It was the year 2009;

Ben Somer is playing a show with babydaddy February 24th at Mansion House. Ben Somer is so much more to me than just another folk musician. Ben Somer makes me feel more than nostalgic.

Every time I listen to Ben Somer ( www.myspace.com/bensomer ), I vividly remember walking up the stairs to 22 Hetheringtion Street. I can see the pile of shoes in the entrance way and smell the sweet, musty scent of reefer from Ken's room. I can hear the roommates laughing and coughing all through the house. There was so much love in that house. One by one the roommates moved on and out, but I'll always remember it fondly.

I can remember playing "Like You're Praying" over and over to mend a broken heart. I was so blind to what was really going on. No one likes the feeling of being replaced. There were times when going to 22 felt like I was being slapped in the face. Out of sight, out of mind doesn't work being in the same room with your old sweetheart. That was ages ago, but whenever I play that song, I remember.

I remember hugging friends and talking loudly at 73. All the shows, laughs, photos, fights, hugs. The excitement of a free music scene. Playing ticket-taker when needed. Drinking wine masked in metal water bottles like I was underage. Ben Somer helps me remember these forgotten memories.

I'm so happy where I am today and so thankful for 2009 and all it's memories, good and bad. If I hadn't met that ol' flame, I would never have gone to 22. I would never have met Timur, Sam, Ken, Janine, Joe and of course JJ. I wouldn't have my beautiful baby boy without him.

I would never have heard Ben Somer.