front row seats. I realized I missed the person I used to call on the drive home to relive every song, every joke, every moment of the show.

But I realized something else.

The tears don’t mean the joy is gone.

Sometimes they mean the joy mattered enough to leave a mark.

So last night I danced my heart out listening to one of my favorite bands because that’s who Juju is.

The woman who loves live music.
Who isn’t afraid to dance.
Who cries at meaningful songs.
Who says yes to experiences.
Who keeps showing up for joy.

We don’t replace people.

We carry them with us while making room for new memories.

From Juju with love 💙🎶💃