When we parked in the Kia Forum parking lot, I was struck by the beauty of this space. The fun part about LA are the spaces, the landscapes, and what in some cities is difficult to come by: SPACE. Los Angeles bears my name and I’ve always wanted to travel there. I haven’t been there as often as I would like to go.
I still want to visit the Getty Museum.
I love the tall palm trees. More visits to come.
Back to Love On Tour, Harry Styles’ concert last weekend. It is part of his international tour to share the album, Harry’s House. I learned about Harry Styles from my teen daughter. When she began listening to it, I was touched by his songs. The highly sexual nature of his performance and music feels appropriate and freeing post pandemic.
Perhaps this is why he speaks across generations and across social groups. Everyone understands the human experience of sex. Even if you don’t have sex, you can feel sexy listening to Harry Styles.
His ability to offer masterful storytelling in his songs speaks to everyone. We’ve all been touched by someone with a story that shares. We all understand those feelings of summer love or lust of one kind of another.
I recall being my daughter’s age and talking with a grown up woman about Sting, who I just adored at the time. I sometimes selectively repeat this phrase when it is appropriate that she may be married, but she wasn’t dead. This same person later said, “I may be old, but I’m not dead.” It’s all very true.
Harry reminds us of that truth in his incredible performance steeped in love and sharing of time. His genuine words of thanks from the beginning to the end offer a hallmark in a laundry list of reasons to admire this guy. The stage crew and music team who work long after the band leaves the venue — Harry acknowledges them and shows their faces for us to see. It was so kind.
He also honors the band and each member who offer a diverse and feminine influence to the music. It’s just all so very now. It’s all so radiant and beautiful. The show was well art directed and an absolute simple happy place to be.
I tried to think about who to compare Harry Styles to from past performers. I think it is best not compare him to another musician, it feels limiting to the openness he shares with us. He truly offers a unique expression and a desire to help people make themselves happy at Harry’s House. The non-stop screaming and sing-a-longs were part of the show. The attendees were as much of a part of the show as Harry. He seems to get this and honors everyone in attendance.
Little children were there on Saturday and he seems to have hit the brilliant balance of positivity, love, happy, joyful, and all-inclusive experience for each and every person from each and every identity, race, and gender. It felt like a little love haven for a few hours and I love that.
Ben Harper set a tone.
One of the best parts of the night was a simple performance by Ben Harper who sang like a blue bird. He seemed to be channeling and influencing this show. It was a solid evening of sexual energy and healing kicked off by Ben Harper’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing. It was absolutely beautiful.
Here’s to two amazing performances by people who know how to connect with people to beautify the world.
