Tonic Sol-fa

Friday, April 18, 2025

I have heard of this acapella group, but we have never heard them. Keith saw that they were having an “End of an Era” tour and got tickets. Better late than never. They have been a group for thirty years (although none of them look old enough for that to be true) (Theo joined 12 years ago; that looks okay). Shaun Johnson, their leader, told us that they have performed in Woodbury, Eagan, Bloomington, Burnsville, Maple Grove and Maplewood, Shakopee, Brooklyn Park, etc. etc. and asked why it took us newbies until the End tour to finally show up.

It was a reasonable question. Their fans were certainly there today. It is exciting to be with an excited crowd. The music was primarily their originals, which is not always my favorite way to go, because I like songs I know. It did not matter tonight. This music was great. I will try to remember some of my thoughts from during the show.

“I’m so tired. I wonder if I am sick. Oh, there is so much to pack. I do not have time to be sick. Maybe my throat is sore.

Ooooo. They are fun. This is fun. They are so much better than Cantus. Cantus was so serious.

This is one guy singing and the other guys making a band with their voices.

That bass singer is so bass-y. I wonder if Benjamin can sing that low. Of course, it’s never time for him to sing. I think Alexander has a lower voice. It was so good when he was in musicals. I wonder if we have any of those recorded. Where does recorded stuff go? It’s probably not time for him to sing either. Keith has to fix his sink tomorrow. When are we going to pack?

These guys look like they are having a great time. I wonder if they are. I bet they are. I think performers like to perform. They may not like to rehearse, but I bet they like to perform.

They are singing a lot of songs without music. I guess singers can just sing after they learn it. But it’s not like they are all singing the melody or even singing words. Is it easier to sing than play? I think so. Or not. How do the right notes always come out. Horns have a lot more control over that. Or do they? I have no idea. This seems complicated. I wonder who writes their arrangements. It’s got to be somebody in the band. Is it everyone? Do they just say let’s sing and it happens. That’s a stupid thought. Can you imagine. Magic singing.

How did this group start? Hi. I sing. Do you sing? Can you sound like a band when you sing? Let’s gooooo!

What is the business of this band? They keep saying three decades but do they mean it? They have to be full-timers at this, so they make enough money to live. Well, they are grown up, so they probably have families. How much do you have to earn to want to be on the road as an adult? Do their wives go along? No, because they also have lives. What if Keith was on the road? Shaun Johnson has a big band. He looks like lots of fun. Keith should retire and go on the road with Shaun. Why am I always retiring Keith, but then not wanting him to retire?

I think this is the first time I just started clapping along with a song without being told to clap along. What is happening? I am Realllly enjoying this, that is what is happening.

I wonder if they are going to Madison. I think Benjin would really like this. I wonder if the Sean would. I don’t know. They should go when they come to Madison. I wish we had started coming years ago. I will go to Madison and see them again. When are we moving?

I wonder if Patrick (Mike and Kristine’s son, who sings in an acapella group) knows about this group. Maybe next time we go to visit we should go to Vancouver or Victoria Island. Or both. I wonder how far it is. Wasn’t that a great trip? So great. They are great friends.

This is so good. I love the dancing. Sean reminds me of Mike Pearson, other guy reminds me of Jeff Kasper, Theo reminds me of Wayne Brady, and bass guy is John Lithgow. That is who they are now. They are my friends now. It started out like “a show” and now they are our friends giving us a show. Mike is such a good announcer. Jeff is so funny.

This talking to the audience guy about getting engaged is hilarious, but we have a better story. Such a better story. They should have called on Keith. (LOL) I wonder if would do any better at answering the questions than this guy. I guess he would be looking at me just like that guy is looking at his wife for help.

This is magic. This music is magic. I need socks. Orange and lime socks with avocados with beanies on socks. (they were at the merchandise table).

Why is this the end? I don’t want it to be the end of them. I missed it. I can listen to their music. But will it be magic if they are not here? How great is it that they give concerts and people come and cheer and it is wonderful? I am so happy for them. I am so happy for me. I’ll get socks.

I have a lot of socks. I just went through and threw away some bad socks. Those socks Maren gave me are the best socks. I should enjoy my life to the fullest and get more of those socks. What if I had favorite socks EVERY DAY? What a thought. What f the avocado socks are best socks? Wow. That would be amazing. That would be great. I will go after and get the socks.”

They came out for the encore and sang a ballad like a classic quartet. I teared up and got a lump in my throat. Music is so great, isn’t it?

I didn’t get the socks. They were definitely good socks, not best socks, but good socks, but the line was long, and the lobby was INSANE because the guys were coming out to sign things and meet people. As a first timer, I thought it best if we get out of the way. They aren’t going to Madison. They are going to Des Moines. I’m going to get some recordings and listen. I hope it’s even half as good as it was tonight.