Today I’m finally going to finish writing about seeing Kittel & Co. and Maeve Gilchrist on Saturday night; yes, ancient history. We’ll start with a recap, sorry there’s no “skip recap” option. On Saturday Dan and I went to see Alkemie on the upper East side. That ended around 4:30. The next stop on our musical doubleheader was the aforementioned double bill, actually triple bill with ETHEL, at Rockwood Music Hall at 7 PM. That was pretty much perfect timing to get dinner in between. We headed down to your usual place, The Remedy Diner a few blocks from Rockwood. I love pre concert dinner with friends and postconcert dining with friends, and this counted as both. I love dinner burgers and fries.
We got to Rockwood about when we wanted to but do0rs were not open yet. We made a new friend on the line, a fiddler. I’m a terrible person and forgot his name. Instead of sitting at my usual seat, front row stage right, we sat with him, front row stage left. Does everyone know the terminology? Stage left, means left from the point of view of someone on the stage facing the audience. House left means from the audience’s point of view. I like saying stage because I grew up with cartoon characters saying, “Exit stage left!” See how honest I am with My Gentle Readers? I admit things like that.
First up was Maeve Gilchrist. She’s a harpist from Scotland that now lives in the center of civilization, Brooklyn. I first saw her playing with Jean Rohe. I love harp music, I love Scottish culture, and I love Jean, so no surprise that I love Maeve. She performed Harpweaver an 8-minute song based on a poem of the same name by Edna St. Vincent Millay. I’ve been trying to think of a way of playing that on Gord’s Gold. As you might expect, it’s ethereal beauty. I have not seen Maeve since before the pandemic, I needed the fix.
Then came Kittel & Co, named for Jeremy Kittel. I’ve seen Jeremy many times. He’s in my social circle. Why don’t I know him personally? I don’t know how these things work. I talk to everyone, how come I never spoke with him? Jeremy is a fiddler that plays what outsiders call bluegrass and bluegrass musicians call, “not bluegrass.” That’s a big genre. Jeremy and everyone in the & Co. is a virtuoso musician. I’m so lucky to live in a place where I can see great musicians like them, and Maeve, in small venues. I’ve seen them both at house concerts. Always make sure to appreciate what you have.
The third act was ETHEL. I am guessing that’s an acronym. It’s a string quartet, two violins, viola, and cello, along with a native American singer, chanter might be a better word, and flautist. It was interesting but didn’t work for me. If you want great native American music listen to Spirit Wing. I also prefer their dancing.
What have I been doing since then? On Martin Luther King Day I had an appointment for my infusion. That was great as I didn’t have to take a day off from school. I got there and guess what, they were closed. They screwed up. I specifically asked if they’d be open and was told they would be. Now I have to make another appointment and miss a day of work. Can I hear a boo? They have been absolutely wonderful till now so I won’t hold it against them. Everyone is still getting the COVID pass.
Remember that senior housing I wanted to get? I found out that I make too much money to get it. I need to find a wife and two kids to apply. I think I’ll find an alternative.
Tonight’s adventure is going to the Knick game. I’ve worked out the timing. Stop at Popeye’s on the way home, grab dinner, change clothes, then head out to the game. I’m changing clothes because the school sent us an email that we are supposed to dress professionally, no more t-shirts and jeans. I’m sad about that. So this is what I look like today; You can’t see the charcoal dress pants and dress shoes. I’ve received multiple compliments. I’d much rather be comfortable; that has always been my priority. I’m going to have to buy more clothes if I want to dress like this every day.
Wise Madness 