A few days ago I said that I had nothing planned. I was wrong. I have something planned for every day. Yesterday’s plans were made on the fly. First I went over to see Jane who is in from Portland to take care of things at the apartment she’s trying to sell. We didn’t get much done. I just realized that I never checked if I got the TV working. A light that I fixed last time she was in is broken again. I have no idea what’s going on with that.
I was rewarded by finding I had a package waiting for me. I never arranged to have my mail forwarded. I have to do that. This was a special package; a Festivus present from Trish, No Chewing Allowed chocolate truffles and hot chocolate mix. That’s the one I describe as a cup of orgasm! Thank you Trish. Jane and I went to eat at the Snug, the pub down the block. I had bangers and mash. I got to spend quality time with Jane. That’s a good day.
My good day got better. Bob texted me to say that he had an extra ticket to see Jill Sobule at Joe’s Pub. If I could afford it I would never miss Jill, so of course I said yes. When did I Kissed a Girl come out, 1996? Whatever it is I’ve been seeing her regularly since then. I like I figured out something. When I started blogging I kept thinking that there was an “I” in her name, perhaps Sobiule. I never knew why I wanted to put that “I” in. Now I have a theory. Around the same time I discovered Jill, I discovered Jane Siberry. She too has a four letter first name starting with a J and a last name starting with an S. I suspect the I from Jane’s name slid into Jill’s spelling in my mind. Or I could just be an idiot.
Jill had special guests, songwriters that influenced her that she is now friends with. The first was Loudon Wainwright. That makes so much sense. They are both brilliant and sardonic and funny and skilled wordsmiths. They use the exact right word. The difference between the exact right word and the right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. I should have always seen the connection. Instead I have always associated Jill with Amy Rigby, another brilliant songwriter. That too is apt but not seeing Loudon is influenced by their sexes.
Her second guest was another favorite of mine that I never would have guessed, Tony Trishka. Did she ever say his last name? I think she might have just said Tony. He’s part of a totally different world in my head, the neo-trad scene. He’s one of the world’s great banjo players. This connection was not obvious but I was thrilled to see him.
The third was Tracy Bonham. I know her name but was not familiar with her. I don’t know how apt it is she’s an influence on Jill.
The last was Richard Barone who I’ve known for ages, I knew he wrote with Jill. I just forgot about it. He’s part of many separate musical world. I haven’t seen him in ages. Ages might be six months. I’m just used to seeing him more often.
When I was shown to my seat I didn’t see Bob and Stephanie. That’s because they were at the next table. There was an open seat at mine; it belonged to Bob’s friend Maria. Maria is now famous. When Jill sang “I Kissed a Girl” she sang it about Maria and kissed her at the end. Bob caught it on video. You can see me at the very end.
Today I have therapy and see my new psychiatrist for the first time. I have lots of music planned over the weekend. TAARKA on Saturday then Dan Rauchwerk Sunday Afternoon followed by The Bright Siders, the collaboration of Kristin Andreasen & Kari Groff, speaking of psychiatrists, followed by Kaia Kater, followed by Lulu Wiles at Rockwood. Come join me. These are all huge recommendations.
Now I have a special treat for breakfast, French Toast. I have not been making that often enough. I bought Challah the other day and forgot to make it yesterday. Today I remember.
This is a very sunny edition of Wise Madness. My life sucks and I’m clinically depressed yet I manage to be happy. I don’t know how that works.
Wise Madness 