The Alan Concert Weekend

This is Ferenc (pronounced "Fur-REHNK"). He's originally from Hungary, but now lives in NYC and plays drums. He is, in Alan's words, "On another level" when it comes to jazz--he is AWESOME. Alan made contact w/Ferenc through some of his University of Miami fellow alumni and via the internet planned this past weekend's concerts, hiring Ferenc to come down and play.

Even though drenching rain, time constraints, and hiccups in the recording set-up all posed problems, the weekend was full of art, good will and entertaining conversation. Ferenc is enthusiastic, friendly, and LOVES kids. He was flying Evelyn around the house within the first 30 seconds he'd met her, which, translated, is this: He is her new boyfriend. She could not get enough of Mr. Ferenc, and little Amelia was able, as always, to overcome her own shyness through her big sister's complete lack thereof.

Ferenc, for being a musician at a level of touring and recording with big name artists, is incredibly down-to-earth and takes genuine pleasure in people. He was honestly upset that I failed to introduce him to my parents at the Saturday night concert, and disappointed that I couldn't stay up past 1 am to visit on our front porch swing. (Since I was unable to sleep past noon the next day, which was likely the source of much of HIS verve.)

It was really wonderful to hear my husband play HIS music. He usually has to play other people's music, or the music requested by the person hiring him for the gig, but what a treat to play the stuff he writes and arranges, which, in my opinion, is amazing. I loved sitting in the audience watching him, suddenly renewed in my awareness of his talent and the blessing it is to share a life with this much art in it. (Much, much more about art in our lives yet to come!) And hopefully (cross your fingers, everyone!!!) a new recording of Alan's music will soon follow!

Given that we had so many family & friends participate in this weekend, this quote by E. Margaret Clarkson feels apropos:

"Friendships, family ties, the companionship of little children, an autumn forest flung in prodigality against a deep blue sky, the intricate design and haunting fragrance of a flower, the counterpoint of a Bach fugue or the melodic line of a Beethoven sonata, the fluted note of the bird song, the glowing glory of a sunset; the world is aflame with things of eternal moment."