What a spectacular trip we had to Delta this morning! The sun was shining, and the snow was glistening on the mountain peaks, with accents of red and black cliffs like the Grand Canyon. I kept trying to take pictures through our dirty windows with Frank’s cell phone.
I don’t know if any camera could capture this!
We had to go miles and miles with no civilization or rest stops. Frank commented at the regular sign that comes up: “Don’t drink and drive.” He wants to change it to “Don’t drink COFFEE and drive.” In the interest of keeping this blog family-friendly, I’ll describe only vaguely what happened next: we pulled off on the shoulder of the road. No trees or rocks to hide behind. It took so long, I told Frank he would either get sunburn, or frostbite!
Delta is a sweet little town with friendly people, good coffee, and cool restaurants. It’s our style, for sure. We played our concert tonight at the performing arts center and everybody was on the case. We felt well taken care of, and Dave, the sound and lighting guy was terrific. Charlie was our piano tuner, volunteering his time, and also the concert association president. We had a lot of laughs with everybody all day. Then there was Leo, the man who unlocks doors, and so much more. An hour before the show he hands me this long pole, and explains it’s for Hercules, the rat that has been found in the dressing room area. He said, “just shoe him away with this, and don’t worry, he only wants food.”
I tried to keep my composure, and then he started laughing. He got me!
Charlie announced me in a top hat and tails. Minutes before the concert, we stood backstage and talked with us about his airplane experiences as a pilot.
There was lots of energy in this group, and the audience, too. We really enjoyed playing tonight, and they cheered.
Frank and I have learned that it comes down to this: Pretend we’re playing at the Marriott, and just have fun! Audiences seem to love the spontaneity, and they have fun, too. Yes, we work hard, and practice a lot. That’s a given. But on stage, cut loose!
Funky piano? Well, I’ve played worse. At least it was a beautiful walnut finish that matched my hair.
Today was a four-star day. Goodnight,all.
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3 comments:
Thank you for the lovely concert in Delta CO. I hope your drive to Canyon City was uneventful.
Here in Delta, we seldom have access to well played piano music. (If we want to hear live Classical music, see a Broadway play, or the ballet we have to go to Denver or Salt Lake City.)
You mentioned your composing is influenced by Guaraldi. Both my husband and I noticed a lot of Frank Lloyd Weber also--Waltz for Allie, Portland Strut, Never Give Up, JoieDe Vivre. Perhaps he was influenced by Guaraldi as well. Don't know.
About 20 in the audience were from the Cedaredge area north of Delta. We are retired engineers, teachers, librarians, small business owners, commercial pilots, an Air Force JAG unit commander, CPAs, middle management personnel, and MDs. We hike and ski together, celebrate being alive together, go to concerts and events together, and enjoy having friends. To get to the concert most of us had to dig out our garages, driveways, and walks.
You were worth the effort. We enjoyed you imensely.
Come again. Sue Elkins
Sally and Frank,
You are not only a talented musician but an entertaining writer. Don't know how you find the time to keep up with your BLOG but it is fun to read. I am glad you are having such a terrific experience. Can't imagine how wonderful it must be for Sally to play all those Steinways.
Ah ha! I have figured out how to post a blog comment. Yeah!
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