Making music

W
ho would have imagined a few months ago, after the busy concert season last summer and fall, that this spring and summer would have been so sparse? But that’s precisely what COVID has done to our country. And with venues closed down and our re-opening community struggling to bring back cultural events, some creative steps had to be taken. So, Tom and Suzanne Voss had some inspirational thoughts. 
A few weeks ago, they thought it would be good to have a concert on their back deck. People could bring their lawn chairs, drinks and food, and sit in the back yard to enjoy a pleasant evening listening to a local artist. And they asked Mark Williams if he would give that concert. Williams agreed, and Suzanne announced it on Facebook, to the delight of many. After one weather delay, it was decided to hold the event this past Saturday at 6 p.m., and a couple of dozen people came out for a perfect evening.
The beginning of the day showed threats of rain, but the sun eventually burned through the clouds and the air warmed up. You could not have asked for a more beautiful venue for the soiree. People gathered in family groups, respecting each other’s distance, and sat back for some lovely entertainment.
Along with Williams, Rod Long also came, bringing his guitar and mandolin to back up Williams. While several people sat on the deck, most sat on the lawn. Several parents brought their children, and the concert began. 
Here’s one of the reasons I liked this evening so much: You didn’t feel the need to be totally quiet, as you would inside a concert hall or at a church concert. You were free to talk with your friends and neighbors. Children were able to dance and play tag. The atmosphere was one of a quaint party, or impromptu gathering, even though it was planned well in advance. 
The music spanned folk/country tunes with a variety of artists from Gordon Lightfoot, Hank Williams and Roger Miller, as well as some original songs by Williams. One of the highlights was when he sang Miller’s hit song “King of the Road.” Just about everyone I looked at was singing along at one part or another. Especially fun was a unique version of “I’ll Fly Away.” With Long’s mandolin backing up and adding color to Williams’ music and singing, the sound was beautiful. The music was on the lighter side. And Williams’ voice is pleasant and well-controlled, with just a touch of gravel at the right times. I also think the variety of music he chose was fun and engaging. I was very impressed by both musicians as they played their respective instruments. They are highly skilled and find interesting progressions on their own fretboards. 
There is not one thing I could complain about in the design of the program. And while Williams said that he and Long kind of just threw the program together, you couldn’t tell, save that he let the cat out of the bag. They were professional, even though it was a bit informal. Somehow those two ideas molded into a cohesive unit, and the evening felt complete.
The concert lasted for just over an hour and a half. Personally, I think that is perfect for something of this sort. It leaves you wanting more but satisfied that you got the right amount. Williams light banter and charming wit added to the enjoyment of the evening. Afterward, he and Long hung around, talking with anyone who wanted to. It probably took another 45 minutes for the people to go home. There was such a lightening of spirit and mood – people just wanted to talk with friends and enjoy each other’s company for a change.
I think events such as this have been greatly missed. And not only during the shutdown but for many years. We’ve made such a formal affair of concerts, and that has become the norm. But I’m reminded of history, where these informal concerts in the homes of regular people were more prevalent than they are today. I feel that if we return to the relaxed setting, the idea of friends enjoying the lighter side of life with one another, life would be friendlier and simpler. It was a perfect concert on a perfect night with the ideal companions. For that, I will always be thankful. I hope we can put together more of the same. We needed this night for it lifted our spirits and calmed our concerns. It did not fail to deliver on what people have been missing of late.