Go To The Summer Concert
Basking in the afterglow of the show
One of my clearest early memories is riding in the car with my dad and listening to Paul Simon’s album Graceland. The sound of him humming the harmonies with Ladysmith Black Mambazo is so deeply embedded in my brain that anytime I hear a even a snippet of “Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes" or “Homeless”, I’m transported to the backseat of my parents ‘84 Subaru GL. When I eventually got a Walkman I’d snag that cassette from the car, as well as “Rhythm of The Saints” and I damn near wore them out. If I was stranded on a desert island with 1 record, it’s a coin flip between those two, slight edge to hoping it’s Rhythm of The Saints, if I’m being totally honest with myself.
With that in mind it won’t come as a surprise that I’ve seen Paul Simon in concert a few times, most recently last night here in Tennessee. The previous time was 8 years ago at The Hollywood Bowl and Paul was a spry 76 years old. Watching him perform last night, now 84 years old and having suffered a sudden loss of hearing in his left ear in 2023, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I should have known better. The man lives for music, loves performing and always puts together a great show. Especially an outdoor show in the summer. His voice may be softer, but the impact of the songs remains strong as ever, unquestionably enhanced by the warm breeze blowing through the amphitheater. There are few things better than live music outside during the summer.
So this is your reminder to find a show to go to before the end of the summer. Maybe it’s one of your all time favorite artists, maybe it’s someone you’ve never heard of. Either way, you’re outside listening to live music and that’s good for the soul. Go with friends, family, a date, solo, whatever gets you there. Concerts can be a hassle, they can be expensive, but in the end you won’t regret it. The memory is worth your time and the price of admission. Go to the show, thank me later.
-AM
