What is Hip? TOP is Hip!

Tonight I had the chance to see the funk band Tower of Power in concert at Turning Stone Casino Showroom. AWE-SOME. If you've never heard them, check 'em out. If you have heard them, go there anyway, 'cuz you already know how kickin' awesome they are.

The Turning Stone Showroom is a fairly small, intimate venue. We were lucky enough to have a table front and center, literally right in front of the stage. My three friends and I were sitting in our seats and thoroughly enjoying the music. I was groovin' a little in my chair, because you just can't help but move to this music. Normally, I'm not really one to "let loose" and dance in front of a bunch of strangers. I barely dance in front of my friends! I get too self conscious, even when people aren't looking at me. After one particular song, the lead singer pointed to us and shook his head. "Now wait a minute, wait a minute... These people over here are standing up, and those people over there are standing up, but there's this black hole right here..." and he waved his hand over our table. "We gotta do that song again. Now stand up!!" So we did. And I started to forget about the room full of strangers. About being self conscious. The music dug deep into my being. The lead singer was no more than 6 feet in front of me at times, and he wanted everybody - EVERYBODY - to dance! I think it is physically impossible to not move while listening to TOP, especially songs like "What is Hip?" and "Diggin' on James Brown."

The concert lasted 3 hours. I had two sodas while we were there, and by the time we left I was drunk on adrenaline and my calves hurt from dancing so much. I honestly haven't had that much fun - or that much dancing - in quite a while. Music is a source of AHA every day. So, next time you're feeling a little down, or you need some motivation pumped through your veins, turn on some TOP, and hold on to your hats! I promise you won't be sorry.