Santana

Last night, I had the pleasure of witnessing a true legend in action. Carlos Santana. I have been a follower of their/his music for as long as I can remember. How can someone not love music that appeals to your senses and makes you just want to move....period.

I find that shows in England are not all too different....but there are a few. To start, you can walk into a venue and take damn near anything with you. No frisking at the door...no checking bags or turning you away with a camera case. This I forget too many times and enter without filming material of any kind. Conditioning from living in the states. I could have gotten the entire show on film without any problem. Damn. Next time.

The band started with one of my favorites from their first LP (remember those?) "Jingo". That was at leat 15-20 minutes in length. Jamming for everyone! I was in rhythmic heaven. (barring the Amazon behind me that thought she should screech every chord Carlos played....wanting for a dirty sock or any item to stuff into her huge mouth would have been a gift...) The play list consisted of primarily classic Santana tunes and for that, I am eternally grateful. I know he tries to keep up with the current affairs and music tastes...but I say...if it ain't broke...don't fix it. I think hearing "Smooth" more than once is too many times.....yes...they played it.

Carlos...in his true-to-himself fashion gave the rowdy crowd a 5-10 minute speel on sprituality and God. In England....that left the crowd a bit quiet. Oh well....go Carlos...after 40 years of this...you've earned it.

Thank heaven for modern technology and the huge screen behind the stage...for all to see! Amen sisters and brothers! The band playing and images of Carlos over the years....(obviously I am not the only one who sees him as a legend....he does too!!) Nonetheless....one of the brightest concert moments in my many long years. Good music...good fun. Rock on Carlos and God bless you for it!

Boring Old Farts

I had the pleasure last weekend to experience my first motorcycle rally in England. A friend's sister is a biker and in a great group of folks....BOF (boring old farts...which are anything but). Ever see an old Scottish biker in a leather kilt...with a long grey mohawk? I didn't either til last weekend..:) Impressive. It was a nice English day...(partly cloudy...one minute jacket..next minute sleeveless shirt...weather..) It was as usual...set in an open field with tents all around.....bikes scattered and people standing in groups with glasses of beer. Some things never change.

There were merchants with clothing....and of all things....fudge. Yes fudge and the best damn stuff i have ever tasted mind you! Most people had curries for lunch. Ok...maybe you would never see that in the states...but they did sell burgers and chips (....uh...fries..) Nothing like a cold ale and a plate of hot curry....try it sometime....

The games were the usual...blindfolded wheelbarrow racing, balloon popping, and the yard of ale. The equivalent of chugging a yard of ale from the coolest glass you will ever see. I guess the trick is a good swallow and twist....won't touch that one. Nor did i attempt it. One of the top finishers was a woman though....no surprise there.....won't touch that one either.

There were children everywhere....another thing one would not see at a rally in the states...to my knowledge....Brits have no qualms about drinking in front of little Bobby or Suzie....(see my pub blog for elaboration)

There was live music as well as there usually is in the states.....this band was a young supposed tribute band to Zeppelin that played all from Zep to old Fleetwood Mac. Impressive.

The highlights had to be the bullride and the inflatable mat with platforms for 2....complete with helmets and large stuffed rods geared to pummel each other with. No...Matt and I did not attempt this either.....(though the thought had probably crossed his mind....) Fun for all the kids and adults....(adults that are still really big kids or just like to beat each other with large stuffed items) Also the appearance of Batman and Robin in cosumes straight out of a British show called "Only Fools and Horses" (you'd have to be there...I don't get it either...) Batman pushing Robin in a wheelbarrow blinded is quite funny though...I must say...(again...you'd have to be there)

One thing missing was the bikes. I really look to those to see all the dressed out bikes and admire what I don't have. Not that it was REALLY missed. These folks love to ride...but love to get together and enjoy each other's even company more. No fawning over polished Harleys or showing up the neighbor. Just a group of good folk out for fun. I was glad to be a part of it. Sun, fun and a relaxing day in the fresh air.....right Freddie??