Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade Played in Patchogue to a Packed House

10/26/19 20:36 East Northport

It’s the night before the half marathon and I have to say I am not feeling nervous.  I have my clothes laid out.  I am prepared for a light rain which will become heavier in the afternoon; thanks to the predictions from my father, who studies the weather like a radio forecaster.  More on the race tomorrow night.

Chick Corea, Trilogy played in Patchogue

Of course some guy comes in and asks if I can move over to the empty seat next to me.  He was grateful and we started talking, yes he is also from East Northport.  He just bought the tickets that day and was not sure what to expect. I explained, Brian Blade is an incredible drummer.  I’ve seen him a few times and if I see he is on the bill, I try to buy a ticket.  Christian McBride, is also an accomplished bass player and both will be amazing, and of course there is the legend, Chick Corea.  We’re in for an amazing show.

Before they took the stage some impatient nut started to clap his hands, hoping he could get the whole theatre clapping.  A few of us turned around and gave him the evil eye.  This is not a Zebra concert.  Sit tight. 

The band came out and played a piece from Cole Porter.  The set was very eclectic, included audience participation, singing along to the notes Chick played.  And then the music started.  What struck was the energy flowing from the stage.  It was joyful.  Blade and McBride who shared the center, weaved through the set and met each other’s skillful challenges.  I dare you.  Like two dancers catapulting through the set.  All along it was led by Chick Corea who at times sat there in awe of his bandmates.  We were all in awe.  Songs from Thelonious Monk, originals like Corea’s Windows and Footprints, 500 Miles, and more.    

During intermission I bought a CD, this is their second recording.  I had to run down to the bank since they do not process cards in the theatre.  They should.

The theatre is very spacious and ornate, they restored a palace in Patchogue. The band was grateful to play to close to a sellout.  The audience was great.  I was impressed with the friendly staff and the gentle way they monitored the crowd.

After the gig, I had the opportunity to meet the band and share some insight in Long Island.   Chick mentioned, during the show that he lived in Huntington for a couple of years.  Backstage, we spoke about Coltrane and his house.  Brian looked up Dix Hills and Coltrane on his phone and was impressed. If you have the opportunity to see this band or any of the members, go. 

Thank you for reading this.

Back in Northport, I learned my favorite Barber passed away

10/25/19 17:49 East Northport

I have not taken a shower today.  My skin is feeling clammy, but it’s alright.  I will jump into a hot shower and head over to Patchogue to see Chick Corea and company.  The seats I assumed would be empty – one on either side have been sold to strangers.  It’s alright.  Looking forward to seeing this show since it’s the first concert in a few weeks, and the first on Long Island in months, maybe a year?  Who cares? 

Meli and I had a tiff last night.  By this morning, we were back.  She fell asleep without calling.  My imagination was creating a scene that is best left unsaid in this blog.  I feel like a commercial, “For the rated R version, go to my other blog…but this is it ladies and gentlemen.”  Like I said, this morning we were back.  She explained she laid down last night, pulled the covers over her since it was cold and rainy in Mexico City and was quickly off to dreamland.

Saw Lou today.  We had lunch.  I have sad news to share since my worse fear came to life.  My favorite barber, Jack passed away.  After lunch we walked over to see if he was there – to make an appointment.  The store was black.  There were signs on the window and letters from customers, expressing their condolences to his family.  Dried flowers were still in a vase. There were candles long seduced by the elements - extinguished.  We read the notes and the posts.  This was a man spent his life working and loving his family.  They were his life, and I know they will be successful since Jack was very proud of all of them.  They were all successful.  I will miss him and yet I was not surprised.  He was sick for a while and yet it was sudden.  The last couple of times, I needed a haircut I’d call Jack.  The answering machine would not pick up.  I knew he had passed.

Thank you for reading this.

My visit to the Social Security Office on Main Street

10/21/19 22:35 Bethlehem, PA

Today, I spent more than an hour in the social security office.  There were three rows.  The waiting room was very warm.  A girl with a heavy coat sat between her mother and father and appeared sick.  A younger child was hacking a deep bronchial cough, her mother kept her away from a new born who sat next to them.  I don’t want you to make the baby sick.  Do you want me to pinch you?  I said no.  Time slowly drained out from all of us.  I needed a replacement social security card since I need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license.  I will give up the Empire State, hologram, the same picture from fourteen years ago when I was holding Bella and pissed off for waiting for so long.  Smile, no.  Gone.  Follow my progress on this adventure.

Heading to Mexico on November 21 since Meli celebrating her birthday on the 22^nd.  We are making plans to spend a couple of days in a picturesque part of Mexico.  I bought the ticket, Jet Blue and look forward to seeing her again.  It will be a short trip, flying back on Sunday and will be at work on that Monday. 

Went to a meditation class, just around the corner at Moravian Theological.  The class was led by Francis who is soft spoken young man, and could put a hyperactive juvenile delinquent to sleep within minutes. I appreciated his message. Since Francis is a replacement, there were a few more empty seats.  Saw my friend who I shared a few classes with, shit what’s her name, Candice?

I may drive to Long Island on Thursday night, and see a jazz concert in Patchogue on Friday; Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and my favorite drummer of all time, Brian Blade.  It’s one show I would like to see.   There is always one show I would like to see.

Thank you for reading this.