Prelude
Drive to Kenneth Square
Lining Up for Seats
Set List – Aug 21 – Jackie's PBS Special Filming
Set List – Aug 20 - Employees only Dress Rehearsal (from parking lot)
Jackie's Dresses
Song Selection Comments
Between Songs Banter
Potpourri
Say Something Duet
With Or Without You – THE Performance of the CD and the Special
Appeal to Jackie to Sing Open Fields Of Grace in Concert
Day After Concert
Summary Thoughts of Jackie's Awakening Performance
Thoughts – Days Later
Preludeof course these are my recollections (with memory jogging help from the best of Jackie fan friends), captured for my memories primarily, but shared with any who may wish to read.. I may delve into my own feelings a tad much for some, but I chose not to make an abridged version for posting, because who am I to decide what would most interest anyone.. so you are welcome to skip over anything that may not interest you..
days later, I am still drained, exhausted, overwhelmed from Jackie's performance in Longwood Gardens.. to some degree, I guess I allow myself to be – maybe I should book some therapy..?
I was even more overcome in the evening after the concert.. I really just wanted to quietly savour the memories of her performance, with her voice and presence still ringing in my head, but I thought I should go to the fan gathering – after concert get togethers have always been the best (any of you who know me, know how true this is – I'm often among the last to leave – as long as I don't leave, then in my mind her concert is not over)..
so I went to Applebees.. I went into the restaurant.. I spoke to a couple of people.. I heard the noise that some call music blasting from the restaurant's speakers.. I couldn't bear it.. 30 seconds in and I had to leave.. to the extent that some of you might care, I assure you, it was not because of you that I did not stay – it was me - I wanted only to retain my Jackie performance memories.. I truly believed that night that I would be unable to listen to ANY other music until the Awakening CD made it to my door – and 5 days later I am still living that belief.. so powerful was her performance.. I'll take it one day at a time of course, so things may change..
I made my own notes, but they fall so far short of capturing the essence of the evening – they are just cold hard facts on paper, on a screen, in virtual space.. the evening was not factual – Jackie's performance was not factual – it was shimmering and vivid and tactile and encompassing and alive and we were indeed in the presence of greatness..
I even thought I'd be unable to share my recollections because I felt inadequate – I felt words would be inadequate – and they still are.. I knew that others would, and have, and will provide wonderful recollections.. and everyone will see soon enough for themselves in December..
it was during the Saturday 9 hour drive home that I decided Jackie would want everyone to share whatever recollections they have of Longwood Gardens - so I will do as I believe she would wish.
Drive to Kenneth Squareafter an hour of streaming tears listening to older Jackie recordings (made from YT downloads before DWM was released, before I even knew about PTAD, before I was even a fan club member, but after my life changing viewing of the end of Nessun Dorma while TV channel surfing one night), I was emotionally exhausted and just sat in stunned silence for a time as I allowed myself to be immersed within the voice of this most wondrous creation that is Jackie Evancho..
I then played Think Of Me on loop for the last 6 hours of my drive.. when stopped in traffic near Kenneth Square – I gazed out my car window at all the hubbub and chaos and rush-rush of people's lives – while I, listening to Think of Me in my car, felt only comfort as I was fully immersed in the world that is the Jackieverse..
the sky was cloudy all the drive down through Ontario and New York – but as I crossed the border into Pennsylvania, the sun came out.. for me, Jackie always brings the sunshine, warmth and clear skies..
Lining Up for Seatsthe no reserved seating, lineup location guessing, seating arrangement scheme, was a very anxious time for me.. I envy those who could relax.. I was the first to begin hovering around where the line-up location would be announced.. but in trying to piece together information and moving around, I ended up being much farther down the line than many who had only arrived moments before the location was announced.. of course, that's the way it goes, but it didn't seem right..
as it turns out though, I wouldn't have changed my eventual place in line and seat location with anyone.. I got to stand in line with my best fellow Canadian Jackie fan friend.. and we found 3 seats, dead center, about 30 feet from the stage.. little kids in the immediate row in front of us, for the next 2 rows down our view was between people's heads.. by the 4th row down, people's heads were below our field of view.. the camera that moved back and forth in the center section only occasionally hid, at most, Jackie's feet.. dead center, completely unobstructed framed view of Jackie – I wouldn't have traded with anyone – well other than the front row or maybe 2nd row, which of course were reserved and unavailable anyway..
I saw where people who had been in front of me in line sat – I'm sure they were happy with their seats too – but the heads in front of them and/or their seats off to the side would have bothered me.. I was so thankful for not having been at the front of the line, for I'm sure I would have made a bee line for those type of seats and missed out on the best seats in the house for me.. funny how these things work out – all things golden with Jackie..
