Three Glorious Nights

Once every other decade life serves up a Happiness Orgasm.

Last Thursday night Carol and I went to the Capitol Center to see Million Dollar Quartet. That is a musical that tells the story of the one night - one fucking night in musical history - that Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis were in the same room together. At Sun Records in Memphis Tennessee. On December 4th, 1956.

I was two years old at the time. I don't understand why I wasn't invited.

Sun Records was a small record label owned by a guy - Sam Phillips - with an incredible ear for talent. He discovered all four of these guys and recorded them before anybody else knew who the hell they were. Then, of course, the music business being what it is, all four ended up leaving his label for bigger labels because he just did not have the resources to promote or pay these guys appropriately.

The musical was spectacular. The guys playing these icons are all musicians and they rock. Great singing, playing, a great story being told - we had a fabulous night.

Last Saturday I went to see Walter Trout at the Flying Monkey. Walter is a blues dude who wails on guitar; the kind that leaves you with your mouth hanging wide open. I have wanted to see him forever; every time he came around I either didn't have the money or had no one to go with. This was my moment.

He was insanely good. His band was insanely good. I was sitting in my seat in perfect peace - and awe - in full knowledge that this is who I am. Strip all the bullshit away, the poison and disappointments - and I am a blues fan. A music fan. A person transported by music out of my own skin and out of my own head into the truly spiritual essence that only I know. You would never recognize me in that space.

I have always wanted to check out the Flying Monkey - turned out to be a very funky little joint with a great vibe. Great venue with cool character, great people working there, great audience. I loved the place.

I went with Gregg - a new, old friend. I have been with him many times - he's a friend of Jason and Karen's. This however was the first time we did something together. Gregg is a mad music lover like myself. We have been flirting with attending concerts together but never quite pulled it off. It was a very great night.

Walter Trout, new venue, new (old) friend. I killed three birds with one stone.

Saturday night was spectacular.

This coming Thursday, Carol and I are heading back to the Capitol Center to see Kris Kristofferson.

Let me say that a little louder.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON.

Kris is a fucking legend. There are many musicians and singer/songwriters that I worship. People who make my life worth living; people who inspire me; people who astonish me. But Kris is in the top five, hands down.

He captures emotions in his lyrics in a way that knock you down. But his lyrics are accessible; somehow he finds a way to pack maximum emotion in minimal words. His songs about life, about everyday people living, loving, suffering and crying - are dead on. Absolutely perfect.

This will be the third time we see Kris. Saw him at the Hampton Beach Casino many years ago, saw him at the Colonial in Keene a few years ago and now - Thursday night. I cannot tell you, cannot put into words how excited we are to see him once again.

Casino story - I have told this story 10,000 times. Gonna make it 10,001.

Kris takes a break after the first set, walks through those big doors that lead down the steps to the parking lot and disappears. I gotta take a leak but I wait strategically because the bathroom situation at the Casino absolutely fucking sucks. Finally get up and start walking. Towards those big doors before hanging a right towards the head.

Just before I head right, those big doors swing open and Kris walks in with a young chick on his arm. Walks right towards me. I literally could have reached out and touched him. I wanted so badly to say something to him - to tell him what he means to me.

I said nothing. Rendered speechless in the presence of enormous talent.

Still, it was pretty fucking cool.

Thursday night will be spectacular.

Thursday, April 11, 2019. Saturday, April 13, 2019. Thursday, April 18, 2019. Three days that will live in infamy in the life of Joe and Carol. Probably add a few years onto our lives.

An epoch eight day run.

Just when you are ready to give up on life..........................