At age 59, Anne Abel had never been to a concert. Ever. Music wasn’t part of her upbringing, although emotional abuse and belittlement from her parents absolutely were. Reluctantly agreeing to join her son and daughter-in-law to see Bruce Springsteen, Anne’s mind was absolutely blown by the energy and generosity of the musicians and the crowd. Bruce shined a light on a better possible world and allowed her to have fun for the first time in her life. Something awakened. Soon, Anne booked a solo trip to Australia, following Bruce to eight concerts. In her book chronicling the trip, High Hopes, Anne describes literally rubbing elbows with Bruce and the band, experiencing cathartic joy, and opening a path to a better, happier, more fun life. Her depression wasn’t cured, that’s not how it works, but her collaboration with Bruce has helped her a lot.

Wits Reunion Show at the Fitzgerald Theater

John Moe’s writing classes at the Loft Literary Center

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