Set List – Aug 21 – Jackie's PBS Special Filming1st set - Think Of Me (Standing O)
- Your Love
- Je t'aime
- Made to Dream
- O Mio Babbino Caro (SO)
- Think Of Me (just the beginning, then Jackie said “psyc”)
- OMBC (just a repeat of the ending)
2nd set - Say Something (duet with Cheyenne Jackson) (SO)
- Ave Maria (Vavilov – Cacinni) (SO)
- The Rains of Castamere (twice) (starts with bells tolling)
- Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (twice) (ballet dancers wardrobe malfunction 1st time)
- Open Fields Of Grace (twice)
3rd set - Take Me There (will be final song on show) (SO)
- With Or Without You (SO)
- My Immortal (played piano at start) SO
- Memories
- Dormi Jesu
Set List – Aug 20 - Employees only Dress Rehearsal (from parking lot)- Think of Me
- Your Love
- Je t'aime
break
- Say Something
- Ave Maria
- Vocalise
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Jackie's Dresses1st set: deep rich almost velvety looking full blue dress (Oscar de la Renta)..
2nd set: sparkly bronzy-colored patterned bare-shouldered more form fitting dress..
3rd set: white dress with mauvy brown branches running up and down, fairly form fitting, and with a narrow mostly white train..
Song Selection Comments1st set establishes perspective:
- Think Of Me is an anchor to where it all started for Jackie (and us, and generations to come) - her family seeing Phantom of the Opera..
- Your Love and Je t'aime serve to create the spell of love, that surrounds Jackie, her family, and her fans, for the evening and the Special..
- Made To Dream is an acknowledgement that, despite this being an awakening for Jackie, she is still living her dream – still the dream of that little girl..
- O Mio Babbino Caro provides another historical anchor to when she first burst upon the scene on AGT..
2nd set explores Jackie's diversity:
- Say Something demonstrates that Jackie is the premier female harmonizing duet partner on the planet..
- Ave Maria reminds us of the importance of Jackie's spiritual roots and that she rules this genre..
- with The Rains of Castamere, Jackie weaves an enchanting haunting spell while displaying the genius of latching onto the worldwide phenomenon of The Game of Thrones..
- Vocalise.. now we're going to really crack open this once in a generation of generation voices and simultaneously show that there is no art form for which Jackie is not the perfect harmonizer..
- the most lovely melody of Open Fields Of Grace brings us back to the themes of love with a spiritual bent.. and the dramatic moments are worthy of a set closing number..
with the 3rd set Jackie is unleashed.. the big finish..
- and no better way to start than with With Or Without You.. celebrating Jackie's magnificence.. bringing our emotions to the highest high.. more on this song performance in a deserving separate section..
- My Immortal unveils talent still to emerge.. our emotions are held on high.. to date, Jackie has just scratched the surface of her capabilities.. and we are put on notice to buckle up for years to come..
- and again with Memories, we are not allowed down yet from the emotional high of this 3rd set.. emotions are right at the surface, she barely needs to breathe and we shudder.. she has us in her grasp and will not let go.. and we hold on anyway, wanting only to follow.. these 3 masterpiece performances will be future winners for her for sure..
- with Dormi Jesu, Jackie allows us a beautiful respite, where we can somewhat catch our breath and settle back ever so slightly.. despite knowing full well that her grand finale is coming which will once again rock our emotions.. we offer no resistance to this gift of respite – she takes our emotions on a roller coaster ride with this the final slow trip to the top.. we know what's coming, but are not afraid, we go with it, we ache to experience the magic she weaves for us.. we want to follow her.. and too, this is the perfect time for a bit of a prayer of thanks for her gift..
- the grand finale Take Me There is a sweet lovely (exactly suited to our star Jackie) celebration song that will have you sobbing and smiling as an evening closing piece.. just enough build up and drama to take us up again, but gently bring us down to deposit us back to reality.. we are left with so much appreciation of living in the time of miss Jackie Evancho, and thankful of her willingness to share her amazing talents..
Between Songs BanterI captured as much banter as I could remember – not necessarily the scripted speech (although some that I particularly liked), for you will hear that in December – but the one time exchanges that may otherwise be lost.. I don't profess this to represent exact quotes – I've used italics to denote speech.. I may have mis-remembered the timing of some banter.. but, I believe the essence of the exchanges is represented..
