Monday, August 06, 2007

A Night Out

I was ridiculously excited all day Saturday at the thought of Oliver getting to see his favorite band perform. And I wasn't disappointed.

The Hackensaw Boys are incredible performers, their music is so alive and funny and just makes you want to dance. (Go here to listen to an NPR piece about them) They tour constantly it seems, both in the US and Europe, so I was pretty amazed to find them performing at this very small fair. But it was perfect. We got front row seats (in the grass/dirt) right in front of the stage. During the first few songs Oliver's eyes were about as big as I've ever seen them. He immediately started to clap right along with the music and later played along on a little wooden xylophone that Sami had insisted on bringing. I leaned in once or twice and whispered in his ear that he could get up and dance if he wanted to. But mostly he sat very still on my lap and didn't take his eyes off the stage. Then, more then half-way through the performance, Oliver jumped up and started to dance. Someone observing him might think his rhythmic style looks a bit like calisthenics but to me it is the most beautiful sight. In fact his joy in the music brought tears to my eyes.

After the music concluded we went up to the stage to introduce ourselves. Oliver got to look at all the instruments and shook a few hands. I think I gushed a little bit.

Following the music we rode the merry-go-round, the scrambler and the mini roller-coaster about three times each. Oliver didn't seem troubled in the least by all the people, nor was he phased by the lights and the sounds.

A very good time was had by all.

7 comments:

  1. Oh it sounds wonderful! I'm so happy you all had such a good time. Happy dancing!!

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  2. Anonymous4:32 PM

    This sounds so fun! What a great band! Go Oliver.

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  3. Yeah! Thanks fdor posting about this one...I was wondering how Oliver enjoyed the concert. Sounds like a wonderful time for the whole family, too. Love the image of the "calisthenics" dancing! LOL

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  4. Isn't it the best thing when you have high hopes for your child at an event and it turns out as good or even better than you wished? So cool!

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  5. So much fun!!! Yes, I can see why Oliver just had to get up to dance to their music. It makes me want to get up and do a little jig myself.

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  6. A night to remember----I still remember the thrill (for all 3 of us) to see the Wiggles live!

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  7. That must have been so exciting for all of you!

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