Summer's end. It always makes me savor the morsels of life that make summer....summer

Earlier this week, my partner and I brought a patient downtown for a dialysis appointment. (Yes, un-glamorous, I know. And, yet, dialysis makes up a good 50% of the life of an EMT.)

As we stepped out onto the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second, the thick, sultry, and sorrowful strains of a saxophone drifted through the air. I say "drifted" only because the wind had a graceful feeling as it carried the sound through the air.

I could have used a stronger word, since it arrested the souls of every passer-by no matter how hard they struggled to maintain their passionless, American personas, but I'm sure the old, homeless man delivering the melody didn't care what word should be used to describe it. He loved it enough to play it. And that was enough.

I spent Monday night in one of my favorite pursuits that often gets swallowed and pushed aside by school and work when Fall comes. Open Mic at the Plymouth Coffee Bean. Some performers were professionals enjoying the no-pressure vibe the Bean provides. Some were nervous high schoolers, having just discovering their talents, and performing for the first time. You can always read the thoughts on their faces: I love this, will they?

Of course, some performers were wonderful, some less wonderful. Being surrounded by music for a few blessed hours is always worthwhile.
It was one of those nights that can only be sweetened by summer. The night was just cool and, for once, free from humidity. Coffee was being downed like water.

Nights like those should always be spent with friends.

Dear friends.

The kinds of friends that one can communicate wordlessly. The ones who know you well enough to know when to slap you and when to let you be. The ones to whom you don't have to explain yourself. Do you know the ones I mean?

Friday night, I intended to get off work in plenty of time to go with my sisters to The Civil Wars concert in Pontiac in the Pike Room at the Crofoot. But, naturally, the whole world seemed to need an ambulance that night.
We arrived in time to hear their last three songs. A dissapointment? Maybe. If we had let it. But we were appeased by an unplugged after-show and Joy and John's careless mingling during the afterglow.

We talked to Joy about God.

Then to John about family.


Joy was one of those smiling individuals who has a sort of MEGAcompatible personality with everyone she meets. Her smile is permanent. The kind of person I can never quite manage to be. thankfully. Her voice amazed me with its strength.

John blew me away with his warmth. WARMTH. And he was huge! You know how people sometimes seem so big on camera, but turn out to be way smaller than you think in person? Like M. Ward, for example. Not John Paul. He was gigantic, broad, and warm. In every way possible.

The ease with which he wields his guitar and voice are enviable to be sure. I canNOT believe how well their voices blend. Male/female harmony blends that I can truly appreciate are hard to come by.

Only three others immediately come to mind:
1) The Swell Season
2) Mates of State
3) She & Him

I ran into a regular performer at the Bean who happened to be one of the openers that night. He gave me one of his CD's. Free music always puts a smile on my face. Especially when its good. And it is. Surprisingly honest. [Jeff Pianki's the name, by the way]

Is it bad that I am currently listening to Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk over and over and over again?


I've been experiencing a period of unfortunate writer's block as far as music goes. I hope it passes soon.

I hope to spend endless hours soaking in the Jazz Festival at Hart Plaza this weekend. I think you should too :)