I named this page “Tentative” as a placeholder while I wrote it. But I think I’m keeping it.
I went to see David Bromberg a week and a half ago and have been struggling to write since then. The easy part is a big “Thank you”to Sandy for letting me know he was close by! I’d never heard of Snow Pond Center for the Arts, but found it just fine about an hour away in Sidney. Wonderful venue. I might go back and see Michael Franti and Spearhead in their amphitheater in July.
The picture is of most of the David Bromberg Quintet doing a full acoustic song at the front of the stage. I missed the fiddle player. Sorta improvised song. They had some problems with Bromberg’s amp, so the band came forward and did the number off the cuff, no sound system. Lo-fi and with the audience joining in the chorus. No way for them to know that this was my first stab at a concert without Janelle. While they played “Save the Last Dance for Me”, I cried and the crowd sang. Next up while the techies worked was, “Standing in the Need of Prayer”, a capella. Beautifully performed.
They went back to electric and I made it through most of the rest of the concert. I left a little early. An hour drive home in the dark? Emotionally drained? Not the same by myself? Maybe a little of all three. Glad I went. I was going to say, “made the effort”. But really it is that I’m glad I went. It hurt. It wasn’t perfect. But music meant so, so much to each of us and both of us. It would be unfortunate to lose both Janelle and music. And WWJD? She’d tell me I’m an f’n’ idiot. Practice.
Practice. Push. Repeat. I’ve been slowly getting moved back into our condo. Ours. It is surely still that. But me and the ghost are working things out. I mentioned crying at the Bromberg concert. I cry a lot. As someone that considered themselves pretty buttoned up, I find it disconcerting. Not that it seems to matter what I think. I’ve found myself tearing up before I even realize I am sad. Increasingly I don’t think I am sad. I’m overwhelmed with memories. And gradually, so gradually, those memories are tinged with, I can’t say joy, but with warmth.
It warmed up to the 50’s today with the sun out. Me, and I think Janelle, on the balcony for the first time this season.
And Momma kitty…
The Journey 
That does look like a nice venue! I’m glad you decided to go. I think it will take time to get used to enjoying things that you both enjoyed together, but I know you will get there. Not the same situation as you, but I go to shows by myself quite often as Alex and I don’t always see eye to eye on music choices. It is definitely more fun with someone you know, but I’ve found that it can be enjoyable and although I’m not the most outgoing person, I try to take the opportunity to talk to a stranger or two. Most folks at shows like Bromberg have lots of interesting concert stories to share and compare. Glad you got to see Bromberg, his voice is not what it was, but he’s a legend that you really need to see live.
LikeLike
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I think I agree. ;-] I don’t know that our musical tastes are in complete alignment, but I suspect they aren’t that far off. Keep me in mind if you are booking; I’d be fine driving to your neighborhood. But also won’t be offended if that doesn’t work.
LikeLike
I will definitely do that. We have lots of nice little venues in the area that have some excellent shows.
LikeLike
Been thinking of you a lot lately and wondering how you are doing. Glad to see you are at least going out a bit. And so glad to see Mamma Kitty still doing well. I am sure that it is difficult for you going places and to things that you both enjoyed so much. But I believe she would be pleased that you are. I miss my friend and find now and again thinking I ought to call Janelle about this or that then I remember. Sad, so sad. Hoping to catch up with you sometime soon. Take care my friend.
LikeLike