Nora has a very good friend whose father is the musical director (I’m not sure that is the precise title) who allowed us to sit in the orchestra pit for the Eugene Ballet Company production of The Nutcracker. I’ve never seen a show from this angle and it was absolutely fantastic. Ear plugs were necessary, and watching the coordination of the musicians and the stage people as done by the conductor was incredible. Some photos below:
Took a lunch sabbatical today to see Eric Koskinen play some of his songs, along with Eric Heywood on pedal steel and Jeremy Moses Curtis on bass guitar. Super way to grab a bite at a lovely bakery / cafe (South Pine Bakery) in Eugene that I’d never been to before.
Went to two very good shows in December: Gregory Alan Isakov and Bruce Cockburn. Bruce Cockburn has been one of my most loved musicians in my life. I have had the chance to see him many times over the 30 years of following his work. My friend Daniel invited me to attend the sound check, which was lovely as always. GAI: Bruce Cockburn:
A favorite Thanksgiving Song. *Hat tip* to John. (That’s Why There’s No) Thanksgiving Song.mp3 (That’s Why There’s No) Thanksgiving Song Can’t sing along, cuz there’s no Thanksgiving song Pieces of April, now scattered round the table How many more, that’s what this day is for Take the tin foil from the tray, set silverware and plates Paper napkins from the drawer Too gold to stay too long… that’s why there’s Cheap beer and football, sweet wine and pratfalls Careful when you go to plate the cranberries should keep the shape Of thecan, our silly yearly plan Makes us laugh until we shake, what little sense it makes To save the expiration date Too gold to stay too long…. that’s why there’s no Thanksgiving song…
This guy – Jeffrey Foucault – has been a solid favorite of mine for years. He just released a new recording and one that I have on repeat at the moment. Powerful words wrapped in simple chords and gritty vocals. Americana. Enjoy. Do the dishes With the windows open Soak the dirt From under your nails Pour a double Put a record on the table The light’s always perfect Just before it fails Bow your head down When you break bread together Close your eyes Make a circle of hands There is nothing That cannot be taken from you In this life You just hold on To the love that we have Swing the ax In the hours before daylight Note the sparks That…