I can walk under ladders

Last Friday I played a wedding. That’s right, on Friday – The 13^th – I played a wedding.  And I gotta say it was probably one of the most memorable weddings I’ve played.  

The Bride and Groom took advantage of the day and went all out; broken glass, runes and fortune cookies on the tables, pennies on the floor, open umbrellas inside the reception room to receive cards, black cats and crows (stuffed toys) scattered about, a Ouija board printed on the cake, Voo-Doo dolls as party favors and the Bride had a spider pinned to her dress.  For me the pièce de resistance was the two black ladders that were decorated like some Gothic chuppah which they walked under after exchanging vows.

That evening I also did something I’ve never done as a solo performer – played the reception.  The Bride had suggested a few ‘theme’ songs and gave me the go-ahead to fill-in the rest of the sets on my own.  The set list included songs like Abra-Ca-Dabra, Superstitious, Love Potion #9,  That Ol’ Black Magic,  Bad Luck, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, and this rocking swamp tune called, Marie LaVeau.  I even threw in a few of my own like, Lucky Day and Carnival Ride.  The repertoire was creepy and fun for one exception - a request of the Bride - which threw me for a loop – Love Will Keep Us Together, by Captain and Tenille. (One of these things is not like the other…  It could've been worse. I could've been, Muscrat Love.)

It was a magical evening and they are a enchanting couple and I felt very lucky to be a part of their charmed celebration.

Magic happens

A garden party with friends gathered on a beautiful late summer evening.  Tamara was our hostess transforming her backyard to a wonderland of food, drink, glowing lights, bright baubles and butterflies.  (Don’t ask me how she got the butterflies – just part of the magic, I guess.)  

One could almost see the energy that flowed through and around us.  It was created by our easy laughter, memories shared and relived, thoughtful embraces, small outbursts of surprise and joyful recognition and quiet reminiscences of those who were not present.  

A simple lamp was my spotlight.  And within its small circle of light all was illuminated - all the emotion, energy, love and friendship that stood within the borders of that yard.  

The music was playful, inspired, solemn, enthusiastic and flowed easily.  It came from my heart and flowed into the hearts of those around me.  In that connection I could feel everyone being a part of the music.  

The end of the evening found us gathered in a smaller circle of candlelight – an intimate setting for more intimate music as we all moved closer together to create a quiet, enchanted space for the music.  Joined by Ray on guitar, Eric on mandolin, Dayna lending her beautiful voice and everyone joining in on choruses we were all part of the spell that was cast by the music.

On nights like this the music is more than just notes and sounds and words – it’s magic.