Music is essential. I cannot imagine life without it - that would be like life without color! It brings people together, it inspires, it comforts, it exhalts. Music does not discriminate against age, sex, race, health, or financial status. We can participate by singing, dancing, humming, tapping, or simply listening.
Today I volunteered at Stern Grove, the free concert series that has been a part of San Francisco since 1938. This is my 5th year as a volunteer. Performing today was Lavay Smith & the Red Hot Skillet Lickers and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. What a joyous performance on an incredibly beautiful day. People were in wonderful spirits, and by the end of the afternoon, everyone was dancing and clapping in the aisles.
It was especially touching to support the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in their efforts to recover from the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The best and most soulful music often emerges from the most dire of circumstances. It was a reminder that even in the face of loss and destruction, we can still experience the pleasure of life.
I met a lot of people today. One of my favorite encounters was with an older African-American gentleman with a funny T-shirt. One side was "Good Bush" (picture of a woman's crotch), and the other was "Bad Bush" (picture of George W.) He had bought it in Australia. He had the most wonderful smile.
We are trav'ling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
And we'll all be reunited,
On a new and sunlit shore,
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
