CHICAGO HOMECOMING/NEW YORK CITY TRIP
MAY 1-6, 2004
This was to be the "official" start of "Tour 2004", except for those free Dallas tickets back in February. I made an additional stop to my annual East coast flight. Since there was a Gaither concert scheduled in Chicago on a weekend and it was an easy plane hop close to O'Hare, why not, as a wise person often says, stop on the way? But here's the odd part: I had to fly back home through the Twin Cities to get the plane to New York. No direct O'Hare to NYC on my airline, I guess. But hey--I got a multi-city airfare I will never see again in this lifetime. I flew cheaper on this itinerary than I had on some normal round-trips.
I think I have some of the best prayer warrior friends out there. I was supposed to run into thunderstorms in Chicago and New York City, and snow showers in Minneapolis en route. At least, that is what the weather gurus and websites said. In Chicago, the (light) rain didn't start until the plane was well landed, and you couldn't have found a more beautiful, sunny day in both Minneapolis and New York on Sunday. Credit where due--thanks, God and prayer warriors!
In Chicago, it was my first time working an artist table. I pursued the opportunity and fortunately it worked out. It's a lot of work and gets very busy--if you're like me with an aging brain, it takes a little extra focus, too. But it really is a great way to support the artists' ministries. I couldn't have asked for a more patient, kind and caring person than Taylor Mason to work with. Once again, I got to see his extraordinary people skills in action. He has a lot of "dear friends" out there---and he treats each and every one as if they were the most special people in the world. He modestly told us he didn't think his table would be busy, but I knew that if he played, they would come. And they did--in droves. A great night for him.
The show of course was wonderful. What a highlight to hear Reggie and Ladye do "You Raise Me Up." When Russ did his song (and yeah, I'd like an additional song from him, too!), I felt he really was at his "true north" back as a solo artist. I must say, I just think Sonya Isaacs is about the greatest thing since sliced bread (and I love the rest of the group, too!). Her voice is remarkable, she is a mandolin hero to this lover of the instrument, and it's not just looks--she truly projects beauty and sweetness. I only had time to hear the GVB do one or two before I had to get back upstairs, but Marshall Hall does a great job adding the smooth "French Vanilla" blend to the group---even from my vantage point back up in the hallway!
I met dear Lisa Sopels--what a pleasure and thanks for offering me the great seat next to you in the second half, which was better sight-wise than my front row end seat! Also great to meet Tara, Patricia, Myrna and Kellie (thanks again for the info to help me be there on time!), and anyone else whose names I missed. Amy and all the others I missed at dinner, sorry!
After Chicago, it was on to NY on both sides of a visit to CT to my parents. (Just briefly for those aware that they are battling critical health issues...I won't comment further here except to ask for those who would like to do so to continue to pray for them...). Man, I love New York. Excitement, media, people everywhere, music in the streets. And food, food, food. How does one decide? Well, let me tell you what a small part of heaven on earth is for me as far as food goes. See that "Broadway" sign in the picture on the right? That would be the Broadway Deli on Broadway and around 50th or 51st, I forget which. There is hardly a better food experience for me that the buffet that place offers. You name it, they'll probably have it. Besides my usual marathon walks all over the city, I also spent time in my favorite refuge, the Museum of Television and Radio. I saw a couple of screenings on the Beatles and American Pop exhibits they were having that week (they must have known I was coming!) and in the media library watched the very first Johnny Cash TV show from 1969 and a host of old TV commercials from the 50's to the 60s. It was just what I needed.
So now I am home and will at this writing be on my way to a Twin Cities Quartet Convention -- so a fun filled week. We all need those every now and then. Here's wishing you fun times, as well. See ya at a few more stops in the coming months.
--Wendy V