The time between Barbara’s passing and her celebration of life/memorial gave us enough time to plan something nice. But not the time to overthink it. When she was in hospice we were talking about a date in May. But by the time I returned to Hampden the new date was moved up a month to April 2nd. There were emails back and forth about what music to do. Photos were sent for a photo show of Barb’s life. Her children, Morgan and Nicole took care of the big parts: arranging a room at the University of Reno and lining up catering. Originally there was a song I wanted to learn and perform but with the short schedule, it was just as well to go with what I knew. Morgan and Frida, his daughter were going to do a few songs and I would do a few. There were a few times that I wished Kathy’s memorial had been sooner rather than a year later. But it all works out and I’m glad I did the exhibit.
Regular life continued on. I had plenty of design work to do. And I started putting together the ‘slide show’ for Barbara’s celebration.
Music. Before I went to Reno to be with Barb I had to cancel two upcoming gigs on March 4 and March 10. The venues need time to find replacements. Gigs are hard to come by but both venues were very understanding. I was still in Reno when the first gig was held at the Nacul Center in Amherst. But while I was traveling I decided to email Bobby, the promoter of the Northampton gig. I let him know that I as coming back and if he was still looking for someone I could jump back in and do it on the 10th. He was able to rearrange things. My friend Peter Curro was going to fill in for my part of the concert but he would get moved to the following month. So, I was back on the co-bill with Mark Franklin, a wonderful singer-songwriter, and guitarist.
On the 10th I was at the Unitarian church in Northampton at 6 pm for the sound check but the doors were locked. And it was freezing out. Mark showed up soon after me. I didn’t realize there was a side entrance that was open. Eventually, we got in. Did our sound checks. More audience members showed up later but the pews are almost always empty when these concerts start for some reason. The little stage area was pretty small so Bobby asked us both to perform seated. It would also save time readjusting the mics and other sound stuff. I figured that would be okay even though I usually perform standing up.
Bobby D, the organizer of the series, did three songs to warm things up including Ramblin Boy by Tom Paxton and two of his originals. It also gives a few more minutes for the audience to arrive and settle in. These are free monthly concerts. Bobby’s hope is to make it another venue for area acoustic acts to perform. He schleps his own PA equipment there and sets it all up. He is one of the good guys.
My turn. When it came time for me to perform, things started out fine. I had played guitar while I was with Barbara and at other times. So, I wasn’t coming in cold and totally out of practice. The audience was Very appreciative. Sometimes when an audience is small it gives you a chance to focus on each person that seem like they are enjoying it. It was very conversational — back and forth. It seemed pretty natural for folks to ask questions; or give compliments in between songs.
I started off by introducing myself in song. I also told them I take credit cards and where the bathrooms were.
My name is Peter Lehndorff, I live in a small town.
I live in an old house. I’ve got a basset hound.
I’ve written a whole bunch of songs. A few of them are jazz.
Mostly country, folky stuff. A few might make you laugh.Well, I tell stories with my songs, about the stuff I see.
Some of it is made-up crap. Most is about me.I’ve got CDs here to sell. I take credit cards.
Sign up for my email list or grab my business card.
If you feel like singing, feel free to join along.
And if you get the urge to go, that’s one flight down.
I talked a little about going to see Barbara in the hospital in Reno and sang one of the songs I played at her bedside, I think I’ve got it, my anthem to hypochondria.
I did a few more songs with the Martin before I switched to my new electric. It was really only the second time I had performed with it. It is a cheap knock-off of a Fender Stratocaster made by Monoprice. Monoprice is the same company I get cables and printer ink from and the reviews were encouraging for a $70 guitar.
I try to learn something new every time I perform. Tonight’s lesson was that If you are used to playing standing, stand. Or shorten the guitar strap!
The guitar was sliding off my lap and I was having trouble hanging on to it. This is What Goes Around played on the electric lap guitar. I have adjusted both of my straps so that they are shorter and now I really enjoy playing certain songs on the new guitar. It is very easy to play.
Mark Franklin put on a wonderful show. He lives in the Berkshires where he is or was a teacher. His guitar work was really wonderful. This is his version of My Back Pages by Dylan. I missed the beginning of it.