Christmas spirit had left the building...

As I stood there waiting, she came running towards me, stumbling and yelling as though her life was in danger. I turned to get a better look as security guards and a policeman surrounded the two of us. It was an unexpected happening as I innocently stood near my son’s PA system, guitar and mike stand. He had jogged into the parking lot to get the car while I waited at the door of the Casino.

                                

It was by then the wee hours of December 26th the day after Christmas. Moments earlier I stood there with the sounds of “Silent Night” softly coming from the outside speakers above my head. My son Eric had played a late night gig at a Mississippi Casino on Christmas night and I accompanied him. It was very nice, made even better by the presence of two of his favorite musician friends, the Van Etten brothers. They came with a girlfriend and their mother to enjoy the show. Both eventually took the stage and played some of their original music and some cover songs as well. All in all it was a great night. 

The event was over and our thoughts had turned to home. Now we were preparing to leave that casino.

The woman who ran out screaming, followed closely by 5 security guards and a policeman, had been told to leave the premises or face a possible arrest. She screamed, “Merry Fucking Christmas!” over and over, while I stood only a couple of feet away. Then she looked at me and screamed, “Are you with THEM?” ”You are all laughing at me!” First of all no one was laughing or even smiling. There were somber faces all around.  At that point I started responding that I was just waiting on my son; as I watched her closely in hopes that she did not step on or fall on his speakers. It was about that time that I turned to all of the security people and declared clearly, “I do not know this lady, I am only waiting on my son to get the car.”

Meanwhile this woman continued to use the F-word freely and she said this casino was ghetto, it was slimy, they did not treat her right. As she screamed so close to me, I noticed she was a natural beauty, dressed in very tight jeans with glitter on the pockets. Her low-cut top was a pretty magenta color, she had long curly brown hair that was in a disarray and sweaty looking. She had no control of herself, or her behavior or even her ability to stand up straight as she staggered and awkwardly stood, grabbing the brick wall nearby often to keep herself upright. It was very clear that she was intoxicated.

She exchanged some not too pleasant words with the guards as I entertained thoughts of an escape plan if things escalated. Moments later my son pulled up right in front of me and I sure was happy to see him. He quickly hopped out and asked if everything was ok. He told me later that he was shocked to see me surrounded by security and police. The security helped him load up his equipment and we left. 

I thought about it as we traveled home. How could such a normal appearing person allow themselves to get to this state of frustration? She obviously felt mistreated and disrespected, yet she was passing those same emotions to everyone in hearing range. Her anger was palpable and her unhappiness was hugely demonstrated. I do not believe anyone could have said anything that would have calmed her.

I feel certain this young woman was normally a pleasant person, perhaps it was the ingestion of too much alcohol, perhaps it was a deep sadness in her life. It could have been a combination of things that caused this bizarre show she was putting on for us. 

It was Christmas night, she had been at a casino alone for hours, that speaks volumes to me. I felt pain in my heart for her. She was probably in her mid thirties, she had lots of natural beauty, she has her whole life ahead of her. I wanted to shake some sense into her. I wanted to tell her everything is going to be alright. Sadlly everything may not be alright in her life. 

She is living her life in chains and does not know she holds the key. 

Themed Christmas Party!

All in FUN…

The bright green lights that were her earrings, blinked with a rapid rhythm as she spoke which made it difficult to follow whatever it was she was trying to tell me. I am sure that her words were eloquent, but my eyes kept jumping to those lights and the other lights around us and the mesmerizing blinking of bright green that screamed out at me made it near impossible to concentrate.

It was a Christmas party and all those present were ready for fun. Many had likely spent days or weeks planning, and some actually making their attire for this evening. When we arrived it was early and only a handful of people were there at the time, most were helping with the last minute details of the food and drinks and such things.

Unlike most shows that my son plays, this one was in a residential area and was a private party. The home was lovely. It was beautifully decorated, it screamed hello with so many bright lights and a beautiful reindeer at the street. A huge stocking with a whimsical look was on the front door welcoming the guests warmly. It was a place that was warm, friendly and magical. The Christmas tree had the backside of an elf poking out; it appeared he had taken a dive into the tree and gotten stuck there. This tree was fabulously decorated with some of the most unique and unusual ornaments I had seen. The decorations spoke to me, and they said, “We are happy”, “We are a filled with whimsy and joy”, “Please join us in celebrating Christmas!” What more could any guest want?

