At the drop of a pin…

I can’t remember when I’ve been to a concert where the audience has been as reverently attentive.  No whoops, no shouting of requests, and very little spontaneous applause after instrumental solos.  The Punch Brothers were treated to the respect one might expect for a renowned string quintet, which of course they are, at the century-old auditorium at Boulder’s Colorado Chautauqua.  From the Website:

Before radio and television, the Chautauqua Movement united millions in common cultural and educational experiences. Orators, performers, and educators traveled a national Chautauqua circuit of more than 12,000 sites bringing lectures, performances, concerts, classes, and exhibitions to thousands of people in small towns and cities. Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauquas, "the most American thing in America."

The Boulder site is one of only three remaining Chautauquas in the country, and the Brooklyn-based band rose to the acoustic potential of the ancient all-wood shed.  Their wide-ranging two setter included Chris Thile’s entire “Blind Leaving The Blind” suite plus such surprises as Gabe Witcher’s  happy homage to Roger Miller, “Kansas City Star,” a collaborative new nod to “Rye Whiskey,” and a tribute to former hometown heroes Hot Rize as their finale with Nick Forster’s “Shadows In My Room.”  Chris Eldridge proudly shared that he’s been playing the late Charles Sawtelle’s D-28, thanks to Nick.  As many times as I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing this band’s prowess, this may have been their finest hour.

Being out here in these new Rockies, as compared to our ancient Appalachians back home, one can’t help but be changed by their majesty and be struck with a deep sense of gratitude for having so many wonderful and wild places to visit from sea to shining sea.  But forget about finding any Smithfield ham out here.

Of course there’s no hiding from the media even in the wilderness, so the continuing accounts of Michael Jackson’s premature passing came to perfect fruition for me thanks to an email from old friend and radio colleague Kirby Carmichael.  Here’s Kirby with a 13-year-old MJ on a Richmond visit.  Innocence lost…rest in peace Michael.

TT