Photo courtesy of NPR
I often find myself overwhelmed by live music. Whether it be by the loudness of the bass that rumbles through my chest or the awe I experience when an artist picks at their guitar strings with effortless beauty, live music never fails to make me feel. This is a unique feeling I didn’t know I craved so much until I came here to Seattle and had the opportunity to be exposed to so many incredible concerts. This feeling, this excitement, this beauty is one I hope I never forget, and I am lucky enough to be reminded of it often.
Last night Ari Hest and Stephanie Schneiderman came to The Triple Door in Seattle. This was my third time at this venue, and it never fails to bring talented and enthusiastic artists to its stage. Both Ari Hest and Stephanie Schneiderman thanked the crowd for their dedication to their music before beginning each song with a short (and usually funny) anecdote about how the song came into existence. This is one thing I particularly enjoy about small venues like The Triple Door; there is intimacy between the artist and the crowd that you don’t get when the crowd is hundreds or thousands of bodies deep.
Stephanie Schneiderman began the show promptly at 7:30 (points for punctuality) with a unique acoustic set. During her first song, she used an electronic device to help layer her own voice. She sang a note or a phrase into the microphone then pressed a button, then it began to loop and she sang over it. This is something I have seen done with electronic music, but it was interesting and refreshing to hear it done by her. She harmonized with herself, creating a special depth to her music that really made me appreciate her as an artist. She told us how excited she was to be performing with one of her favorite artists, which was an exciting segue to seeing Ari Hest come on stage.
Ari Hest came onto the stage very casually, wearing black jeans and a black t-shirt, and he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. I could tell that many of the members of the audience were dedicated fans of his. He sang with a unique raspy-ness to his voice that was easily captivating. His songs had a bounce to them, almost like a theme song to a Milo and Otis adventure, but with more serious and meaningful words. His demeanor and voice were strong and powerful and friendly, and every second that I listened to him I had that feeling wash over me: the feeling of happiness while in the presence of live music, of art. He sang of love and life, of marriage and nature. He sang songs from old albums and from his most recent. He took suggestions from audience members and made us laugh with his charming and witty stories. After his last song the audience stood (first standing ovation I have seen) and cheered wildly until he came back on and played one more song on the piano and one more song on the guitar.
Ari Hest left me feeling relaxed yet overjoyed. His music was truly one of a kind, as was his stage presence, and his character. One of a kind music makes its way to Seattle, and even though I know this, I am always blown away by the talent I get to witness.
You can connect with Ari on his Spotify, Youtube, Facebook, or his Official Website.
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | “don’t forget how lucky we are” | KXSU Music Reporter