Ing-credible Experience
Printer-friendly versionOn Sunday, March 14th, I went into New Haven. I arrived at Toad’s Place with a few of my friends at around 7:30 PM. I was there to see some of my favorite musicians: Ingrid Michaelson, Angel Taylor, and Mat Kearney. As we entered the cramped, yet relatively clean building, we scoped out a spot close to the stage. Being surrounded by mostly adults, we received muffled commentary such as “isn’t it a school night?” and “what are they…13?” Although we felt a little out of place, once the concert started, we surely proved we belonged there.
Angel Taylor, a young musician, started the night off with a bang. The musician after the opening act, Angel Taylor, was my reason for the night--Ingrid Michaelson. As she took the stage, there seemed to be an energy about the room; it all got silent, and then exploded with cheers. Ingrid Michaelson was extremely personable; she talked to the audience, she made the audience feel like her friends. Taking requests and singing some of her hit songs like “You and I,” “Everybody,” and “The Way I Am,” she made it extremely easy for the audience to sing and dance along. Along with performing songs from her own album, she also incorporated Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” into her song “Soldier.” Throughout the show, Ingrid sang a capella songs with the rest of her band, involved the audience, and performed with fellow musician Angel Taylor. During intermission my friends and I went to get Ingrid Michaelson t-shirts. As we were in line, Ingrid walked right past us and then began signing autographs and taking pictures with her fans.
It truly amazed me how amiable and down to earth this musician is. She acted completely comfortable around her audience, even when being asked questions. I asked her if she always gets fans bombarding her with picture and autograph requests, she said that she barely gets recognized on the street--it’s only at concerts that she accumulates a fan club.
For those of you who do not know, Ingrid Michaelson is a successful 31-year-old musician. She has put out a total of four albums, with songs ranging from breakups to new relationships. Her songs have been featured on hit TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, Ugly Betty, and Desperate Housewives. Ingrid Michaelson also appeared on talk shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Good Morning America, and Live with Regis and Kelly. Along with these incredible accomplishments, Ingrid has opened for Jason Mraz during his European tour, and is going on a tour of her very own in 2009-2010.
In short, I was very excited and impressed to meet Ingrid Michaelson; I have a signed Target receipt and photograph to show it! Ingrid Michaelson’s many accomplishments at such a young age are truly inspiring to anyone with a dream or two.
