A Great Weekend of Music

Twenty or thirty years ago it was no problem to attend back to back concerts on Friday and Saturday night. And even get by on a couple of hours sleep in between events. That was then and this is now as I’m a year into my sixth decade on this planet. But since the opportunity recently presented itself, I gave two nights in a row of live music a “thumbs up.”

BowlingWidow wanted no part of either show, opting for a full night’s sleep or two instead. So I met friends at both venues, in Seattle and Bellingham respectively. Night one was dinner and the early show at Jazz Alley. This is hands down the best place to see a concert in the Puget Sound. Not a bad seat in the house, and even the docile smooth jazz music of Peter White was pleasing in that setting.

Peter White: In Concert

You see, I was a fan of Peter White when he used to play intriguing Spanish guitar licks and other catchy solos for Al Stewart back in the 70s and 80s. Then he moved on to find a niche in the market by playing Kenny G’s music. Oh, well, I guess a guy has to make a living.

Our Jazz Alley dinner seats were literally front and center. So close in fact that I was able to easily swipe Peter White’s set list at the end of the show. Unfortunately, while I was meeting Peter and having him sign a few CD covers for me later, I made the mistake of showing him the set list and asking him to sign that, too. Peter simply looked at it, looked up at me and said, “I think I need that for the next set.” What could I do except to sheepishly hand it back to him?

BowlingJoe with Peter White: Did he REALLY have to take back the set list that I swiped?

The next night, after our monthly book group meeting in Bellingham, fellow Plummeting Tortoise Steven and I headed to the Bellingham YWCA. I didn’t even know there were still YWCAs around but here we were in residential Bellingham getting ready to watch a concert at their intimate ballroom on Forest Street.

Saturday night’s show was by a legend of Traditional Irish music named Andy Irvine. He’s an incredibly talented guitarist and singer, although not nearly as popular as Lady Gaga. Irvine has been around a long time, playing music around the world both as a solo act and with such traditional groups as Patrick Street. I first heard him a couple of years back, on the radio while driving through Ireland. His latest CD, “Abocurragh”, was just released at that time (which is excellent, by the way)

Andy Irvine: up close and personal

As a bonus to seeing Irvine at a tiny venue, Steven was able to snag us seats in the front row where it was easy to enjoy watching his masterful guitar work. Yes, it was a nice weekend for live music. Forget about overpriced arena rock/pop shows. Those years are behind me. THIS is the real way to see, hear, and appreciate live music. Here is a video clip of Andy Irvine from that night: