Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Heroes

There is something about coastal towns that allows live performances to thrive. Call it the "hippie scene" or beach bum attitudes that bring about such a joyful atmosphere. Whatever it is, and regardless of how society views it, I like it. Last night I saw Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros in San Luis Obispo. It could have been aided by the fact that the opening band set the stage by playing in the audience and having everyone sit down and sing along. Maybe it was the Indian (dots not feathers) style dress, Christ-like beards, dreadlocks, or trumpets... It put the crowd into a comatose. And I'm certain that process was not aided by the lingering excess of THC... But people were happy to be there and happy to be around one another. I'm talking over a hundred people in a small dark room, shoulder to shoulder, truly enjoying themselves. Some belligerent bar patron stumbled into me in search of the restroom and I could not help but smile and help steer him in the right direction. I am not personally accustomed to such grace and patience. The show went on with magnificent creativity and impromptu adjustments to the already beautiful songs. Amongst strangers we danced and screamed and clapped and cheered and hugged till the place shut down. It was truly an unforgettable evening. After the show wrapped up I could not help but catch myself thinking, "When was the last time I experienced this kind of community harmony in a Church setting?" Why are secular gatherings nailing this loving atmosphere when we're pulling teeth just to greet one another? Why did I feel more at home around a bunch of hippies than I do with my own family? As you might suspect, I didn't, and don't, have an answer.