Curating the Human Experience

Live Music Connoisseur Finishes Passion Project

Michelle Addison’s job title should be “curator of the human experience.” Her talent for creating human connection between bands and their fans with live music concerts make her the ultimate fan and professional.

Addison’s crush on music at a young age turned into a full-blown love affair after seeing Honeymoon Suite, a Canadian band that had gained popularity while she was in high school. “I was waiting outside, and the band had shown up early so

I got to go inside for sound check.” After showing the lead singer the handwritten lyrics on the band’s album, he gave her a guitar pick. Now Addison carries guitar picks with her every day, from picks from her first band signing and favourite concerts to an anniversary pick from her husband reading “I Pick You.” If you can’t tell by now, the woman loves live music.

During the pandemic, Addison created an Instagram passion project called Love Letters to Live Music, featuring letters written by both fans and musicians to remind everyone how much we need and miss live music. Now, with live music slowly returning and the project ending, its substantial impact is clear. “Arley Cox wrote a poem inspired by this, Greg from Lukewarm and The Cold Ones wrote a new song once we asked him to write a letter, so many fans submitted their own love letters,” Addison says.

Addison has since transformed four of the letters into short films, with Scott MacKay’s artistic help. “We picked four letters [from fans] and reached out to four musicians in town. The Foundry gave us their space to perform. And I loved the idea of the empty venue and the artist talking about the importance, value, and magic of live music on the stage,” explains Addison. She believes there will be a steady increase in the city’s music events as restaurants and venues begin making their spaces available again. The videos and other letters are available

on the project’s Instagram page @ loveletterstolivemusic.

Addison was an organizer of the recent Wake the Giant festival and, doing what she does best, created a new addition to the festival in the shape of a Wellness Tent: a space for concertgoers to find comfort and resources if dealing with any issues while attending the event. Her focus on fan engagement and enjoyment have enabled her to curate experiences in her work and for family and friends looking for an unforgettable moment.

Below is a segment of Addison’s personal Love Letter to Music, previously unpublished.

You are the essence behind every live show. The way you create magic by bringing a room of people and music together is what is at the core of it all, it’s what connects us, resonates with us, and lifts us up like nothing else can. You are beyond amazing and there’s no way to fully describe your presence and the impact you have had on me. All I can say is that I am so very grateful that you are my companion in life and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all the memories past and the adventures yet to come. I eagerly await the time when we will connect in person again, and no doubt it will be even more incredible than it was in the past, now that I truly appreciate what a gift you are in my life.

With love until we meet again, Michelle xo

Michelle can be found @gobeyondtheshow