Since writing my book, I've spent the last year committed to therapy. Without alcohol, I needed a new way to work through the burnout I felt when I was done (hello 70-hour work weeks) and the depression and anxiety I had been denying way too long. Therapy has done a wonder for helping me strengthen my resolve in sobriety by facing the triggers that made me reach for booze all along. False beliefs that I've had about myself. About life. Readjusting my expectations. Most importantly, it's taught me to self reflect on my feelings and how to listen to my body and mind to find what I truly need instead of a drink.

Alone time. A hug. Help with my to-do list. A bubble bath… when you eliminate one thing (alcohol), it’s amazing how many options exist to assist in navigating the ups and downs of life. For me lately, I’ve been drawn to music over and over to amp up my mood which, admittedly, has been stuck in this never ending rinse cycle of our amazingly lush yet annoyingly rainy MN spring.

To tear myself away from my well worn-in Pandora playlists, cds (yes, I still collect those), and YouTube concert vids, Jay and I decided waiting for our favorite band Supersuckers to come to town was taking too long, so we took a long weekend last month and drove 4 hours to Fargo, ND to catch them on an earlier leg of their tour. We got a hotel for the night and headed to the brewery to catch the show. We had been so excited to see the show I forgot to buy tickets so, when I approached the guy at the door with, “Please tell me you haven’t sold out”, he smiled and gave me a free ticket, and only charged us for one! Score!

Once inside, we grabbed some non-alcoholic bevs and found a spot stage-right, amped up to catch the triple threat of rock with VOLK, Supersuckers, and Electric Six on the bill. To say that that show was amazing is an understatement. We had no idea who VOLK was before that night and I was instantly speechless when the two piece band took the stage for a killer introduction to a style properly called “cowpunk” on their website. The drummer, one badass mf’n woman in shimmering shorts and cowgirl hat who commanded the room with her drumsticks and vocals, stopped my breath in my throat as tears collected along my lower lashes. She was forceful and fun, loud and unapologetic.

She was just the inspiration I needed to nudge me out of that funk and remind me of who I want to be.

Depression slows me down sometimes til I feel like I’m fading away. But rock, nights like this, performers like her, they wake me up. I felt it rising from the ground, up my legs, and loosening up my knees til I began to move with each beat. It grew and expanded like light inside me and I started to feel alive again… and this was just the beginning.

By the time VOLK was done, I was moving, smiling, and screaming out my adoration, fully warmed up to sing along to every Supersuckers song coming our way. In true form, my favorite trio brought extra fire to build on the spark that VOLK had ignited. Eddie, Marty, and Chris were having a blast as they rocked our asses, smiling and putting everything they had into each song. Jay and I threw our hands in the air and sang along til our voices were hoarse. Chris’s drums shook the last of the dust out of my chest with each roll and kick drum assault, waking up a power within me, freeing me from standing too still and letting the moment pass me by.

Jay and I sang each word back to Marty & Eddie, knowing all the moves and shout-backs from all the shows we’ve gone to over the years. We were sweaty and grinning ear to ear as they played their last song of the night, standing in place hoping for just one more jam. Metal Marty handed me his set list and I was stoked, even if it meant their set truly was over. They came, they brought it. There was nothing left to give for them and I was grateful for how much they rocked the joint.

Electric Six came on stage to finish the night and both of us were exhausted from all the face-melting rock we’d already enjoyed. We didn’t make it til bar close, but we still walked away with more energy than we had when we first walked in. We headed out with a set list and new merch in hand, ready to get back home the next day and impatiently wait for Supersuckers to make it to the Twin Cities again.

And now, I’m counting down the HOURS till my next triple threat therapy session coming WEDNESDAY of this week! Not only are the Supersuckers in town, but Jay’s band DNF (Dad’s Nighttime Friends) is the opening band! Shazaam! Such a dream come true for my hubby … opening for his favorite band. Almost akin to opening for Led Zeppelin if ya ask me. ;)

And nestled right in the middle will be The Rumours, fronted by two powerhouse women out of Waterloo, IA who will be bringing some hard-driving guitars and sharp lyrics to complete the line up. Not to mention the one and only Lori Barbero of Babes in Toyland will be spinning vinyl… whoa! Is your head spinning yet?

Three bands, one bill, my triple threat therapy, all stuffed into the walls of the Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge. Tickets may still be available… don’t delay! This is gonna be the hottest night of rock all summer.

I don’t know about you, but this girl is ready to rock!

Kristy Kreme