I had heard about Brooklyn Arts Center, the beautiful restored church-event space in downtown Wilmington, NC, but until last night had never been there. Third Eye Blind played the center last night and rocked the 124 year old walls. As a refurbished church sanctuary, it is an intimate space that is easily filled by the spirit of the event. Lead singer Stephan Jenkins seemed to enjoy the "cozy space" as much as the concert goers. He implored the audience to turn to each other and welcome them whether "you know them or not." Jenkins wanted the audience to "feel as if we are one." Somehow it suited the spiritual fellowship of the evening.

The crowd was a mish-mash of college students, young adults and "older" people like me. I love live music of just about any genre, but have started to feel a little out of place as I reach closer to 50 than 30 at standing-only concerts. But being in the "sanctuary" of The Brooklyn Arts Center, it somehow felt right to be head bobbing and jumping alongside my 20-something daughters. Even though the music was what we listen to together on the radio when I was still driving them to school.

I can't begin to explain how much it means that my children, now grown, still want go to concerts with me. It's the kind of thing I had always hoped for, but was fearful would never come to pass. (Funny how we do that to ourselves, isn't it?) But last night my worries were in vain. As the band broke into their encore playing their most popular hit, "Semi-Charmed Life," the three of us joined into enthusiastic chorus with the entire venue. I didn't realize I knew every word until I found myself singing along at the top of my lungs. It was a moment.

I know I'll keep an eye out for more bands and opportunities to spend time at the Center. It's just the kind of place that when you leave, you start looking forward to returning. Check out their website for future events and make a point to attend one. If you're visiting the area, be sure to at least go by and see the historic building standing proudly on North 4th Street at the corner of Campbell Street.