Second Performance

The second Central Park Choraliers performance was a success all around. We applied what we learned on June 17th to good effect.

This time we placed ourselves in a great location—near the Delacorte Theatre where intrepid New Yorkers stood on line (many since 5:00 a.m.) waiting for Shakespeare in the Park tickets. They are doing “THE SCOTTISH PLAY” this year and the audience was ready for a great show. However, they were tired by the time we got there at 11:30 a.m. and, I think, VERY grateful to have us entertain them while they waited.

We added two rounds to our program by New York’s own Doug Skinner. Doug came and seemed pleased with our presentation. The text of my favorite round is: “Government without religion is like a lunatic without a knife”—it’s just such a friendly little number—seriously! We also added an old American hymn entitled “Tenting on the Old Campground.” The song is, sadly, still relevant today with its message of peace and of how terrible war is.

While I have no specific anecdotes to report this week, my overall impression of the day was a deep sense of gratification. It felt good to engage with New Yorkers who were there on purpose to take in art. These folks are the Upper West Side’s answer to tailgaters in the Midwest. They are more than willing to come to Central Park in the pitch black of early morning, throw down an air mattress and lawn chairs and wait for 7 hours for tickets just so they can hear one of Shakespeare’s most wonderfully villainous female characters utter the classic line: “Out, out damned spot!” and watch her lead her hubby to his downfall. I mean, IS THIS A GREAT TOWN OR WHAT??????

I also want to mention my classy colleagues. I’m honored to be appearing with such a sterling group of musicians.

See you this Saturday, I hope!