"Sofar" So Good

When a colleague asked me if I was interested in going to a show where the artist is a surprise, and the location is only revealed twenty-four hours before the concert, I excitedly said YES. Mike would later vaunt my lively eagerness and the widening of my eyes as I learned of the concept. He’d retell how every single time he turned to take a glance at me during the show, I was smiling.

Indeed, I was. It was one of those smiles that stem from the depths of the heart and radiates through the whole body. That first time I attended a Sofar show, I was in bliss.

I could not believe that there existed people who felt the same way I did about concerts. The fact that two brothers decided to take action by creating Sofar blew my mind. Such wonderful conception is extremely gratifying for perceptible music lovers like myself. The whole idea filled me with hope and I finally felt that there’s a place for all of us in this world. One simply ought to look.

As someone with extremely sensitive hearing, I do not enjoy loud venues. If I’m ever at one, you’ll spot the effervescent ear plugs sticking out of my ears. Go ahead, laugh at me. If you only knew what it’s like to live with acute hearing; when you can never fall asleep in the presence of an ancient ticking clock (can we switch to digital already?); when you can hear their gossip and it cuts right through your heart; when the slightest movement in your surrounding wakes you up from deep sleep; when poorly sound-proofed bars & restaurants drive you insane because you can discern all conversations simultaneously; when you picture yourself picking up a book and throwing it at that person who’s having a loud conversation at the library; when you begin despising your coworker for his daily early morning twenty-minute long chewing of celery; and when you leave a loved one behind because you can no longer endure their customary conversational loudness.

You know nothing, John Snow!

Sofar is a miracle. I’m certain angels worked together with the English brothers on this.

The experience is so beautifully intimate. The artist’s proximity allows their voice to resonate right through the audience’s body, and into their soul. Your surface will shiver with fervor, and depending on the lyrics, tears may stream down your face.

The show comprises three artist performances and lasts about two hours. There are breaks between sets, often used to mingle with neighbors. You can bring your own drinks, and food if you’re hungry. I was very impressed when a couple pulled out a thermostat and began sipping tea in beautiful homey mugs. Such moment added to my gladness and I felt a convivial closeness with these human beings.

It’s important to note the humbling practice of sitting on the floor during the event. Some people bring mats or blankets, others use their coats or nothing at all. I’ve always enjoyed direct contact with the ground, especially en plein air. However, I do recommend bringing a floor chair for those of us with back concerns. It will complete the experience.

The location of each concert is a further ideal in the uniqueness of Sofar. It’s quite interesting to see a performance in a high-end consignment store in SoWa, or be at a Back Bay office space where the kitchen is stage for the singers.

This particular show brought us to Mucky Kids Art Studio in Cambridge. The walls were pasted with innocent and vibrant creations by little humans. The only one seemed to mind this was the singer. She joked about her discomfort in singing a sexy song among all the kids’ art. I wasn’t bothered by it as she was my focal point. In fact, I find it appealing to expand one’s internal guide book with a new space in the city -in addition to enjoying a performance. This is a bonus for the artist, the consumer, and the business owner.

I observed that the artists will often request the participation of the audience. It’s inspiriting to watch a room full of people soothingly sing words together. Each time this happened, the artist was endeared by how great of a chorus the audience played.

There’s usually a raffle at the end and three attendees win prizes. On this night, I happen to be one of the winners. I put on the hat from Everything Omega and quietly enjoyed my correct prediction of winning when the man handed me number 27. The beautiful young female artist ended her performance with an inspiring lyrical poem.

Everything Omega’s words resonated with me. So will the next performance of Sofar do with you.