Summer seems to have arrived; and just in time for an Independence day that will be long remembered.
Not for anything catostrophic or salacious, but for the sheer air of relaxation that surrounded it.
Everywhere we looked, it was apparent that families were gathering to simply enjoy this holiday, in ways that weren’t possible over that last few years.
People just feel better about things right now. Better about the economy. Better about jobs. Better about the state of things; the direction we are headed. Better about the future.
You can sense it everywhere. Most notably from our perspective are the small, community concerts that were the very first to be eliminated due to buracratic cost-cutting.
Look around, now and you will see local concerts aplenty. (great news for starving musicians everywhere).
The talent contests that have captured everyone’s attention over the last decade have finally ebbed. With it the glut of attention focused on finding the “next unknown Idol”. Most of the time, people with real talent are not that difficult to spot. Your ears actually have the ability to hear someone who is gifted. But it is not always about pure vocal talent.
People have always, and will always just want to be entertained. For an hour, for a day, or even for an entire season. People need to get away from their troubles and cares. To see, hear or experience artists that expand their horizons. To listen as the human condition is shared with them form another perspective. To hear or read ideas and thoughts that confirm what they, themselves have been feeling inside.
There are many reasons that art connects with people; and on a beautiful day like this, all of them find a home.
Carl and I stood on the edge of the pool at Great Oaks Country Club in rochester Michigan, with smiles a big as the Grand Canyon. Although the last time we were there, we were soaked to our skins; nothing could possibly dampen this incredible day.
83 Degrees. Poolside. Barbecue to our right. Cabana to our left. Beautiful smiling people. families frolicking in the water. If we had a problem on a day like this; we were truly in the wrong business.
We began the day with a simply song written by Jimmy Buffett . . .
Squalls out on the gulf stream
Big storm’s comin’ soon
I passed out in my hammock
And God I slept till way past noon
Stood up and tried to focus
I hoped I wouldn’t have to look far
I knew I could use a bloody Mary
So I stumbled next door to the bar
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on
There’s somethin’ about this Sunday
It’s a most peculiar gray
Strollin’ down the avenue
That’s known as A1A
Feelin’ tired, then I got inspired
I knew that it wouldn’t last long
So all alone I walked back home
Sat on my beach and then I made up this song
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But then it cleans me out and then I can go on
Well, the wind is blowin’ harder now
Fifty knots or thereabouts
There’s white caps on the ocean
And I’m watchin’ for waterspouts
It’s time to close the shutters
It’s time to go inside
In a week I’ll be in gay Paris
That’s a mighty long airplane ride
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on
Yes, it cleans me out and then I can go on
TRYING TO REASON WITH HURRICANE SEASON
Jimmy Buffett
Why people around the world can relate to Jimmy’s music, can be found in the lyrics. The simple, universal tenant of escaping from the daily grind and hustle of a world spinning out of control.
We have all worked incredibly hard over the last decade; and now maybe, just maybe; it is time to reap some of the fruits of that labour.
Song after song that echo the timeless notion of relaxation begin to have the designed effect on the Great Oaks membership: they soon fall under our spell of smiles and sloth.
No matter. That is why we are here. To bath the people in a shower of warm memories and rhythm. On this day, things went exactly according to plan. So good in fact, one of the members sponsored us to play an extra half hour!
A day that began as a lazy poolside melody, was ended in a way that has been our tradition for twenty years at Great Oaks.
THIS LAND IS MY LAND
Woody Guthery
This land is your land, This land is my land,
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters;
This land was made for you and Me.
As I went a-walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me.
I roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
All around me a voice was a-sounding;
This land was made for you and me.
There was a high wall there that tried to stop me
A sign was painted said “Private Property”
But on the backside it didn’t say nothin’
This land was made for you and me.
When the sun came shining, and I was strolling;
the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling.
A voice was chanting, the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me.
This land is your land, This land is my land,
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters;
This land was made for you and me.
These two songs framed our day in such a fashion that the families might only remember years from now. (maybe in worse times). Both songs point to the gulf stream. Both urge us to slow down, look around and take pride and hope in what we have.
The only thing that could possibly be added is enjoyment of family and friend; and because were area free people, we do not take that for granted.
Ever.
Rb
