Has the return to standard time got my circadian rhythm in better alignment with the clocks? When’s the last time I started writing as early as 9:19 AM? This is when I want to start writing. Yesterday was a long day. Two of my friends had cataract surgery and I was their escort from the hospital back to their apartment. As an apostle of cataract surgery, I was happy to help. The surgery was done at the Mount Sinai eye clinic on 14th street and Second Ave. I am feeling very George Costanza, proud of my navigating New York and hospitals skills. I knew what time the first friend was scheduled to be at the hospital. Based on my experience I figured out when he was likely to get out and tried to arrive a little before then. I arrived at the hospital, did the COVID-19 check-in, and went to the waiting room. Only then did I discover that the hospital would call me when he was ready, I didn’t have to wait in the hospital. I decided to grab a slice of $1 across the street. I finished the slice and got a text that he was out from the procedure. His friend went in 45 minutes after him but was further delayed. She went into surgery as he came out. He finished the muffin and juice they give after the procedure and was then taking off the IV and given his discharge papers. I was surprised that he didn’t have the protective cup over his eye like I had. Most of the other patients had one, but theirs were better than mine. Mine was white plastic with only small holes I could see out of. The new ones are clear, but my friends had their eyes exposed. They were given ordinary sunglasses not the large ones that fit over your glasses. I don’t know how much is progress in the last two years and how much is simply different doctors following different practices.
As an experienced patient I proved of some use especially when my friend went to the locker where his things were stored and couldn’t find his house keys. I told him to relax and do things systematically, they were there. We went to the waiting room and before we started, I said, “Check your pockets.” They were there. This is more about me being experienced losing things than being a patient.
His girlfriend had some further delays, but we met her when she got out of surgery. Things were backed up then and she had a long wait for the nurse to take out the IV. The remarkable thing about cataract surgery is that you feel fine when it’s over, not at all weak. You want to be up and around. When she was finally taken care of, we left and took a cab back to her apartment. That was the most difficult part of the process. I escorted them back to her building and my duties were done. My next order of business was getting in my walk. She lives on Eighth Avenue in Chelsea and I had to get to Rockwood Music Hall in the Lower East Side for John Platt’s On Your Radar. I set my fitness app for a 3-mile walk and started out.
The timing was perfect for me to stop for dinner before the show. By good fortune I came into some extra money and decided to treat myself to a real dinner out. My first plan was to go to Katz’s Deli; I haven’t been there since the before times. When I got there, I had only walked 2.65 miles and sadly found myself not in mood for Deli food. That’s rare but the thought did not appeal to me even though I knew I’d love it if that’s the way I went. I decided to essentially walk around the block to see if I found something more to my liking and bring my distance up to 3 miles. As I walked down Ludlow, I realized that I hadn’t been to the creperie there in ages. When the Living Room was open, I went there all the time as it was a block away. Now it’s been years, so I decided to see if they are still in business. They were, I love Creperie NYC. I had my usual, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and banana.
I had second thoughts as I arrived and saw there was a new Belgian Fries place across the street, Bel-Fries. After my crepe I decided that was desert and to try out the new frites place. I’m glad I did They were fantastic. I was deciding between the peanut satay and the garlic aioli sauce and tried them both. They were both great, I went with the satay. I had a lovely chat with Ren (Wren?) who was behind the counter. I’m proud that I remember her name. These might become my go to before or after Rockwood eateries. Bel-Fries is open late night, so that’s great for after the show. I ate the crepes at an outdoor table and ate the fries as I walked. Even though I ate dessert first that order made more sense as you can’t eat a crepe while you walk.
I got to Rockwood just as Christine Sweeney the first act arrived. The first act does soundcheck last. I went in with her entourage. Another miracle, I remember the name of her guitar player, Dave. With the opening up of night life I have to work my way back to learning names of people. The only way to do it is to make a conscious effort to do so and to use their names. Christine is the only one on the bill I knew. I had met her at NERFA and maybe the Huntington Folk Festival.
When the doors opened the first one to join us downstairs was Fred who has always joins me at my table. Richard and Viki also front row regulars came in close on his heels. Then nobody for a while I got nervous about the turnout. There was no need; it wasn’t a sell-out, but the show was well attended, they just didn’t arrive early. As the show started, I saw few empty seats.
Christine had quite the cheering section which was great as they all formed a choir on the singalongs. This is a folk show, there are singalongs. It’s in the constitution. I don’t know Christine well, but I felt comfortable enough with her to give her my ultimate sign of affection, I heckled. When she huddled with Dave to decide what song to finish the set with, I said, “The good one!” She took my advice. It was a good one!
The next act up was the New Students or as I think of them, the New Students on the Block. They are a five-piece genre jumping string band. They said their home base was bluegrass, but they didn’t play any bluegrass. They had a mandolin and a banjo so people that don’t know what bluegrass is will call it bluegrass. They are also a harmony group, one song reminded me of CSN&Y and others of Peter Paul and Mary, as such they are right in John Platt’s wheelhouse. I learned two of their names, Matt and Brianna or is it Brianne? Hey I’m close.
We finished the evening with San Francisco based Rachel Garlin. It came out in the interview that she lived in New York for a while and was a regular at Jack Hardy’s songwriter’s exchange. As she had two touchpoints with Mya I asked if she knew her. She said she knew her well. I love when that happens. Rachel had a great idea, she had the New Students and Christine join her for a grand finale, Derek and the Domino’s Layla. An appropriate choice for Rachel as her wife’s name is Layla. I have never met a Layla.
Many of the regulars were missing last night but I had two musician friends in the audience, Rorie Kelly and Nico Padden. They are both friends with Christine. Just the day before I recorded an introduction for Rorie to be used at virtual NERFA. It’s a small world.
Even though I got my walking in earlier I decided I needed some more after the show, I often do. I didn’t take a long walk, just one subway stop to Broadway Lafayette, that let me stretch my legs, walk in the city at night, and wait for one fewer train. If I hadn’t walked earlier, I’d have walked to West 4th street.
There’s nothing on my calendar for today but tomorrow I’m going down to Symphony Space to see Mile 12 and virtual NERFA starts then too. I’m going to miss my own participation in the DJ showcase. I’ll have to find time to watch it late as that’s always one of the best places to discover new music. Unlike the physical conference this is open to the public for a mere $30. That’s countless hours of great music; here’s the link, NERFA 2021 Conference.
I finished writing in the morning! It’s only 11:08 AM. Huzzah.
Wise Madness 