Ghostland Observatory

August 20th, 2009 – Birch Theater, San Diego, CA
By: Norma Gonzalez

It was Thursday, August 20, 2009 around 1p.m. and I got a call from my friend Charles telling me that Ghostland Observatory was playing that night at The Birch Theater in North Park! I couldn’t believe that this amazing duo was going to perform in this tiny town of North Park (which has definitely become the hipster scene of San Diego). I immediately started doing my research and all I found were postings that GLO was doing a special show and tickets were only $5!!!! Wow! Wow! Wow! I was SUPER excited and I set my mind to be at the show no matter what!!!

I took a break around 3:30 p.m. and ran an errand for the boss at the bank which just happens to be near The Birch. I took advantage of this moment and I drove a couple blocks further to the theater to scope things out (I had a funny feeling that the band would be practicing around this time). Sure enough, I get to the venue and I can hear the band practicing their cover of “Nothing compares to you” by Sinead O’ Conner (also written by Prince). I sat down on the stairs next to the stage doors and enjoyed the moment as tears started streaming down my face because the music touched my heart.

As I’m sitting there peacefully enjoying my moment I notice a lady coming out of the double doors. She had her clipboard and radio and I can tell she was busy organizing things for the night. So I politely ask her how I can purchase tickets and she proceeds to tell me that the venue is at maximum capacity already and no more tickets would be sold. She suggested that perhaps if I sit at the bar inside Hawthorn’s restaurant I could see and hear the show on the t.v. screens since the show was going to be web cast live. I smile and say thank you. Hmmm… thanks but no thanks, I don’t take NO for an answer when it comes to my favorite bands performing in my freaking town!! I’ll just have to talk to the band! So I wait a little bit more.

As I walk toward the car, I notice that the doors near the stage open and the guys come out for a break. Yes… here’s my chance! I start the vehicle and drive right up to the guys, roll my window down and shout “Hey, what does a girl need to do for tickets to the show? it’s my favorite band and i must be here tonight!” So this guy walks up to the window and smiles as I continue to ramble with my excitement about the band playing later that night. It takes me a couple minutes before I realize that the guy smiling at me is none other than the lead singer, Aaron Behrens. OMG! My smile gets even bigger and I say, “You have the most incredible voice. I love your music! When you’re on stage I see a shaman spirit rise out of you and it makes me rise too! You guys are incredible!” He was so humble, he smiled and in his soft spoken voice he said “Thank you, now what’s your name? I’m going to put you on my guest list. You and a friend. Just tell them you are on the list”.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Just like that… it was a magical moment. I set my mind earlier that day and I was determined to make it happen. (The Secret. It works!)

After the show we enjoyed a couple drinks at the bar as we waited for Aaron and Thomas (GLO members) to wrap things up and come out for a few minutes. When the boys came out they greeted a few other fans as we patiently waited for our turn. When Aaron looked over at me I smiled and said “Thank you for making my night a memory that will last a lifetime”. He smiled back and laughed as he remembered me from earlier in the day and he complimented the way it all magically worked out for me!

This is My Ghostland Moment. A memory that will last a lifetime!

- Norma Gonzalez

Photos by Charles Parker