At the Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, N.Y.
and all his wonderful staff, band, friends and fans.
Yesterday can be described in two words:
Peak Experience.
We were blessed to get tickets to this sold out Birthday bash and further blessed to be sitting in the front row balcony overlooking the stage.
The potluck barbecue before the show made everyone slow down, eat a little, hear a preview of Electric Dirt, Levon Helm's new release due out soon.
see LevonHelm.com
It was beautiful spring weather and the storm held off.
Levon's studio is a warm inviting post and beam barn with concertgoers perched on the floor and seemingly in the rafters as we were.
The first band was Matt Sucich and the Vanderette's. They are a delightful cast of musicians with heartfelt songs and music to complement their life messages and tales to tell. Matt gave a taste of his rowdy side and we and the crowd enjoyed their show.
We bought several of their CD's in hand painted covers showcasing early work. Listened today and we both enjoyed them.
Then Larry Campbell, Amy Helm, Theresa Williams and the other musicians I cannot name: the fabulous Brass orchestra, guitar, organ, and others came on stage and got set to play and then the moment we had anticipated when Levon Helm walks onstage. The whole barn warmed with the audience hootin' and hollerin' and reeling in the moment.
Levon made a facial "O" and after a quick nod around he ripped into Ophelia.
They did 28 songs in a row and Levon stayed in for all of them.
His subtle moves and looks between him and band members
communicated silently his question, correction, direction, order or nod of approval.
Levon sings, drums and plays mandolin and he is a warm hearted soul who adds emotion to the words and he clearly enjoys what he does with all his heart.
We all sang Happy Birthday and they got him a nice cake printed with the Electric Dirt album cover image.
Words cannot properly express the vision of Levon playing his drums, his looks to the audience, his soulful interpretations, his precision quiet communication with multiple band members. If you ever have an opportunity to go to a Midnight Ramble, go to levonhelm.com and check it out.
I kept peering over the railing at the hands of the extraordinary Donald Fagen and wondering, "Who is that man?". I am bad with names. Then he sang his own work and my light bulb went off.
The brass section were powerful and polished.
Amy Helm and Theresa Williams harmonized beautifully and gracefully.
Larry Campbell plays Violin, mandolin, guitar and voice and if I leave out details, forgive me. He is really quite talented and his music soulful.
Fred and I are celebrating the year of being married 25 years. We felt we had to do something truly
Stellar
And the Midnight Ramble realigned our commitment to each other and that no matter how the world treats you, you can still go to Woodstock, listen to some Stellar Music and retreat even for an evening into a rare and special place where you can see the music being made like the nebulae make stars.
We will never forget our special night at the Midnight Ramble.
Tomorrow back to the garden.
We are going back tonight.mary 05.26.2012
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