– Carmen Baylies
Life is short. Go to the concert!
The past year explicitly reminded everyone that life is short and unpredictable. As life rounds to a new normal, Peter and I planned to enjoy a summer concert on the lawn. The Dave Matthews Band ushered in the beauty and the joy that I craved. The opening number just happened to be my all-time favorite tune from the band, #41. I cried, danced, and sang my heart out as the moon rose slowly in an almost cloudless Raleigh sky. If there is no cure for the summertime blues, then let the good times roll, and as Dave sings, “Stay for a while!”.
My husband requested the day off from work to enjoy the day and prepare for an evening of great music. The concert venue, Walnut Creek Amphitheater, was about a twenty-minute drive from our home, so traveling to the site was easy with light traffic from motorists during rush hour. We arrived with enough time to park fairly close to the doors and secure an ideal spot to watch the stage from the lawn.
The venue filled slowly as the day settled into the evening. The band took their places, and the show began in earnest. The night’s air echoed with wonderful sounds of the past, and Dave threw in a few new songs the band worked on throughout the pandemic. As the first few notes of my favorite song hit my eardrums, I knew I was in the right place at the right time with the right person.
The evening was amazing as we watched the moon rise. The fans swayed and sang throughout the show. The Baylies returned home entertained and grateful for the experience. Be safe as you can, but enjoy your life! Support the art forms that enhance your soul!
