Sing Strong-I met someone cool.

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music" -Billy Joel

     I attended Sing Strong this past weekend. It's an amazing a cappella festival with an amazing cause. I'm going to keep typing "amazing" because everything about this event is amazing. The End. 

     Anyways...the event raises money to support the Alzheimer's Association. Not only are there amazing workshops with talented/credible individuals, but there are amazing performances (I told you that I'm going to keep typing the word "amazing"-deal with it). The winners of NBC's The Sing Off, Pentatonix were flawless. Two finalists from the show, Maxx Factor and Afro-Blue performed as well. Blue Jupiter, one of my favorite a cappella groups performed as well and basically produced the entire weekend-along with many other hard working individuals. The weekend included many other bad ass performances from awesome groups. Words cannot describe the talent this weekend. So, you'll have to attend next year :)

Squawkappella with Pentatonix....no big deal

     Why am I rambling about this event? Whether you sing or not...you need to attend this, there is so much talent and it supports a great cause. It's super fun. Also, I watched an artist perform this weekend and had the pleasure of meeting her. Her music has really impacted me.

     Julia Easterin. As soon as she began to perform, my jaw hit the floor and I held my breath for the entire song. She is enchanting. I know I'm an emotional person...but it takes a lot for a song to make me cry. I cried. Her music physically lifted me. I felt like I was floating. She uses a live looping station to layer all of her voices..no instruments...voices only (a cappella festival). The layer of her harmonies and rhythm created an entire band on stage. 

Watch this-it will change your life. 

     Not only did her music inspire me...but her words did as well. After the show, everyone attended the after glow party. I had the opportunity of sharing a Twix Bar with Julia. Chocolate brings people together, duh. Julia asks me, "do you sing?" I wished I had a voice like hers, so I replied, "Not like you." She went on to say.."You're right, you sing like you". Such simple words really resonated in me. I am going to embrace my voice and continue to admire other talents. 

Buy Julia's music on ITunes. Do it. K thanks :)