February 23rd, 2026 Duvall, Washington.
Sometimes magic happens in the most unexpected places, and this past Sunday at Twin Dragon Music's Open Mic night was one of those transcendent evenings. The Ambassadors of Love—a family band that defies easy categorization—delivered a performance that left the intimate venue buzzing with warmth and wonder.
I'll admit, as they were setting up their equipment, I embarrassingly introduced them as the "Ambassadors of Peace" (they are, admittedly, peace-adjacent), but once they began playing, any confusion about their name evaporated. These are indeed ambassadors—not just of love, but of pure musical joy.
What strikes you immediately about this three-piece ensemble is how they inhabit their music. The drummer, bassist, and guitarist (all three contributing vocals) don't simply play their instruments—they commune with them. Each member approaches their craft as if they are ambassadors of that which gives them joy, and that infectious enthusiasm radiates through every note.
Their sound is beautifully impossible to pin down. Imagine being transported simultaneously into the rustic, soulful world of the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, the cerebral art-rock landscape of a Talking Heads album, and the lush, harmonic embrace of The Carpenters—all at once. It shouldn't work, but in the hands of the Ambassadors of Love, it creates something entirely magical.
Though they only performed three songs, they filled their stage time with such an atmosphere of love and connection that it felt like a complete concert experience. The highlight came during their rendition of "Paradise"—a moment so captivating that I found myself compelled to grab my phone and hit record. I don't know what city of paradise Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, and Steven were singing about in their rock anthem, but the Ambassadors brought us their version of "Paradise"—and it's the one I want to be taken down to.
The Twin Dragon Music Open Mic has hosted many talented acts, but the Ambassadors of Love reminded us why live music matters. In an age of digital perfection, they offered something irreplaceable: authentic human connection through song. Here's hoping they return soon to grace us with more of their singular brand of musical love.
★★★★★
