Thank you, Craigslist!

Back in June, I made my second big concert ticket purchase of the year, for the reunion tour of another of my favorite bands: Crowded House. At the time, I wasn't concerned with who my companion might be. I just knew that CH were coming to town and that, barring loss of life or limb, I was going to be in the audience.

I had hoped my sister would fly up from L.A. for the show (she's also a fan), but alas, she could not. My boyfriend Jason offered to join me, but his being mostly unfamiliar with their music, I didn't think he'd enjoy it all that much and let him off the hook.

A few days before Sunday's show, I posted an ad on Craigslist, attempting to sell my extra ticket to a fellow fan who might be, like me, going solo. I received an email from a woman named Jenny, who was in a similar predicament: she had two tickets, one of which she had intended for a friend and fan. When the friend had to cancel, Jenny's husband offered to go along, though not entirely enthused to see the band.

Jenny and I emailed back and forth a bit and we decided I would attempt to sell both of my tickets and then buy Jenny's extra one, as her seats were far better than mine (Orchestra Row N vs. Balcony Row J).

Photo courtesy of JenTwo, whom we also met at the show

Long story short, our little plan worked brilliantly--I sold my two tickets to a lovely couple through Craigslist and was then free to sit with Jenny a mere 14 rows from the stage at the gorgeous Paramount Theatre. It could not have worked out better if we'd sold our souls to Satan.

But the most excellent part of this little yarn is that Jenny and I hit it off beautifully--it turns out we have a shitload of interesting things in common and we ended up having something akin to a fantastic first date. You know that great-date feeling of actually being disappointed when the lights dim in the cinema because you want to keep talking? Well, there you go!

So, not only did I have the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite bands playing superbly in a beautiful venue, I also had the good fortune of enjoying them alongside someone equally touched by and appreciative of their music. The added bonus is I now have a lovely new friend. For this, I thank you, Craigslist.

Posted by ayelet at August 29, 2007 12:35 PM