as i was getting ready to put up some new stuff here, i realized that i never finished the rest of the story related to the iowa trip.
at the beginning of the week, clint and courtney talked about going to this community “variety show” that was about the flood. to be honest i wasn’t expecting much, i figured there would be some nice, local talent, but nothing spectacular. thursday night comes and we arrive at this beautiful outdoor setting. we arrived just a few minutes before the performance was to start, so i grabbed a program and found a seat near the back.
a man behind me starts playing guitar and singing. and i start thinking to myself, “hey, that voice sort of sounds familiar…” the singer starts to move – now his back is to me.
i think some more “hey, they guy is trying really hard to sound like dan bern.” followed by another thought, “why would that guy be imitating dan bern?!”
then slowly the gears start to turn. “you know, dan bern, grew up in eastern iowa… but that can’t really be…” i quickly start to page through the program i’d been handed, and there i see it – “music by dan bern.”
now i fully understand this means nothing to most of you who read (or have otherwise stumbled upon) this blog (even those who might share similar tastes in music), dan isn’t a well known talent, but i’ve been enjoying his music for the better part of ten years (maybe more), he’s someone i’ve always hoped to see perform live, but never had the opportunity to… and there is is – standing and singing – 15 feet in front of my face – in a completely unexpected venue or set of circumstances. so at this point, i basically start to freak out. my jaw has literally dropped open. and for the next couple hours i am in total musical bliss.
after the show (thanks to some prodding from clint) i go up to dan, shake his hand, my voice jumps a octive and i babble like a fool; and he was very gracious. (actually wil wheaton wrote a great post a couple weeks ago that basically captures my mental state during this exchange, and eric’s imitation about what i’d be like meeting shane claiborne was pretty much dead on to this encounter).
anyway, it was a great way to cap off an amazing week. thanks clint and courtney for making this happen.
(p.s. in case you’re now interested in dan’s music, here’s a sample, but i’ll offer a general warning, for the most part dan’s music isn’t recommended for those who are easily offended – though this particular song is safe).