Ari Hest: World’s Tallest Musician

As a 5”2’ woman (and by 5”2’ I really mean 5”1’), I know the vast majority of the population is taller than I am. I know most people here in the Shore Fire office don’t have to stand on their toes to reach the plates on the top shelf in the kitchen. This does not faze me. From my perspective (bother literally and figuratively), you’re all tall and that’s that and I rarely even notice anymore.

Last night at the Ari Hest showcase, I noticed. Really noticed. That guy is tall. Really tall. Tall enough to give me pause.

Let’s pause now and take a moment to look at this picture from last night:


Aw, swoon. Ari’s great, and I loved hearing him play in the Columbia offices’ Artist Lounge. The room is intimate and inviting (a lot like Ari’s music, actually) and just the right size to make the showcase feel like a private gathering in a friend’s living room complete with sofas for everyone to sit on. Ari also had a really amazing presence and camaraderie with the audience that was so sincere.

Ok, look at the picture again now. Notice the people watching Ari. Notice how far they have to look up? Yeah. Pretty far. I know, I know. You’re saying “But Nora, they’re sitting down so of course they’re looking up at him.”

Fine. I present to you Exhibit B:

I rest my case.

That's me in the middle with fellow Shore Fire staffers Abby Johns and Diana D'Angelo to left and right, respectively. I would like to point out that it’s not just me that he towers over: Neither Abby (newest member of the Shore Fire family) nor Diana even cleared his shoulders! And Diana was wearing heels! Looks like he’s our kindergarten teacher or something.

It’s about lunchtime now. Who wants to help reach me a plate?