Brothers from various mothers
so on saturday I attended the Lismore Lantern Parade (pictures to follow). In the evening not only did I hear a sick funk band called the Downstairs Mixup, but also a singing dog, a feminist power pop punk band the Shiny Shiny Band, and a gypsy metal band the Barons of Tang. All were amazing but The Barons of Tang was by far my fav.
A raging dance party including old drunken hippies, families, kids, dogs and a few pockets of crazy teens and youth. The Barons of Tang included a clarinet, sax, accordian, keyboard, 2 guitars and a few screams. Imagine a fun polka feel with a pinch of metal (only 1 pinch). Lots of arm swinging, dipping and feet shuffling.
During this smorgasbord of Australian music, mostly local, I was very fortunate to meet a group of amazing friends. These kids are 20 or 21, originaly from Idaho but have been living in Maui for the past few years and are now on a trip around the world. Wwoofing and living with a family in Australia for 1 to 2 months, they are seeing the sites of what Australia has to offer. Hitch hiking, freegan, super loving, friendly, fascinating blokes. They’re living their frickin’ dream, traveling around the world and making music when they return.
What amazed me is the love they had for each other. A few have been almost life-long friends and some met in Maui. To paint a picture of their affection, imagine four decently sized guys on one single bed (not even special long mattresses) sleeping for a whole night. I swear they are all from the same litter.
It’s these kinds of people that make me want to re assess my life and make me question my own goals and aspirations; am I really happy with what I’m doing with my life, am I tied down by the expectation of college and a career? Should I free my spirit some more and take some risks? Such an inspiration to live for not the idea of what my life may look like, but for the love and excitement of meeting new people and seeing new places. Maybe it’s cliche, but I feel that all life lessons need to be experienced for one’s self and this was a great way to do it. Partying with 5 fabulous dudes, who were lookin’ for a good time and a place to stay for the night. Not to mention they had an endless supply for party materials.
Never will I forget these intriguing and inspiring Ami blokes.
