Avi gave each person the option to use a pen, or ‘the sharpie’. ‘The sharpie’ is the one Leonard used to sign an autograph for Avi last year in Durham NC. I did a double take (and rolled my eyes a bit) when so many wanted to touch 'the sharpie' Leonard used even though they were not going to use it to sign the letters. I, an outsider looking in, frankly could not understand this level of reverence for Leonard. He is an amazing artist, but he is, after all, just a man.
Friday afternoon, after a crazy morning of signing letters and using Marie M’s room to stage the gifts, we got to present them to some of the crew. It was over. We could now relax and enjoy the show (and I could continue to tease Avi about his and everyone else's obsession with LC).
On Friday night, we went to the Colosseum and I was just happy to have an adult evening out. The concert was impeccable. Leonard was warm and funny (and very sprightly for a 76 year old ‘kid with a crazy dream’) and he performed with panache and grace. It was a great evening with wonderful surprises after the show.
On the Saturday, we headed in to the Colosseum and immediately, I could tell something was different. When the band came out on stage, the anticipation was palpable. The music started. People sang, people sighed, people cheered and people cried. Circulating between the audience and the performers was an extraordinarily tangible mix of sorrow and elation, gloom and exhilaration and I, an outsider looking in, finally understood what so many of you wonderful fans have felt for years.
It’s not about adulation (well, maybe a little…) It’s not about adoration (well, maybe a little…). It’s about being a part of something that is so much bigger and more meaningful than each of us by ourselves. Almost 48 hours later, I still find myself overwhelmed to tears with what I can only describe as a profoundly spiritual encounter in that auditorium.
We thanked the band and the crew, and it is now time for me, a newly converted groupie, to thank the fans (and Jarkko) for keeping Leonard’s music alive through the years and allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary family of fans.
Sam
(PS I am still not running to touch ‘the sharpie’ that is safely ensconced in our safe if anyone was wondering
).
)
