Beulah stole my heart.

TL;DR -- This is the story of my first time seeing John Paul White perform in real life, right in front of my eyeballs, and why I am still overwhelmed by the experience.  If you don't listen to John Paul White's music, then you are wrong.

I was irrationally nervous walking into The Barns at Wolf Trap on October 18, 2016, purely because I was in the same general vicinity as John. Paul. White.

I remember the first time I heard Barton Hollow on the radio.  My ascent from admiration to adoration was swift.  That night I downloaded Live from Eddie's Attic and haven't been the same since.  I won't delve into my sadness (or mention my real tears) at the news of dissolution of The Civil Wars.  I have to remind myself that without that event, there would be no Beulah.

Hauntingly dark and powerfully beautiful, I had already had the album on repeat for much of the two months between its release and my concert attendance.  Oddly enough, I only bought my ticket the day before the show.  I had seen the date weeks earlier, but had to put it on hold to see what my schedule would be, and nearly forgot (*shudders in horror at the prospect*). I miraculously scored a second row, center seat and made it to The Barns extra early.  After I got a ginger ale from the bar (I needed to settle my ridiculous nerves.), I enjoyed exploring the intimate venue with its exposed beams and warm, rustic chandelier lighting.  

The room filled with a wide variety of people--all ages, and everything from t-shirts and jeans to full suits and nice dresses, but somehow no one looked out of place. The Kernal was the opener and even though I was previously unfamiliar with their music, I instantly liked them when they walked on stage.  A cast of characters, with elaborate facial hair and shabby-chic folk-rocking fashion, they immediately charmed me and the crowd.  I internally declared myself a fan after they sang a catchy song about the real estate opportunities of abandoned Taco Bells.

Then came John Paul.

I have the whole set list jotted down in my notebook, and I've tried writing about each song, and about the show as a whole. Neither seemed good enough, so I've gone with the shorter version.  Listen to the album.  Then, try to comprehend that it is 20x better in person.

He began a capella.  He played with just a guitar.  He was joined by a full band--violin, bass, guitar, keyboard, drums.  Every song, arrangement, and blend was masterful.  Standing ovation.  Encore.  Standing ovation.     

My expectations were high and they were spectacularly exceeded.  This was my first John Paul White concert, but most definitely not my last.