Special days and nights happen all the time. It is why I always say I have lived a wonderful life, and am lucky enough to continue to. I haven’t been to a concert since I was diagnosed with cancer. It really isn’t a good idea… too many people, too small a place and way too much walking. Last night I was invited, along with The Other and two of my sisters to a suite party at the Palace to see Rod Stewart with Steve Winwood. Waiting till the very last second to say if I would be able to go or not… even on the ride there, it was pouring rain, I wasn’t feeling perfect, and having seen Rod Stewart in his heyday of the late 1970s I was sure if I had made the correct decision. Steve Winwood hit the stage and his voice rang out, and even at age 65 the trueness to his tone was remarkable. I haven’t been to a Jazz concert since I saw Miles Davis at Montrouex some 35 years ago, and the jazz licks and elongate solos brang back memories of being in my late teens and my introduction to jazz. He played for almost an hour, every song a more than recognizable hit, and yet so many went unplayed…. All still bringing up memory after memory, as our host handed me a drink during Mr Fantasy commenting on the ‘activities’ that took place during that song over the years. With a brief 15 minute intermission… just long enough for my sisters to run up from the first row seats they were given and grab another drink… Rod Stewart in full Vegas Stage Show style blew on stage with a Motown tribute…. It was 1979 on Steroids. The old boy didn’t run all over the stage, but the bright floor and multiple screens showcased everything he couldn’t, including the album covers of the songs. His band, handpicked beautiful horn section, and glitter garbed background singers, the show was well choreographed. And featured solos by all his performers. After the first song an apology to the audience for having to reschedule the show and a promise of a two hour performance to make up for it. In true Rod style and reminiscent of the 70s show, the audience sang back the words to all his songs, highlighting the endings so he didn’t have to sing. And then it happened. “Wait, stop! I have to start the song again, I screwed up the words” I started laughing. In the 70s I thought he was just too high. Now it appears to be part of the act. His daughter Ruby, sounding a lot like a modern Janice Joplin performed-- so … in her words “her dad could go backstage and fluffy his hair”. She commanded the stage with her friendliness and held her own against her bigger than life dad in a duet of ‘Forever Young’. The night blasted on… and the Vegas Style show hit a homerun. I wished I had the energy to walk down to the front three rows where the seats were for everyone. However the suite was just side stage and offered and incredible view of such an elaborate show. I ducked out a little early so I wouldn’t be in the asses to elbow crowds that exit a concert, just not wanting to take that chance with breathing in some sickness…. But being out at a concert after three years was worth every moment. Our host Ben Gonek was stellar and very accommodating to all my stupid little needs. Like having to keep changing positions from sitting to standing. I met some great new people and had some wonderful conversations. Thank you Ben for getting this old music/concert-phile out of the house, just one more time! Much Love
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 14:52:37 +0000
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