Am I really OLD?

WHAT MAKES PEOPLE TICK? …

It was Friday morning, I sat relaxing with my coffee, while thinking of last night’s show that had me out until almost 4:00 am. I smiled as the words of my sweet mother broke my relax when she screamed them to me over the phone, “Juanita, you are just too OLD to be going out late at night like that.” She added, “I am telling you that I insist you STOP that!”  With a huge smile I answered, “Yes, Momma.” Knowing all the while that I am not about to stop. I plan to LIVE my life my way. I am with my grown son, doesn’t my mother understand it is not like I am just hanging out…I am supporting my son and his music and enjoying the show at the same time. If that means occasionally being out really late, so be it. She never got upset about the all night shifts I had as a telephone operator or years later while working in the Emergency Rooms of two local hospitals. I guess it is the fact that I am “OLD” that bothers her. My thought is, it is pretty scary when even your mother calls you OLD!

Tonight’s show was one that I had looked forward to for a few weeks. Eric had played this same location before for an independent music group formed by faculty members and students at his college alma mater. It was great before so I was certain it would be again. The show is held in the back room of a coffee house that is located less than a mile from the university. Those who run it are polite and respectful and the show is a listening room event; my favorite. The room is quite small and holds a cozy crowd that is there to hear the original music being performed by the makers of that music.

My son was the opening act for a man I had not heard before. He was from Indiana but had played many places and he looked like a member of the cast from Duck Dynasty. Because he looked like he would fit right in with those guys, I immediately thought he would be funny and friendly.

The organizers of the show had everything set up to record the event and were quite excited about the evening as well.

The announcer took the stage and thanked everyone for being there, he then told us all of the requirements of this musician that was the star of the show.

First of all he insisted they remove all taping apparatus so there would be no recording, even partially or accidentally, he insisted NO recording would take place. Then he advised upfront that he would not allow any electronic devices to be functioning in the room. We were not allowed to just silence our phones or put them on airplane mode, they had to be completely off. Also no cameras were allowed. This musician did not like his picture being taken and would not tolerate it no matter who was doing the taking of the picture.

Though he was there early (like us), he did not enter the room to hear any of my son’s performance, and would only enter after a proper introduction and once he had an ability to make a grand entrance.

This musician made several negative remarks about our city and the “Shit hole” hotel he was staying in as well. He remarked, “I was in Vegas last night and now I am in the EXOTIC  Mobile, Alabama!” It was the way he said it that bothered me.

Don't misunderstand, he was a very skilled guitarist, a very skilled songwriter and was full of talent. Absolutely a good musician all around.

After the show ended, he sat at a table selling his merchandise and a very nice man snapped a picture as he autographed a CD. He scolded the picture taker and said again, “I do NOT like anyone to take my picture.”

Everyone has their own quirks and ways. We do not always understand them and I am not attempting to figure him out.

I have thought many times about this performer since that night and at the same time hoped there would never come a time when my son would act that way to those who took their time and spent their money to enjoy his presence.

I have not included this gentleman’s name and I will not.  I do think he needs a few hours on a couch while a professional listener sits nearby with a pen and pad taking notes (no recordings of course). Perhaps his story would make a good song?