I am thoroughly convinced that I witnessed some of the most talented musicians in the country play at the Pageant this past weekend.

Bon Iver, one of my absolute favorite artists, performed a sold-out show with eight brilliant others and an amazing opening band.

The night started with Canada-based Kathleen Edwards, who had a beautiful, pure voice. She played violin, unfortunately only on one song because of her fantastic ability at guitar and piano. She was backed up by two men who both sang and played guitar.

Though they were completely stringed instrument and vocal based, they filled up so much space (mostly because her voice was ridiculously full and angelic).

Edwards’ songwriting abilities are amazing, and I honestly believe that her lyrics and melodies make her a universal artist; anyone could find positive aspects to her music.

When the nine-piece band of Bon Iver came out onto the stage, the crowd went completely nuts. They started with high energy and blew my mind within the first 20 seconds. The lighting was dramatic, the sound was full beyond belief and level of talent was astonishing.

Here are the instruments I saw: 15 guitars (acoustic and electric), an electric bass, two full drum kits, numerous percussion instruments, two keyboards, a viola, a violin, clarinets, a bass saxophone, an alto saxophone, a trumpet, a French horn, and six vocalists.

This was all just for Bon Iver; just one band. Are you kidding me?

I think if they even attempted to cram that stage with one more instrument, no one would’ve been able to move around. It was straight up incredible.

Each and every song was different in the sense that there was new lighting and new instruments used. The musicians were multi-talented and everyone played at least two different instruments.

One song would be horns based, one strings based, one more rock based with a focus on drums and the electric instruments. The variety kept me constantly captivated.

Justin Vernon, the lead singer and persona behind the band, sang beautifully and did a great job at leading the other musicians.

It was very clear to see how dedicated each and every performer on stage was not only to music, but to Bon Iver itself. They took Vernon’s older songs and transformed them form acoustic based songs to full band songs.

I can only imagine how much time and effort the conversion of those songs took.

The show was practically perfection, and nothing proved this more than the very last show of the night. Playing a crowd favorite called Skinny Love, they had Vernon singing lead and everyone but the two drummers crowded around two microphones singing beautiful harmonies.

Shows like that are hard to come by, and I know I’m a lucky girl for getting to see Bon Iver live.