Indian Summer

One of my favorite albums of all time is Indian Summer by the band Carbon Leaf. The album, is one of the most complete sets of music I have ever heard, avoiding any weak spots of dull moments. Catchy, yet meaningful, powerful lyrics fill the album from start to finish, accompanied by upbeat, powerful melodies that magnify the emotions these songs evoke.
Through my many social networks and contacts, it came to my attention that Carbon Leaf would be performing in Salt Lake at a little place called Kilby Court. When I say little place, that is no euphemism or other piece figurative language. This place was literally a two car garage with a stage in one corner about the size of my apartment’s kitchen.Last summer I had the opportunity to go and see Carbon Leaf perform at Wolf Trap national park for the performing arts. There the crowd swelled to several thousand, quite a different experience from what I and the other 49 people at Kilby were part of Monday night.

Proof that I was close enough to feel the spit and sweat of the band.

Because the venue was so small the entire show was acoustic. They even fully unplugged for their performance of the song One Prairie Outpost, not even using a mic for the lead singer.


In my opinion, the Crown Jewel of Carbon Leaf’s repertoire is the song What About Everything, a sort of dramatic monologue discussing contentment amidst the uncertainties that life, especially at the stage I am currently in, offers. The following lyrics are the second verse, followed by the chorus. This I feel is the part of the song that relates almost exactly to me in my life and pursuit for happiness.
Get away and come with me
Come away with me and we'll see
If I was right on that night, that a future was made
Before time takes each year, like a knife cuts it clear
It's school, then work and then life that just sharpens the blade
I think about time for fun
I think about time for play
Then I think about being done, with no resume
With no one left to blame
What about fortune and fame?
What about your love to obtain?
What about the ring?
What about....

What about everything?What about aeroplanes?
And what about ships that drank the sea?
What about...
What about the moon and stars?
What about soldier battle scars
And all the anger that they eat?
I am not in need

So that's me on the back up vocals. I apologize if it ruins the song. Look up the real version. It's worth it.


So while I don’t know the answers to how to obtain your love, find the moon and stars, and certainly I do not know about everything that goes on around me, I do know that I have every opportunity to make life magnificent.


The Show itself was incredible, one of the best I've had the privilege to attend. It was awesome to meet the band afterward, talk to them, snap a picture. Last summer they hung out after the show too, even shaking little Emily's hand as we left. If you haven't listened to them yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a CD.