> Two years ago today was the first time I saw Joni in concert. It was in
> Atlanta and was one of the highlights of my life. She was better than I
> could have imagined, and it was even more special since it was her
birthday.
>
> I also met my first JMDLer (Hi Pearl!!!). Since my group had to fly up
from
> Fort Myers, we were late in getting to Einstine's for the pre-concert get
> together. I did get to meet Pearl, Marsha, and I think I briefly met Paul
I.
> while at the concert. I know Mr. Muller was there, since I saw restroom
signs
> that read : MEN WOMEN and one sign that had the word SLUTS on it
:~)
> What other JMDLer's were at that concert?
I was there Jimmy. Though I didn't come from as far away as Ft.Meyers, it
was also the first time I had ever seen Joni in concert. I arrived late(for
whatever reason...I can't remember, probably trying to find a place to park)
and missed the first couple of songs but as soon as I walked in and heard
her singing, I felt incredibly calm. We had 5th row seats in the center of
the floor. As we walked to our seats, some lady actually asked my friend
Connie who I was. I suppose because I was carrying a bouqet of flowers and
a couple of other gifts I looked like someone important.
Anyway, the whole thing kind of seemed like a dream. The only other time
I've felt the same way was when I was sitting a couple of feet in front of
James Taylor as he sang "Sweet Baby James" at the Fox Theatre. About half
of the way through the concert, I saw several people bring bouqets of
flowers up to the stage, handing them to security, who in turn, placed them
at the front of the stage. At some point, I got up and handed over a bouqet
of roses, a big TY stuffed tiger with blue and green stripes(an adorable
little thing), and a Winnie the Pooh birthday card.
At the end of the night, she went to the front of the stage and picked up a
few of the bouqets (there must have been at least a dozen), and my tiger and
card. Just knowing that I connected with her on some personal level filled
me with an incredible feeling, a surge of inspiration. At the time of her
show, I was still wrapped up in recording and producing my cd and I think
that night really made a big difference, and helped me get through the whole
process which drove me crazy at times( I can picture you tearing your hair
out in New Orleans Michael, slaving away in the studio, and I have been
thinking of you...hang in there). I put Joni's name in the credits because
of that evening.
At the time, I was not aware of the JMDL but several months later I did join
and nothing has been the same since. :>) But seriously, the course of my
life has definately been affected ever since I attended that concert and
where it will go from here I can't wait to see.
A happy f*&@ing birthday to you Joni!
Victor
NP: Joni Mitchell Hejira
