Tim and I tend to be homebodies most evenings. What, we ask, could be better than a nice cup of green tea and a good book or a DVD lecture from the Teaching Company?
Every once in a while, though, it is good to shake things up. When Tim’s brother, Luke, generously gave him tickets to last evening’s concert with Joe Bonamassa at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, we had a rare night on the town.
It was stimulating to go out on a Saturday night specifically to see and hear something new.
Tim already knew of Joe Bonamassa’s virtuosity. Since I am much less well versed in current music (indeed, reliant on friends to make recommendations) I sought out some basic facts in advance. What I learned impressed me. First, his career was launched when he was just twelve years old and opened twenty shows for blues legend B.B. King. (To see a vintage photo of young Joe with King, click HERE and scroll down.) That was in 1989. Bonamassa recorded his first studio album in 2000 and now has over a dozen CDs,
(as well as concert DVD’s, mugs, t-shirts, you name it.) He also tours widely and internationally and is a consummate performer.
I enjoyed the chance to see and hear him live. I also enjoyed people-watching and simply being in the vintage space of the Orpheum Theatre (built in 1921 and owned by Bob Dylan from 1979 to 1988.) While Tim captured video, I was mesmerized by light effects as they translated to the central chandelier.
Now an admirer of his recent video, DRIVE, I was able to buy the new studio CD on which it appears, Blues of Desperation.
After a post-concert bite at a favorite restaurant, Cafe Maude, we listened to this track as we rolled along Highway 35 toward Northfield. All in all, we agreed it was a rare and wonderful evening. I realized the last big city concert we’d had attended was more than a dozen years ago. (Keb Mo’, the old Guthrie Theater, Keep It Simple had just been released. Before smart phones. Before I even had a flip-phone!) Probably it was high time to add a high decibel evening into our cozy customary entertainment. And it made us appreciate home even more–and look forward to the next season of The Great British Baking Show!
Hi Beverlee,
Always so good to hear from you! Happy Spring! Leslie
What a fun and charming peek at your fine life! Thank you