Saving Daylight

Thank you so much for joining us
It’s great to see you today
We hope you will enjoy our show,
The tunes we have to play

Forgive this silly rhyme of mine
But words are on the loose
Because we’re here in Springfield,
The home of Dr. Seuss!

With this rhyme, Sara welcomed the citizens of Springfield to our Friday concert. It was greeted with laughter and applause, showing the good nature of the audience.

We had a free day in Springfield, and even if one stayed in the hotel, adventures were to be found. I spent my morning at the fitness center, not working out, but catching up on my laundry. A single washer and dryer stood between the doors to the changing areas, so I chatted with Rick (beating him to the washer by a mere ten minutes) and Band members on the tread mill and elliptical machines. After folding my last load on the towel table, I departed the gym with fresh, clean clothes. Probably ten minutes or less after I left, who should join the work out but Henry Winkler, choosing a machine next to Lisa. Henry was in town to speak at a Sci-Fi convention, staying at our hotel along with the majority of the attendees. I somehow managed to miss most of the excitement, but many people had interesting rides and conversations on the elevators; “Beam me up, Scotty” was a common comment upon entering the elevators. Next time you see Pat, ask him about the Puppet Man in Springfield.

I did wander out of the hotel briefly, into the attached mall. I did see many unusual people, who may or may not have been there for the Sci-Fi convention, but some were more likely homeless, judging by the state and smell of their clothing. I picked up the few items I needed at CVS and went straight back to my room until time for departure. It seemed a good night for some Hot Pot Cuisine; mmm, tortellini, sun dried tomatoes and parmesan.

The concert program was B-2, with Escapades, always a crowd pleaser. It was a good audience with a great sense of humor, and, as always, I enjoyed watching them during the Armed Forces Medley. Standing in the back of the hall, a police officer stood at attention, saluting, during the Marines’ Hymn; his white cover illuminated by an overhead light, putting him in silhouette. It was quite in contrast to others standing for the Hymn; most were relaxed or clapping. His very stillness drew the eye.

John and Jamey were waiting in the lobby when the buses returned. I made a quick trip up to my room to change before they helped gather my luggage. We loaded the car and headed for New Haven; the Band wouldn’t arrive there until after noon the next day, but we wanted a free day without travel.

We spent our day exploring New Haven and doing a little birthday shopping for Jamey; I miss his (and Jenna’s) birthday every year I’m on Tour, so we try to celebrate when and if they are able to visit. Little Italy was our destination for his birthday dinner, with cannoli for dessert.

The run out to Manchester was a hefty one, but the sponsor and the High School Band Parents went out of their way to make us welcome. A veritable feast was waiting in one of the classrooms, complete with “Press and Seal” to enable us to take leftovers with us. Seven Band members had spent time with the Manchester High School Band the previous day on a PTAD, working with the students on pieces we were performing on the concert; Holst First Suite in Eb and Semper Fi. All the Band students were in attendance, so it was a lively crowd.

Time change this weekend: set your clocks back one hour! Nothing like an extra hour to spend with my family on their brief stay; we chatted with Jenna and explored New Haven some more, spending a little time on the Yale Campus. We went back to Little Italy for lunch, eating at Frank Pepe’s Pizza Napolitano. Opening only 15 minutes before we arrived, the restaurant was nearly full. By the time we left the building, there was a line running down the sidewalk. The concierge told us this was the normal state of Pepe’s.

Sadly, John and Jamey had to leave to catch a flight in Hartford, and I had to get ready for another concert. Poor Karen; after two nights on her own, it probably felt like I was invading her space when I moved my luggage in the room.

Every time we perform the Percussion Concerto, I always wish I could turn in my chair and watch Chris play the drum set. For the first time, I was able to get a glimpse of what has been going on behind me all Tour; a mirrored window to the sound booth allowed me to watch some of the action. Evan was introduced as one of the Hometown members; Sara declared her career was in his hands. Evan is one of the behind-the-scenes people we can't do without; without Evan and Charles and the Crew, we wouldn't get much done.

After the concert, I headed out for dinner with Leslye, Captain Rakers, Matt, and Chris. We walked over to Little Italy, trailing a large number of Band Members intent on pizza. We walked to the end of Little Italy, though, and dined at Tre Scalina. Probably one of the more memorable meals on Tour for all of us, I thoroughly enjoyed my Scallponi alla Guiseppe, veal scallopini with sausage, carmelized onions, roasted red peppers and roasted tomatoes in a roasted garlic Marsala sauce. Even though I ate nearly every bite, I still found room for some excellent Tartuffo, with a little help from Chris.

Waddling back to the hotel, I caught up on a few phone calls and emails and decided to treat myself to a glass of the locally bottled Foxon Park Caffeine free Cream Soda. I’ll pay the price with a light head from the carbonation, but after tasting the excellent cream soda at Pepe’s, I can’t resist.