From street to stage (love this story)

by Jennifer on June 6, 2009

If you live in the Boston area, maybe you heard the story late last year about a Boston street musician, Steven Bacon, whose music future broke wide open after he met Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (of The Frames, and the movie Once – a favorite movie of mine). That night, after playing across the street from the venue all day, Bacon was asked to play one of his own songs onstage at Hansard’s concert.

I came across a reference to his story just last night on a songwriting forum. A lot of great things are happening for him now, and it’s just cool to hear something like this, especially for anyone who plays or writes music. Had goosebumps and a stupid grin when I read his account of how it all went down. But then, I’m kind of a dork, and a complete softie for this kind of story.

Here’s the Boston Globe article about it: For this street musician, dreams are taking flight

If you want to read his account and hear the recording of the onstage moment (worth taking the time), go to http://stevenbacon.com. Click on the Glen Hansard tab at the bottom of the page (for Steven’s personal account).

And for the recording of his big moment on stage, follow the Songs tab at the bottom, and on that next page there’s a player under “Steven w/ Glen Hansard…live at Agannis Arena…” You can also hear more of his music on that same page. (You’ll find your way around.)

I loved this story for so many reasons. Hope you enjoy it, too.

Steven Bacon and Glen Hansard
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

Kat June 6, 2009 at 3:48 pm

Loved that movie so much, as melancholy as it was. The music!

Smalltown Mom June 6, 2009 at 6:36 pm

This is so great! I loved that movie. And what a way to pay it forward.

Craig Glenn June 6, 2009 at 6:46 pm

What a great story Jennifer, thanks for sharing.

I hope you have time to stop by and read my latest observations post.

Craig Glenn

shannon June 6, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for sharing this great story. I loved the film, love “Falling Slowly,” and Iove this story. I read both accounts of the story and listened to Steven singing at the concert–he’s great! The whole thing puts a lump in my throat. I’m going to share the story with an aspiring singer/songwriter that I know!

Shannon

nicole June 6, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Yes! So wonderful. I’m so glad I got to see Once while it was in the theaters. Just great story telling. And you could tell that they were really falling in love.

This story has made my weekend. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Jessica June 6, 2009 at 9:27 pm

what a great story. Just love reading these.

JCK June 6, 2009 at 10:49 pm

You ARE a mush head. And this IS a wonderful story. 🙂 Thanks for sharing it and the special music.

Grandy June 7, 2009 at 9:10 am

Thank you for sharing the story with us, and exposing us to yet more beauty. 😉

PAPA June 7, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Jennifer, I needed this today, thank you.!!!! What a brilliant story. Ana and I loved ONCE. We actually saw it when she was pregnant with Sienna. Maybe that’s why our daughter is so full of LOVE! 🙂

tHANKS FOR SUCH A GREAT POST!!!

the mama bird diaries June 8, 2009 at 9:55 am

what a great story!

“Once” was a fantastic movie but it kind of broke my heart.

Suzanne June 8, 2009 at 1:55 pm

I love miracles and dreams come true.

Elisa June 8, 2009 at 1:57 pm

What a beautiful story! So touching. I get emotional too, when I read things like this.

“Once” is an absolutely wonderful movie. Nothing like the plastic movies they make now – they all feel so fake 🙁

david mcmahon June 8, 2009 at 10:21 pm

Truly a heart-warming post.

Green Girl in Wisconsin June 9, 2009 at 10:54 am

That DOES warm the heart!

Madge June 10, 2009 at 12:28 pm

i love this story….

fancy feet June 15, 2009 at 2:11 pm

Wow, what a great story! I loved Once. Loved it.

Look at you go in this whole songwriting dream. That’s fantastic!

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