365:211 ROBERT SQUIRE

A few years ago (by ‘a few’ I mean nine. Few gets larger the older I get) I did a 365 of my own. I started on October 2nd with total disregard for the Gregorian calendar, because I saw something pretty on my way to work. This photo is from that project.

I had heard a single song by a band called ‘A Silent Film’ on a local public radio station. They're a small band and this is the type of station that plays bands that you don't hear elsewhere. When I heard that they were playing one of my favorite venues in Philadelphia, I decided to go despite the fact that my wife already had plans and everyone else I asked turned me down.

A much younger coworker was already there with some of her friends when I arrived, and I made peace with the idea of being the oldest person in attendance. After getting a beer from the bar I settled into a spot just behind the mixing booth.

During the opening act, an older (I was in my mid 40s, she - late 60s) woman stood beside me and was cheering loudly. Between songs she’d shout; "We're ready for A Silent Film".

We got to chatting between bands and she was as much an open book as I am. She was there with her niece who she explained struggled with social anxiety, so she was hoping concerts could help break her of that.

Once the "headliners" took the stage she sang along and danced, and periodically commented that, "this is their best song".

Apparently, they all are.

At around midnight she noted, "I need to take my medication, can I have a sip of your beer?"

She took a pill organizer from her purse and swallowed whatever it was along with the beer I'd just purchased completely.

When the show was over and the lights had come up I thanked her for making the night so much fun. She motioned for me to lean across.

"I have some advice for you. As long as you're able to do it, do it as much as you can."

And then she turned and left with her niece in tow. This photo will forever remind me of that woman who turned an okay but lonely night into something special.

If anyone is interested, the song that made me want to see them is, ‘You Will Leave a Mark’.

See Robert’s Instagram for more images.