That's a Wrap

Tomorrow is the official first day of fall.  I am happy to report that I was able to squeeze in one more concert before bringing my summer to a close.  Last night was the Farm Aid concert in Mansfield, MA.  Myself and 20,000 (5,500 on the lawn) of my closest friends swayed and sang to the music of many really great acts. 

We arrived late afternoon, as Jacob Dylan and his band were performing - they sounded great! We found our friends on the lawn, and were able to spread out our blanket, despite the fact that people had been there tailgating since 10:00am and staking their claim on the lawn at 12Noon.  I was grateful we had the room.  Characters surrounded us, people of all ages.  The people-watching was worth the price of admission.  Camouflage, cowboy hats, shirts pulled off to reveal sports bras (security came and kindly asked that the shirt go back on) and the usual Levi style garb.  I have to say, however, that my favorite goes to a young fella that was a few feet in front of us with his twenty-something friends, sporting a neon green baseball cap.  It practically glowed in the dark....the kicker?  As he had it flopped to the right, the insignia came in full view - New Kids On The Block.....seriously buddy?

The lineup we saw included:

Jerry Lee Lewis...it was during this performance that the sports bra came out, while nerves were shaking and brains were rattled.

The Pretenders...fantastic!

Kenny Chesney...I loved him.  What a beautiful voice and a great laid back performance.  Was perfect on a perfectly beautiful afternoon.

After Kenny, it started to get a little darker out....Dave Matthews came on with Tim Reynolds. What a set!  Highlights - Where Are You Going, Crush and Ants Marching - all acoustic but had the crowd rocking!

John Mellencamp was next.  He was loads of fun and ended with "I fight authority, authority always wins!"  Oh yeah!

Neil Young came on after John. He was pretty good...sounded great.  His song Old Man was cool.  It began to be teeth-chattering cold at this point.  We left as Neil was still singing and therefore did not in fact see Willie Nelson.  That was okay...the lawn was pretty much entirely asleep (passed out?) at this point.  We stepped over blankets and bodies and bid adieu to another great summer season at the Comcast Center.  

We had A LOT of laughs and really enjoyed this official close to summer.  It was a great way to say adios, and turn to welcome the fall season with open musical hearts.  

I will end with a little bit of fun that I know will cheer a friend.  Bob Costas was in attendance and announced Dave Matthews to the stage.  It was hilarious to hear that oh so familiar voice LIVE and see him oh so close.  Come to think of it, Farm Aid really is like an Olympic event! The best - all in one venue.  It's a great cause and I am glad they had another successful happening for local farmers. 

www.farmaid.org

Lift Me Up

I think it's safe to say that I turn to music for a great many things. I was cruising in my car the other day and this song came on the radio. Luckily it was drizzling and the windows were up. I cranked this baby and sang along, LOUD.

For those of you down and out with illness, click on the link below and hopefully your foot will start tappin' and you'll feel the urge to sing along. Laughter is the best medicine, but music runs a close second. This should provide both...Be well!

A Lift Me Up

Denise - this one is a bonus track for you cuz you rock, opening your house up to hurricane victims. I hope things get back to normal soon for all affected by Hurricane Ike.

Peace.

I Hear The Whisper...Loud & Clear

My sister called last night to say she did nothing all day (Labor Day).  That's an oddity for her....she hosted a family party the day before and she deserved the r & r.  I was happy she did nothing.  But she must have done something, right? Did she just sit & stare? Even after she explained nothing, I asked: "So, what did you do?"  She did do something.  She chilled on her deck, read for a bit, and then proceeded to get glued to a show she'd never seen and yet loved every minute of (a new television helps immensely in this)....a two-hour marathon on the National Geographic Channel.  That's right - Cesar Millan!  She doesn't have a dog....I don't have a dog.  But we both have sat for Casey the Beagle - our other sister's dog.  And my brother arrived at the party with his family that now includes a new puppy - a cockerpoodle, named Tessie, after the Red Sox song.  No - I don't have a dog.  And I watch the show.  Often.  But I DO have something.  A crush. (yes, another one).

On Cesar.

Hilariously enough, my sister wants to apply his techniques to her every-day work environment, managing an office.  Now THAT I would love to see in action!!  I have to direct her to the website to remind her that his tagline is "Achieving balance between people and dogs"....that's people and DOGS, Maureen.  I love it...so Zen of you, Cesar.  Come to think of it, I'll bet Maureen is successful in her new management style!  Why not, right? 

Until that potentially hilarious video hits the airwaves, I am going to continue watching Cesar and picking up tips - for family dog-sitting appointments.  (And just plain old watching Cesar). I also need to make sure I don't walk too close to my own co-workers in an attempt to keep them calm and in check.  Though that COULD come in handy...hmmm.....better go see if any re-runs are on.