The number of guests had grown by the time my son began playing his music; many of these fancifully dressed people gathered to hear him. Some danced, some just listened, all were appreciative and gracious. There were many who were familiar with him and his music and for others it was a new experience. It is always fascinating as I observe the differences in people as they listen to music. People are unique in how they feel music and how deeply it touches them. Some will stand and sway, while others can’t be still, it grabs them all the way into their bones; yet some are like pillars of stone. I often wonder if these stoic ones are feeling it more profoundly than anyone but are unable to express it openly.

My attention was suddenly directed to a man who was friendly, kind and full of spirit, and his outfit was hilarious. He wore a very tight sweater that looked like the top of a Santa costume. I noticed each button was holding on for dear life and preparing to let go and shoot across the room at any moment. The fabric appeared to bow out between each button while straining to hold itself together. Then there was the tights, and those were likely the tightest tights I had ever seen. There was a pattern of some sort but I tried not to stare at his tights.  He wore snowman socks and bright red santa slippers with a row of white puffiness around the top in Santa style. After taking all of that in, I looked at his face and he had the most wonderful smile I have ever seen. He was happy and he was joyful throughout the night.

I saw many others wearing tights, two or three more were men but the majority were women. I have to say the tights looked the best of the ladies. One lady wore a pair that was brightly colored and had large candy canes in the pattern, they definitely drew your eye to her legs and it was difficult to look away.

I saw several costumes that were homemade for sure. It appeared they had gotten a regular sweat shirt or long sleeved shirt and attached garland and glitter. Some had even used Christmas stockings and other Christmas decorations they somehow had sewn on or perhaps glued.

Then I spied a couple that were my personal favorite. He wore a dark sport coat, a dress shirt and tie with a pair of pajama pants that one might wear at Christmastime. I believe the pajama pattern was snowmen but I do not remember for sure. He was tall, trim and looked very handsome. She wore a Santa suit that was unusual. It was red and white. It had the large black belt at the waist. It was what you might call form-fitted. It fit close to her body to show off her beautiful figure. I thought she looked adorable; I wanted to be her. She had pretty blonde hair that was pulled back in a ponytail and she looked happy as she danced and spoke with her partner.

The party was a success in my opinion. The hosts were pleasant and gracious, their home was fabulous and fabulously decorated. There was food galore and drinks galore for their guests to partake of and they were attentive to the needs of everyone who came. They had a raffle entry and name tags just inside the front door and that added a bonus to the party. The guests were intrigued as each one hoped to win the prize.

When someone decides to host a party it is a big commitment. These hosts thought of everything that could make for a fun night for their invited guests. No stone was left unturned in their plans and preparation for last night. If it was the county fair, they should get the Blue Ribbon. I hope they have a wonderful, FUN and Merry Christmas as they have added so much to the holiday season for so many people, including me. I would like to thank Brent for how welcoming and kind he was to me and to my son. 

It’s Officially Christmastime!

Immediately I could see some of my favorite people when I pulled up to the back door of the venue. They were all wearing “ugly” Christmas sweaters along with great big smiles. Ross, Ben, Gram, and Greg are members of a fabulous band called, The Mulligan Brothers. If you have not heard them, you should. Their music gives your heart a reason to keep beating and just makes you feel like a better person. After hugs all around with them, I went on to hug many other musicians who would be performing that night. 

It was the annual 2nd Tuesday 92-ZEW Radio Christmas Show that was held at Azalea Manor in Mobile. I was aware there would be a big crowd but it was amazingly packed out. All chairs were filled and many stood for hours to watch as Christmas came alive via the tremendous talent of local musicians who had all volunteered their time to perform for all of Mobile’s music lovers. 

As I perused the crowd as far as I could see there were many familiar faces, some old friends and some new ones. Also many were people I had not met before, yet all were joyous and eager to hear and feel this sweet barrage of Christmas songs that was coming. I heard many people say, “Now it is officially Christmas time!” “This has put me in the Christmas Spirit!” and other similar statements.

There were children near the edge of the stage who jumped and twirled and sang along with “Jingle Bells” and many other songs. This happy energy and expression of feelings was not limited to the children; many adults held each other and swayed to “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” as well. My heart was warmed by the sight.

