Editor’s note: In honor of the 2018 “Libraries Rock” summer reading theme, we’re reaching out to all our staff and patrons who have attended a memorable concert. Got a fun concert story to share? Write about 300 words about your favorite concert. Send to marketing@geaugalibrary.net. Include what you’re currently reading – or your favorite book on any subject, any genre. Lori in Marketing is kicking off this “concert series” with a recollection of a soggy Dave Matthews concert.
It was the summer of 2007. At that time, my life revolved around the care and feeding of four kids between the ages of eight and 16. I was also a bartender at a pub in Willoughby
and freelance writer for about a dozen magazines and papers. I was busy going to jobs and interviews, and getting to my kids’ practices and games for hockey, softball and baseball. I didn’t do anything unless it was kid or work related.
So, when my sister called to offer me two free tickets to see the Dave Matthews Band at Blossom Music Center, I jumped at the chance to go. My music consumption at that time was little more than Disney soundtracks played on repeat. But here I was about to hear Dave Matthews! I called a fellow fan, and told her we had a date with Dave Matthews!
Our tickets were on the lawn, and even though Mother Nature threw buckets of rain at us the whole night, we didn’t care. We were moms in our 30s listening to loud music played by sick talent – unfettered by kids. Rain? No big deal. I remember being thankful it was a warm night and that everyone around us was too busy singing to worry about getting wet.
The band played all the favorites including “Crash,” “Ants Marching,” “What Would You Say?” and the rest of his hits. But, what I remember the most was his cover of Rick James’ “Super Freak.” He had a saxophone player who tore it up. That jam had to last at least 15 minutes.
I wish I had a smart phone back then. It would be nice to have snapped a couple photos of my friend and me – looking waterlogged and happy. We stayed for the encores and when everything was done, we slipped and slid our way back to my car. We blasted Dave Matthews’ CDs on the ride home, singing in the rain.
Lori is currently reading Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.
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