One of the advantages of being in a relationship with someone who understands your obsession with live music is that they occasionally do the gig hunting for you.
When my birthday rolled around, Emma started looking at what bands were playing and suggested a few possibilities. After checking out Gitkin online, I quickly decided they sounded interesting enough to justify taking a chance on. Some gigs are booked because you already know every song. Others are booked because the unknown is part of the attraction. This was very much the latter.
One of the things I enjoy most about live music is discovering artists I would probably never encounter otherwise. If you only ever buy tickets for bands you already know, you miss out on a lot of wonderful surprises. Gitkin seemed to occupy that sweet spot where the music was unfamiliar but intriguing enough to warrant further investigation.
Before the main act, we were treated to a performance from support act Hutch. Support slots can often be a thankless task, especially when much of the audience is still arriving, ordering drinks or chatting with friends. Hutch handled the role admirably, setting the tone for the evening and ensuring the crowd were properly warmed up before the headline performance.
As for Gitkin, what immediately stood out was their ability to create atmosphere. There was an infectious energy to the music that drew people in from the outset. The rhythms, melodies and musicianship combined to create the sort of performance that reminds you why taking a gamble on an unfamiliar artist can be so rewarding.
Birthday gigs always feel slightly different from ordinary concerts. Perhaps it’s because they become attached to a specific memory in your life, or perhaps it’s simply because you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate. Whatever the reason, they tend to linger in the mind a little longer than most.
Over the years I’ve spent plenty of birthdays at concerts, and I can think of far worse ways to mark another trip around the sun. Good music, good company and the possibility of discovering something new remains a combination that’s difficult to improve upon.
Looking back, Emma’s suggestion turned out to be an excellent one. Not only did I get to spend my birthday doing something I love, but I also came away with a greater appreciation for an artist I may never have investigated otherwise.
The videos and photographs below capture some of the evening, including support act Hutch, who did an excellent job kicking things off before Gitkin took the stage. Sometimes the best birthday presents aren’t wrapped at all.
The Photos
Cheers!
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