make new friends and keep the old
one is silver and the other gold
Somehow, good things uncommon have a more intense savor than everyday wonders. In truth all treats are to be savored, but those that come rarely into a life are memorable in a different way than the daily beauty of the sky and the daily joy of wakening still breathing...
It has been long decades since there was anything like disposable income in my pocket, and live entertainment is one of many luxuries that have needfully fallen by the wayside. The rare occasions that our plucky heroine can enjoy the treasure of enjoying the ephemeral artisanry of those who give their lives to that particular perfecting discipline shine like gems in my memory. 2013 has already given me one such, and this Thursday night was another...
My new-last-year friend Dayna gave me, for a combination birthday/holiday gift, tickets to the Great Big Sea concert. She picked me up after my acupuncture appointment; there was just time to head over to Good Food Here and pick up some delicious lefse wraps at Viking Soul Food. The akkevit cured smoked salmon with dill cream fraiche, pickled shallots and watercress was some of the best takeaway food this girl has ever had, and made waiting for the show into a picnic. The lingonberry ice tea was not too shabby either...Though Portland has been my home for the last eight years, I'd never had the chance to see a concert at the Aladdin before, though riding the bus past there and reading the renowned names on the marquee has been dreadfully tantalising. Well, last night it was my turn to stand outside with friends new and old and wait for the doors to open...
Though this was the band's twenty year tour, somehow I'd never found their music before G and I spent time together; he introduced many new things into my life and the Great Big Sea CD/DVD set was in heavy rotation during my convalescence last year. Their music just lifts my heart. If you've not heard them, this is a good example
The concert was amazing! This is the view from the back of the hall...
and this is the view from where we were sitting, as the concert started...
Alan Doyle
Bob Hallett
Séan McCann
Murray Foster
To have the kind of energy and sense of fun that was obvious all during the show, after twenty years of playing together and touring, is pretty special! (Towards the end of the evening, the band brought out a birthday cake that had been made, and passed around plates and forks and pieces of cake to the audience; never in all my days have I seen the like!) It was a most memorable evening, and will shine in my memory for years...
20 year anniversary tour shirt
I've never heard of them either but I'll be listening now! I really like their energy. There's nothing good on the radio anymore. So thank you!
ReplyDeleteI bet you'll smile every time your bus passes by that theater. Good. :)