When I first met Caleb Lovely, I was 14. He was playing at Cornerstone Church and I remember the first thing I noticed was his suave attire and height. He walked on stage and had the crowd on their feet. During the intermission he walked out and I caught up with him and nervously and politely asked for a picture. He agreed and after taking the photo, I thanked him and we went our separate ways. We became friends on Facebook and for now, that was the end of that. Years passed and Caleb released songs and I followed him on Twitter and eventually Instagram. I fell in love with his music and every new single he released over the years. His songs told stories of love and loss; tales of heartbreak and abandonment; songs that made tears flow from sadness and smiles emerge from fond memories. I followed Caleb throughout his musical career and watched as he grew and released more songs. The passion in the songs was undeniable.
Months ago, Caleb followed me on Twitter and Instagram, and I was ecstatic. Throughout the years, Caleb and I had tweeted back and forth as I promoted his music to my followers. About a month ago, he announced he was going to be around me. He had moved to Houston, so it was pretty difficult for me to see him when he did shows. I bought a ticket to see him, and was extremely excited.
I counted down the days until finally July 8th arrived. Now, here is where perhaps, paying attention in elementary/middle school might have been helpful. It seems I forgot that Pittsburgh is quite a ways away from Philly. Regardless, I had made long trips before and this one, a mere 5.5 hours would not defer me. I started my adventure to Club Cafe and let Caleb know I was on my way.
Fast forward 5 hours.
I had arrived and I was so freaking excited. Caleb tweeted and let us know he was chilling at a local Starbucks, so I meandered on over to the Starbucks. I entered and looked around and laid my eyes on someone I hadn't seen in over 6 years. A smile of fondness emerged over his face and I felt one cross my face as well. Clad in a snug green button down, showing off his multiple tattoos, and skinny jeans, Caleb stood and greeted me with a hug. 6 years of waiting and 5 hours of driving had lead me to this hug. This hug encompassed 6 years of friendship.
Caleb gave me his seat and as he pulled up another chair, he introduced me to his brother. Caleb and I caught up on the past 6+ years. We talked about traveling and dreams we had, places we planned to travel, and compared tattoos (his more extensive than mine). Over the short 15 minutes we had before he had sound check, we caught up. Caleb stood to leave because he was 5 minutes late for sound check, and before he left, he gave me another hug and promised we would get a photo.
When the time came for Caleb to take the stage, the crowd went silent and Caleb began to sing. Notes flowed from his mouth and the crowd was enraptured. He serenaded the crowd without even trying. His entire essence flowed through the room. Even though there were multiple people in the room, Caleb had a way of making it seem like it was only you and him in the room. As if the songs were just for you. That's how much passion and emotion he placed in his music.
He opened with a song he had just released via a music video. When he finished his first song, he introduced himself and throughout the set, he joked and laughed with the crowd. He told stories of his songs, how he wrote them, and what they meant to him. He gave us a preview of songs on his upcoming album, one called Yours, which he played with such emotion and passion. He moved with the music, and it made you want to sway and dance to the song, though the tempo was slow and the content was heartbreaking.
I met up with Caleb again after his set, and we talked for a moment, and he thanked me countless times for coming to the show before he was pulled in a thousand different directions, none of which bothered me. Such is the life for a musician as talented and passionate as Caleb. The night passed, and before I left, Caleb and I took a picture together that we've waited 6+ years to take. I bid him goodbye, and received one last hug.
There is such a passion in Caleb's music and songs. Caleb breaks through the barrier that exists between artist and audience. He lets us into his life, and he shows venerability and strength. His songs connect strangers and brings people from all walks of life together. He plays with such passion and beauty. During the songs, his face would light up with memories of love, anger, sadness, and fondness. He expresses his emotions with extreme clarity through his songs. He puts his whole heart and soul in the songs. There is so much talent in this man, I cannot wait to see what God has in store for him.
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