A VAN MORRISONLY FUN EVENING

 February 28, 2024

                Thursday 

                  4:40pm

Boss and I get our stuff together and migrate to the car.  I put in the directions to the Fox Theater in Oakland California.  Of all the days it decides to rain; of course it would be this one.  That is totally okay.  Both Boss and I are in a pretty good mood. 

I created a playlist especially for the hour and forty minute trip.  I call the list affectionately "Trip To Van Morrison."

Before I back out of our apartment complex parking lot, I start the playlist.

As soon as Boss sees the title he lets out a laugh.  

He knows I wasn't going anywhere without creating a proper playlist for the occasion.

When I travel I usually create a long eclectic mix of music for my journey.  Today; even though I have a variety of music on my playlist, Van Morrison is the the featured artist.  I thought it would be appropriate since we have tickets to see him live.

It is just like old times when we would go out to concerts; way before Covid changed everything.  

It is the first time in a very long time in which Boss  actually got to go on a long distance trip with me to a concert.  With work and various limitations it has been challenging; not to mention actually finding someone that sparks our interest enough to pay out the money these ticket prices are basically robbing us for. 

Regardless of the on and off raining condition, the drive was very pleasant.  It brought back many memories of trips we took together.  And as strange as it may seem; it was good just hearing his voice in the car with me.  Boss sometime have a way of locking himself in the office and disappearing into work.  I often find myself in my own little world as well until dinner time.  

But for the first time neither one of us is consumed with anything.  We are just enjoying our time together.

About 7:00pm

We are in the venue. We have plenty of time before the concert at 8pm so I buy us some soft drinks as we chat. 

A few minutes before 8pm

Something that I never saw happen; The lights go down the crowd begins to cheer as the band

members walk on the stage.

The concert actually starts on time; as a matter of fact a few minutes early even!

The announcer introduces him to the stage and the crowd goes wild.

The beat drops and everyone feels the electricity of the music and the belting of his voice.  Both Boss and I are having a great time.  Even though I am unfamiliar with this song I am loving it. 

I figure the next few songs will be songs I am unfamiliar with.  Although I am familiar with his hits, I have yet to delve into his full albums.

The next three songs were a mixture of fast dance songs as well as some funky blues.

Ironically, I have always been more familiar with his ballads such as "Crazy Love", "And It Stoned Me", "Tupelo Honey".  There are his upbeats like "Moondance" and Who can forget "Brown Eyed Girl".  The list goes on.

As each song ends, I anticipate an old familiar.

"Not this one.  Maybe the next."

After about thirty minutes into the concert I finally let go of my anticipations and just enjoy the show.

I turn to my left to see my husband clapping, smiling and bobbing his head to the beat.  

Obviously some of the songs he's performing are songs from other artists as my husband is singing along with him.  

Ironically I am unfamiliar with just about every song he sings with the exception of the closing act

"Gloria."

Talking about bringing the house down! 

The entire building rocked.  There was not a single soul that wasn't participating in the madness. It was a phenomenal moment.

I have attended some okay concerts, I attended some very good concerts and then there are moments that are phenomenal.  They are more than concerts they are actual moments that are beyond describable.  This is one of those moments.

What I learned from Mr. Morrison and the whole experience; there is not any need to bring any expectations to the door.  Don't come with one's own expected play list and just have fun. 

I didn't hear anyone say, "He didn't play... " because the entire crowd was too busy having a good time.

And I believe the most important lesson learned as I look to my left at my husbands elated face and clapping hands is to cherish every moment like such and continue to be in awe of the beautiful life experiences we have together.