So when my friend cancelled out on me to go see the Carl Palmer Band, I decided I wasn’t staying home regretting not going. I remember the words “Do one thing a day that scares you.” Ok, maybe it doesn’t scare me exactly, but I do feel uncomfortable going certain places solo. Finding out at the gas station that my credit card was missing could have been another excuse not to go.
But I did go anyway- and glad I did. I met some amazing new friends, who gave me a warm welcome, and got to witness probably the best drummer I have ever seen in my life – Carl Palmer. The energy and mastery of his art was mesmerizing to watch. Indeed, beyond any expectations I might have had. Mad respect for this guy! Still fit and thundering away with precision and fury. His guitarists were damn good, too (Paul and Simon, guitar and bass respectively). I won’t deny that I missed hearing Greg’s voice and Keith’s keyboards, but hopefully if they ever get together again I’ll fly wherever just to hear them. I suppose I shouldn’t have missed the HVF.
Great show, and the standing ovation for Carl was well-deserved.
And the following night, I get to see two of my favorite current alternative bands, Breathe Carolina and Mayday Parade – I could add Artist vs Poet here, too, but we arrived late *sad face* and missed their set. But Breathe Carolina= non-stop DANCE PARTY, yeah! I’m only sorry I was wearing heels 'cause I really wanted to take off those boots and jump and scream (which I did anyway).
We saw Nate Novarro in the bar and had a quick chat before David Schmitt showed up solo – perfect timing to give him his drawing and some prints. He’s thrilled "legit, it’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten" and we get carte blanche at the merch table for free t-shirts and posters. Awww….SWEET. I just love watching these kids reach for their dreams and see them shine, as they begin to see them come true.
They are so wonderfully appreciative of all the attention. Fame hasn’t smacked them into jaded rock stars. I hope it never does. The best of us do what we do for the love of the art, and it’s as natural as breathing and just another extension of who we are. Recognition has nothing to do with it – if it happens, it’s just the icing on the cake. At least that's how I look at my own career.
So everything collides…and time no longer seems linear. I feel old and young at the same time. I give myself permission to do anything I please, so long as it doesn’t go against my principles. We always, always have choices, even when we think we don’t. Imagine. Down with self-limiting beliefs! It’s a great life!
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