Last night I trekked down to Brooklyn to see the last Live From The Vault: The Songwriter Sessions. This series was Devlin Miles and Carolann Solebello’s attempt to recreate a Nashville songwriters in the round in New York. It always featured one of them and two guests. For the last session they both participated, and the guests were Abbie Gardner and Ina Mae Wool. It’s held at Putnam’s Pub and I joined Fred and Linda there for dinner. We got there before any of the performers, Abbie arrived first. I told Abbie that it’s a really weird space, she had never been there. After dropping her gear in the Vault, she came up and said, “It’s a really weird space.” That was gratifying. She then joined us until Carolann showed up and she could start setting up.
As an added bonus Bri accompanied Carolann to the show. It’s always great when I get to spend time with them. I sat in the strangest space of the strange space along with Bri and Alan. I was surprised how few people I knew in the audience. With those performers I thought I’d know everyone. Was Katherine Rondeau really the only other one I knew? I thought I might see Katherine Etzel, from Bobtown there and instead I saw a different Katherine and a different member of Bobtown. My mind will always run along lines like that. I’m a connection machine.
I heard new songs from all the performers which is difficult for Abbie and Carolann as I see them both often. All three go to Jack Hardy’s Songwriter’s Exchange. Everyone is supposed to bring a new song to each meeting of the Exchange, that keeps them active. Jack believed that the best way to be a better songwriter is to write songs. I’m with Jack. It’s part of why I try to write every day even when I am not feeling inspired. It’s working out my writing muscles.
It was a special evening with a little sadness as it was the last of the series at Putnam’s. They are going to try and at least irregularly keep it going. I’ll let you know when they plan a show so you can join the fun.
After the show I stayed late, what a shock, and hung out with the performers and Bri. Then I tore myself away as I had a long trip home. There are many options on how to get home and I let Google Maps choose the one that has the best timing for me. That was impossible as my phone was dead. I brought two charges but no connecting cable. I then made every choice wrong. I had no idea when the bus would come so I walked down to the G train. I could get home taking it in either direction. They come on separate platforms. I heard a train coming. I ran down to the platform. The wrong platform. I figured I’d stay there as the next train would come in that direction. Ha! Two more trains came in the other direction before mine came. Then I had a long wait for the E train and another long wait for the D. It took me forever to get home. I didn’t get enough sleep and now I’m pressed for time; That’s why I’m writing less about the show than usual. Now to get this posted, make breakfast, and shower before I leave for therapy.
Wise Madness 