after Think Of Me, Cheyenne:
a garden is a place of renewal, a place to see the emergence of beauty, an awakening.. tonight we celebrate that awakening, in song, with the lovely, Jackie Evancho.. Jackie:
te he he.. welcome everyone.. so happy you could join me..introducing Your Love, Cheyenne:
so Jackie, what are you going to sing next..? Jackie:
the song Your Love.. Cheyenne:
my love..? Jackie:
Your Love.. Cheyenne:
my love..? Jackie:
Your Love.. Cheyenne:
I love you too.. Jackie:
te he he..after Made To Dream, Cheyenne:
so who made your dress..? Jackie:
Oscar.. Oscar de la Renta.. sorry.. mouthful.. Cheyenne:
ok, let's try that again.. so who made your dress..? Jackie:
Ocscar de la Renta.. it's a big name.. Cheyenne:
good thing I didn't wear the same thing.. Jackie:
te he he..after Made To Dream and introducing OMBC, Cheyenne:
Made To Dream is important to you, because so many of your dreams have come true.. Jackie:
yes, and this next song helped launch my dream.. one of the most beautiful songs.. and I have to sing it to the world.. Puccini's O Mio Babbino Caro..Say Something introduction, Cheyenne:
when Jackie asked me to sing a duet with her, I made my list and Jackie made hers, of course.. when she suggested Say Something I was so happy because not only was it on my list, but it was one of my favourite songs.. and Jackie, by the way, thanks for asking me..introducing The Rains of Castamere, Cheyenne:
do you hear those bells..? Jackie:
those are the bells from the garden.. they are so medieval.. I'll take you there..
after 1st version of The Rains of Castamere, and a slight missed mark at the beginning, Jackie:
all right guys - ready to hear that song again..? Cheyenne:
you are the luckiest audience ever..! Audience:
YAAAAAY..!after 1st version of Vocalise with the minor dancer wardrobe malfunction, Cheyenne to audience:
you get to see that again.. Audience: a somewhat subdued
yaaaaaaaay.. Cheyenne:
let's try that again.. YOU GET TO SEE THAT AGAIN..! Audience:
YAAAAAAY..! for my tastes, he should have said “hear” rather than “see” - I don't know about anyone else, but my eyes were glued on Jackie - I may have looked at the dancers once – I would never have known about a wardrobe malfunction..
as they continued to set up for the 2nd Vocalise, Jackie:
let's talk.. I'm curious.. does anyone know Miranda Sings..? do you like her..? I love her a lot.. she's funny.. and her voice is the best.. if you see me do weird things, it's me communicating with my friends, in the Miranda Sings way.. then, the most rhetorical question of the night, Jackie:
are you enjoying the show..? Audience:
YYYEEEESSS..! Jackie, getting cue that they were ready to start:
no more talking.. te he he..after 1st Open Fields Of Grace, Jackie:
I just want to apologize for the mistakes.. I get lost in the music and sometimes I miss my mark.. and then soon after the start of the 2nd version, there was a slight missed mark, Jackie:
again..!! sorry about that.. good thing this is TV.. as they geared up for the 3rd start, Jackie:
three's the charm..
at beginning of 3rd set, Cheyenne:
isn't she so beautiful..! we're told that the lightning is 17 miles away.. WE CAN DO THIS..!! Audience:
YAAAAAAY..!Cheyenne forgot the flower the 1st time at the beginning of the finale Take Me There shot:
and if I had a flower I would surely give it to you.. but he got it right later, Cheyenne:
a garden is a special place of inspiration.. and you are a one of a kind flower among the many.. and he handed her a flower from behind his back.. a few minutes later, when about to shoot the next song, Jackie still had the flower in her hand standing in the middle of the stage – she might have thought “hmmm, what do I do with this now”.. then she turned, walked to her stage left and tossed it into a bed of similar flowers – then calmly walked back to center stage..
before With Or Without You, Cheyenne:
tell us about this song.. Jackie:
well it's beautiful.. and a little more upbeat from what I've sung recently.. my dad did his impression of the lead singer.. it was pretty bad.. but I said good job dad.. Cheyenne:
you're so nice..after My Immortal, Jackie:
still shaky from piano playing.. and then later, not sure why, Jackie:
this is so dramatic..
Jackie:
anyone like thunderstorms..? I love them.. they put me right to sleep.. if one comes, I'll be dead on the floor.. no need to worry Jackie, there would be over a 1,000 people there to offer immediate help to resuscitate you..
after the last song, Dormi Jesu, was finished, we waited, and Jackie waited, to get the thumbs up from the producers that no retakes were required.. with the news (good that all went well, bad that its therefore over) that it was over, Jackie came back to center stage with mic in hand:
I checked and it's ok to do this.. I want to say thank you for sticking with me through my mistakes and the times when there were no mistakes – and it was really good.. and thank you for staying with me for this long show.. have a safe drive home.. and look for the Special.. and the CD.. the 23rd.. September.. the last comments as she started to edge off the stage to her right.. and just like that she was gone, through the hedge, and it was over.. it was all over so way too soon..
Potpourriduring the 5 minute or so housekeeping talk from the announcer, the audience was asked to perform 4 different types of claps and hold the clapping for a number of seconds until given the direction to stop.. well this was all part of the fun.. so, in turn, we cooperated by sustaining our clapping for maybe 20-30 seconds for each of: a subdued “golf” clap, a moderately enthusiastic clap, an overly enthusiastic clap, and a no-holes barred standing ovation clap..
on either side at the back of the stage there was a straight up geyser like fountain and a spray fountain, which would shoot water at various times during some songs..
for a couple of songs, a darkly robed choir of about 20 would enter and stand at the top of the stone steps leading up from the back of the stage..
