On to West Virginia

Morning brought low hanging clouds threatening rain. Leslye wasn’t walking this morning, so I decided to venture out on my own – Pittsburgh is a very walk-able city. The front desk provided me with a small map so I could find Schenley Park, the perfect place to walk on a rainy day.

Before I crossed the University of Pittsburgh campus, it was sprinkling lightly. By the time I entered Schenley Park, there were plenty of overhanging trees for protection; it had become a light drizzle. I started to climb the first hill I saw in the park. Squirrel Hill is aptly named; squirrels were running rampant. A huge black squirrel dropped a hedgeball in front of me before darting up a tree. (I haven’t seen hedgeballs since visiting my grandmother’s house way back when.)

As I climbed Squirrel Hill, a fountain caught my eye, set in the middle of a small pool. I changed direction to see what kind of memorial stood behind it. It was the Westinghouse memorial, and nearby stood a marker commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Flag. I decided to follow this road to see where it went.

It wound through the park, climbing through the golf course before I had to make a choice. I chose Serpentine Road, winding my way back down the hill. It circled back around to the Arboretum and the Visitor’s Center. The park has many trails running through the gorge; had I not been alone, I would have spent some time exploring.

Tonight’s concert was our first Field House, which, in my mind, is basically an extra large Gym Job. Most of us love Gym Jobs - the Band members love them because of the proximity to the audience and their enthusiasm. The Crew loves them because the load-ins are usually easier. It was a great audience, and I thought for sure we’d be playing an encore.

Tonight’s program was the “B” Program. Sara is singing a new medley of tunes by Sondheim, arranged for her by Steve Bulla. The first time we rehearsed it, I realized she was essentially singing the Barbara Streisand Broadway Album, a CD I used to listen to repeatedly. (I love musicals, and the CD had most of my favorite tunes.) The tune from Sweeny Todd, “Not While I’m Around”, will probably make me cry at some point on Tour; Sara sings it as though she’s singing to her son.

Please visit the Tour2008 link found in the "Tour These Links" list on the right side of the page. I take too many photos to post in the Blog; the link will take you to my Web Albums.