The joys of free music

2006-07-24 - 8:47 a.m.

Saturday night was my friends' annual backyard shindig. Their whole family and many of their friends are musicians, so what starts as a bbq ends up as a jam session late into the night. The threat of more storms chased the music setup into the living room instead of the deck, but with the windows wide open you could hear the music wherever you were. We all sang Beatles, motown and other classic rock together til two in the morning. Wondrous way to spend the evening.

Sunday the weather cleared up beautifully so E and I headed down to Penn's Landing for some free music on the Delaware River.

Finally got to see the raucous Buckwheat Zydeco. Had a great time watching the folks on the dance floor going crazy. We watched a boy of about ten lead like mad, running his partner through all sorts of turns, dips and swanky steps. The boy was clearly raised swing dancing, had a natural fluidity and will be able to pick up women for his entire life. :)

Next up was an up and coming country guy, Trent Tomlinson. He wasn't particularly good, but his band was excellent. Original guitarist from the Black Crowes, bass player from Sister Hazel, Kid Rock's steel guitar player...at one point, Trent said some wise man once told him never to cover a Prince song, but he was going to do it anyway. He sang Purple Rain and wow, was that wise man spot on. He carried off a cover of Georgia far better.

Final act was Mary Chapin Carpenter, doing an acoustic set that went by all too quickly. Beautiful songwriting, stunningly personal voice, and a real focus on what's really going on in the world. Her new song, Houston, about Katrina victims was phenomenal.

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