Ryan Balthrop sang an original Christmas song about a family who was going through tough times but coming out just fine. He has the ability to reach right in and grab hold of your heart with his music and let you know no matter what happens, you are going to be alright. Thanks Ryan!

The backing band for most of the show was a band we all know called PEEK! A group of wonderful musicians who donate their time to this and many other worthy causes. They have talent, they have heart and the show would not have been what it was without these men. Gene Murrell (from 92ZEW) accompanied everyone on the keyboard. Tim Camp (92ZEW) played on a couple of tunes as well. I thank PEEK, and 92ZEW for giving back to the people of Mobile in such a tremendous way, Merry Christmas to you all!

Stereo Dogs is a group of four young people who are still too young to drive but they sure know how to drive the music. They brought the crowd to its feet more than once as they performed with so much energy and excitement! This is a band that is going places, keep your eye out for them! 

One standout song was “The Grinch” which is one of the songs my son Eric Erdman always sings for this show. Kids and adults seem to just love his rendition of that song. A man named Paul who sat to my left sang every word. I was amazed because that is a long song with lots of strange lyrics. It is surprising how such a song is a true Christmas favorite at this annual event, for the young and the not so young. 

I met a musician whose name I had heard but I had never seen perform before last night, Jamell Richardson. He is often called the “Gulf Coast Blues Boy”and he sure can sing the blues. He is mighty good on that guitar as well. He and Eric partnered up on a couple of songs. When Jamell got warmed up I thought he was going to lift up off the stage, he was so full of spirit it was just oozing out of him. He took all of us with him up a stairway towards Christmas heaven, then he allowed us to return a lot happier than when we left. Thanks Jamell!

Many more wonderful musicians sang for us and they were all entertaining and filled with the Christmas spirit. 

This was truly a gathering of grateful people last night. We should never doubt the power of music. It has the ability to lift us all from any despair or sadness we may have inside. This crowd of happy people was rejuvenated last night, we were pulled up to the joyful place where we should be living. This event enabled us to temporarily forget the nightly news of hate, terror and anger and lead us to the light of inner peace. That is the Christmas spirit and that is what we all deserve, and that is what our local musicians did for us last night.

People Watching=yes, People Staring=No

We all have our scars, baggage or whatever you choose to call it. It is ok to visit those times briefly but not wise to get stuck there. I met a woman who came up to speak to me and introduce herself at a recent gig. I love meeting new people and observing people as I watch the shows. Everyone is unique and fascinating in one way or another; that is what makes life awesome.

At first this young lady was pleasant and smiling as she spoke. However, things changed a short time after she drug up a chair and took a seat right next to me that evening. She began by saying that she loves live music and had heard my son once before and decided to catch another of his shows. I was happy to hear that. She then told me that at the previous performance, someone pointed me out and said, “that is his mother”. I smiled and nodded. It kind of creeped me out when she added that she spent the rest of the evening staring at me.

She watched me sing along on almost all of the songs and knew I drank diet cokes then changed to water after I had my fill of the cokes. She told me, I played with my phone like many people do these days. It was a close and constant observation, even to the point she told me when I had gone to the bathroom, after my second coke. I wondered if she had taken notes, as she continued to describe my movements in such detail.

I did not feel threatened by this young woman, I just felt a little bit uneasy. I do not consider myself as fascinating, nor worthy of someone’s constant viewing. It feels strange to know that as I watched the show someone else was watching me. I remember hoping I had not done anything weird like pull up a bra strap, or pull out a wedgie when I got up to go to the bathroom.

This person told me how sad she is because no one loves her, not even her family. I hugged her and told her I was sure she was mistaken. She got an angry look and said, “You don’t know my family, they all hate me!”  I just sat there with my arm still hanging loosely around her and an awkward, half smile, half WTH look on my face. My mind was screaming, “please move on” but my heart was saying, “poor girl, she is so sad.” I did not and still do not know this person. I cannot even remember her name. I am sure she is a fine young lady. But I will notice her if I see her again and I will be cognizant of all my expressions, movements, bathroom trips, etc. because I will feel like a bug under a microscope.

I notice others at shows, I observe people too; it is all a part of socializing. I do not focus solely on one person, if I found myself doing that I would stop it. I would Never tell that person in detail about it because they may find it scary, creepy and strange. We all have our idiosyncracies and our insecurities; keeping them in check is important.

I love people watching. People staring is another story.