TUCSON, AZ - December 28 & 29--Some days, Tucson doesn't seem the most exciting place to live.  Other days, we're lucky enough to be the venue of two Ryanhood shows in a row.  I've been hesitant to write about these Ryanhood shows.  I feel that no matter how well I write, I’d somehow still not be able to do the shows justice.  They deserve more.

Wednesday, December 28 - Night One:
Just minutes after their excellent opener, Haley Jane, the headliners appeared on stage.  First, it was just Ryan and Cameron with their guitars.  Later, Josh Harrison and Brock Lange (drums and bass, respectively) joined them on stage to add their own magic to the music.  There were many new songs debuted.  “Back to Blue,” Ryan's song written for his wonderful wife, was the one which really stuck with me.  I'd previously heard “Nothing But the Real Thing,” and it keeps growing and improving.  This is the song formerly known as “Is Life Like This?” which had a facelift into this wonderful new song.  Other highlights of the night included an appearance by 5 ft 2 on the jingle bells and Sergio taking Cameron's guitar for the encore as Cameron and his microphone moved to the stage railing for a cover of the Jimmy Eat World song "My House."  There was crowd participation throughout the night, as the audience made it clear how much they appreciated and how much they love Ryanhood.  The encore, with Cameron actually reaching out to the audience with the microphone for their participation, was the highlight of the finale.

Thursday, December 29 - Night Two:
The first show was wonderful!  It was a great concert, in which Ryan and Cameron showed once again that they are awesome performers.  Night two, Ryan and Cameron took it a step further and demonstrated that they are awesome “rock stars.”  I can't explain the difference; it was just as if the love from the crowd lifted them to a higher level.  I find it simply amazing.

Several new songs stuck in my head from the show.  Ryan's "Mature" was wonderful, and different.  He'd written about it in his blog (I suggest you read it if you haven't!) and I simply couldn't imagine what the song would be like.  Then I heard it.  In a word?  Great.  Hearing it in person helps the listener realize why Ryan writes songs. I just enjoy them.  “Heart on Holiday” was another excellent new song.  It had a very upbeat sound, while the lyrics expressed feelings we have all felt.  Who hasn't wanted their heart to go on holiday so they could stop feeling at some time?  I look forward to hearing the song again, getting to learn all of the lyrics, and discovering if that impression of the song was totally accurate.  I find with Ryanhood songs I often get one impression initially, and after more listening see other depths and meanings I didn't get at first.  It's all part of the magic.

Later, I realized that I should give up trying to have a favorite Ryanhood song.  Every time I think I know what my choice is, a new song comes along that I love even more.  As of Thursday night, I have identified yet another new favorite.  Cameron started off with a story about the phrase "I am for you" and how he heard it and thought it was beautiful.  The story touched me, and then they played this new song “I Am For You.”  Absolutely one of the most beautiful songs I've heard, as far as the guitar, sure, but more because of the lyrics.  I was fighting back tears as I listened to the words describing the person I try to be, as I try to be there and support those I love.

I wish you all a happy New Year, and hope 2006 is filled with laughter, love, and great music!

*Submitted to RVT-RHReader on Saturday, December 31, 2005