Joyous and Bouncing Like a Chicken

Me and Wynton

Last week, Mom, Barbara and I were able to see the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra perform again. AND I got to meet Wynton Marsalis AGAIN! 

Me and Lisa! :)

Of course, the wonderful Lisa orchestrated the entire meeting. Just before the encore, one of her employees whisked me out of the auditorium and wheeled me to the backstage area where Mom and I waited for Wynton. While we were waiting to meet him, we were able to chat with and meet many members of the orchestra. So cool! We also got to talk to the director of the performing arts center who does such a wonderful job bringing artists to our area.

Before the concert, Lisa had intimated that I might get to meet Wynton again, so this time I was prepared with 1. a CD for him to autograph, 2. a new outfit (thanks to my stepsister!) 3. my camera, and 4. topics of conversation (which I had been working VERY hard on!!)

Wynton reading my card to him.

I was also prepared with a card for Wynton--with a photo of the two of us from our last meeting and a note. I expected him to take the note from me, hold onto it, chat for a minute, and move on. Instead, he stood quietly for a few minutes while he read the note. In it, I thanked him for being the impetus in 2008 for my going to live concert outings again, after 10 years away. In October 2008, when we went to see Wynton for my 33rd birthday, I had not tried to go to a concert since I had gotten sick. But, when I heard he was coming to perform here, I knew I HAD to go. I thanked him for sharing his gift and his passion with the world.

Putting his hand to his heart, the soft-spoken Wynton thanked me for my note, telling me how much it touched him. 

Otherwise, we chatted a bit about the concert, his appearance on the Mr. Rogers show in the 80's (I told him he is a much better dresser now!), women in jazz, and the democratic rhythm section (which he suggested we send to Washington to teach Congress how to work together. This comment had the crowd cheering.) Other than my mom and a couple of staff members, I had Wynton all to myself. :) A large crowd of people was waiting outside of the backstage area to meet him.

I can never exactly figure out how Lisa manages to set up such an amazing and special event for me, why she spoils me so much, or why I am so incredibly blessed by her. I feel a bit undeserving of so much special treatment. Just going to a concert, seeing Lisa, and being treated with so much kindness and respect by the entire staff is certainly enough. More than enough. The added extra of getting to meet the musicians, especially people like Wynton and Joshua Bell, is beyond humbling. When people tell me that I am strong, I want to say: I am not stronger than anyone else, but I am strengthened by those who lift me up. 

Getting some sugar from Wynton!

When I met Wynton in 2008, he kept asking me to give him some sugar. Even after living in the South for four years, I had no idea what this meant! This time, I had done my research and was prepared to give Mr. Wynton some sugar. :) So, we both got some sugar from each other--big kisses on the cheek. 

His note on my CD. (I love this CD.) I think I melted when I saw what he wrote!

In Wynton's Swing Symphony he makes very specific notes as to how each movement should sound. One of the movements, he noted, should sound "joyous and bouncing like a chicken". I can't think of a better way to describe how watching the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra makes me feel. They are so joyful and spirited and talented. Each member is so talented individually that, as a group, the music they make is remarkable. Wynton had composed many of the pieces they played this time, including a version of Itsy Bitsy Spider and a song he called The Caboose. :)

Program Cover.

As always I rested for the days leading up to the outing and for the next few days after the outing. I had been feeling discouraged as to how hard such outings had become and began wondering if this might be my last attempt to go to a concert. I'd certainly have a phenomenal memory to go out on, right? Because no matter how much Lisa and her staff do for me, they can't make my body cooperate!

However, this outing turned out to be the smoothest of the outings we have had so far. I rested better before and after than I usually do and felt better during the concert than I usually do. And with the help of a lot of meds, I managed my symptoms better before and after. I just had to try to hold on to some self-compassion the first three days after the concert when I was too tired to do anything.

Before the Concert on an Unseasonably Warm Evening: Barbara, Me, Mom

I am sure when the brochure arrives for next season's performances I will find at least one concert that is absolutely irresistible! (There are always so many phenomenal ones to choose from.) Plus, it's hard to resist a visit to see Lisa and her entire staff of such poised and kind young students. She has trained these young men and women so well. They do not blink an eye at wheeling me about, carrying the reclining chair to our car, making sure we are comfortable, and generally being kind.

As we left the auditorium, Lisa and her entire staff waved and said: "Goodnight Emily and Emily's mom and Emily's friend!" I don't think I stopped smiling from the moment we arrived until, well, I'm still smiling about the entire outing. It was worth every ounce of energy. I'm still joyous and bouncing like a chicken. :)

Blessings,

Emily