As soon as we hit publish on our posts on Saturday night we headed to Park Burger RiNo for the official Dispatch summer concert pre-party. We spent a few hours hanging out, chatting with other fans, enjoying the collaboration beer, learning more about the charity Calling All Crows, and enjoying the muralist. (Who was from Schaumburg and tried his best to convince us to move west now.) We eventually ordered some food and were enjoying it when I spotted an adorable toddler I recognized. I immediately knew the toddler from JR (Dispatch drummer) Instagram. It was his baby. I pulled up the account to prove it to the family and our excitement levels escalated. Within seconds there was a flurry of activity behind us. I turned around, mumbled something about them actually being here, and Brad grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, “Yes, we are.” We followed them the few steps to the patio and ended up first row for an acoustic serenade of Painted Yellow Lines. It was surreal. After the song, Ellie and Zak got the opportunity to exchange a few words with Chad. They left as smoothly as they arrived and we went back to our burgers, trying to remember every second of the experience.
We walked back to the Kimpton and all fell asleep quickly. We woke asking one another if the night before had been real. Then we relished in the reality that it had been as we drank Kimpton coffee in cozy Kimpton beds surrounded by plush Kimpton pillows. I love Kimpton.
After a low key morning, we met up with the Stewarts at their lovely home. They took us to a great brewery and it was so nice to catch up. The afternoon was spent ziplining in their backyard. So much fun!
Our evening was one that I hope to never forget. Seeing our favorite band at Red Rocks, under the electrifying stars, and glorious moon. Holding onto my kids as they witnessed something so unexpected. Song after song filled my soul. This was our third time seeing Dispatch since September, and all three shows were at special venues: Northerly Island in Chicago, The Turner’s Club in Milwaukee, and Red Rocks in Colorado. They create beautiful music in beautiful places and I consider myself fortunate to have been a witness to so many shows.
