My Music Man

Years ago, when Joe was just a teenager he bought his first record. It was one by Mario Lanza. You would never expect a young man to pick this for his first record...when there were so many 50's records for a teen to  pick from. He has always loved music. He loves all music going from current pop songs, country music,   back to the songs of the 40's, to opera. At one time he had a little recording studio set up in our basement. He worked so hard, singing and perfecting his songs, so he could make his own CD. At that time I could hear him singing while I was doing my housework. We had a little problem when I went to use the dishwasher, or just had to run water. The water heater would go on and spoil the recording. When we married we found that we both liked the same kinds of music. The Coronado Theater in Rockford was advertising their list of performers for the coming season. We decided to try it out and bought tickets for a show. I don't remember the first show that we went to. After one performance we were hooked. Here was this beautifully restored theater, not far away, where we could spend an evening with music. We later got season tickets and enjoyed everything from La Boheme,to River Dance, Willie Nelson, Mama Mia, Cirque de Soleil, Tommy, Oakridge Boys, to Merle Haggard. Last night we went again to see Merle Haggard again, only this time he was performing with Kris Kristofferson. 

We got to the theater and we had to park quite a distance away. I guess it was a sold out performance. It was still a little warm and people were dressed in all kinds of clothing...from sequins to western hats and boots.There were all ages from young to gray haired people. Most of the audience were the latter. First they took in the handicapped people then the rest of us could go to our seats. We had good seats....Joe on the aisle. The show started promptly and the crowd roared. 

Then people started turning on their phones. There were flashes everywhere. People watching the show using these devices. Late comers kept coming down the aisle some as late as 20 minutes into the show. The ushers started going around and telling people to turn off their phones. Finally the show could be watched without interruption. It was really entertaining to watch these two 76yr. old   men interacting with each other. Singing together and alone. Merle said at one point," We wrote  these songs when we were 20 yrs. old and here we are in our 40's... singing the same songs." :) I listened to old Kris sing and thought that he was really not such a good singer, but he is such a super talented man...a wonderful song writer.They have both  had some rough times in their lifetime.  With singing all the old familiar songs and the banter back and forth between these stars it was a good show....well worth the money we spent on the tickets. 

 There were times during the show where the audience was called on to sing along. When the house lights went on everyone joined in singing with them. Most all of the audience joined in singing the old familiar "Why Me Lord Jesus?"  Joe had this song on his CD.. so he was singing along with the crowd. I had tears in my eyes at that point...it's really a powerful song. You won't believe this but right now, while I'm typing this, Joe just turned on the same song sung by Kris K. on his computer. Strange...

Well, that was our evening and this is the beginning of a new day. I have lots to do, but first I'm going to listen once more to Kris.K singing this song.

Balisha