Jackie used the 2 flights of stone steps directly behind the stage for her grand entrances and exits.. otherwise, she would exit to her stage right beside the piano and through a hedge into an adjoining building..
in addition to the many typical cameras, at times there was a drone, flying what was likely a video camera.. it hovered near the back of the audience to Jackie's right.. not sure what kind of pictures it was taking – of Jackie or audience – but it's likely to turn out very cool.. Jackie setting the trend – breaking the mold – it's what she does..
after nearly every song, makeup girl was out on stage to comb and hairspray Jackie's hair.. but only rarely applied makeup - natural beauty needs no touch-up..
Phantom singing his part in Think Of Me to Jackie - “gawkish” girl you used to be..?!?! huh..?!?! not our miss Jackie.. Jackie was never gawkish.. Jackie was and is all things not gawkish.. Jackie is the antithesis of gawkishness.. the Phantom lost all credibility in my eyes..
a totally unexpected, most precious event.. needing to retake Jackie's grand entrance to the singing of Think Of Me, starting at the top of the stone steps, Jackie gracefully walking down, the strains of Think Of Me beginning, Jackie reaches the stage floor, moving regally to center stage, we are all set for a lovely repeat of Think Of Me, but instead are treated to “psyc” from our lovable scamp.. a burst of laughter from the crowd.. I am left to wonder, who knew in advance, did even Jackie know that she would say “psyc” until maybe walking down the steps.. just got to love her playfulness..
sure, some of the banter between Jackie and Cheyenne was silly.. but it was preciously silly.. and it helped to capture the fun young girl side of miss Jackie as she currently traverses the worlds of child / girl / young lady / woman..
Jackie loves Miranda Sings and communicates with her friends on stage by doing weird things.. sounds like steganography, a word a newly learned only this summer..
as the evening unfolded, and still no rain or lightning, were we pushing our luck..? I know I felt somewhat torn – between wishing for retake after retake (the night would never end if we just kept retaking
) and wishing to hear every single song of the show before rain might fall.. so the ultimate would have been to do the whole show – then do retakes until – oh, let's say - forever..!
it was so cute when 2 or 3 times in the 3rd set, between songs, Jackie would just sort of go for a walk in a circle.. it was obvious that she was getting the train of her dress to lie nicely, but it was so cute, because it would just happen out of the blue..
of course Jackie drinks her water.. and she drank water throughout the night.. I like how she tips her head back and kind of just let's the water drop in – probably keeps the lipstick or gloss from getting smudged.. not sure if it was the same bottle all night, but very near the end, she had to tip it way back to finish draining it – she was thirsty – and who wouldn't be..
I didn't notice any voice miscues from Jackie during the whole evening – she is so super.. only a couple of missed marks.. she even asked our forgiveness for missing her mark a couple of times, saying she gets lost in the music.. my goodness, everyone was thrilled at a missed mark here and there – it made for some fun, but more importantly we got more singing from Jackie – just to hear her sing one lyric is so marvelous..
so why was Jackie “shaky” (her word) from the piano playing after My Immortal..? was it because she had been nervous (and I can understand that – and I have ubber respect for her fearlessness in going for it)..? was it because that through the piano playing, she became even more lost in the music, leaving her very being atremble..? was it simply a physical strain of say finger and hand size, or incorporating more parts of her being into the music..? was it other..? was it all..? just wondering..
Jackie's voice is so strong.. I am so in awe of her.. she sang 18 songs during the evening.. and repeated a couple of song endings.. and 3-4-5 songs in afternoon warmup.. and 8-9 songs in a dress rehearsal the night before.. and likely did multiple song recordings through the week in other spots in the gardens for inclusion in the PBS Special.. and the evening's songs went late into the evening.. and her final awesome finale set was late in the evening.. and her voice seemed unfazed.. and she remained smiling and tireless.. and her talk kept that lilting sweet sound.. there was no fatigue on display.. and just a little sprite of a girl.. my goodness - she is simply a superwoman.. it might have taken a while for her to come down that evening – and rightfully so, because she deserved to be walking on clouds – but I'm thinking that when she finally crashed she must have slept well.. I hope so.. then again, maybe she's already on to the next big thing while we are still left trying our best to wade through the seemingly endless days until her CD is released, her PBS Special is shown, or we see her again in concert..
too bad Say Something is not on the September 23 Awakening release – it was very special – more on that in a separate section.. many are thinking it will likely be included as part of a future deluxe edition – there may be multiple editions with different song inclusions..
I wonder if Jackie will dedicate a song to Mom from her Awakening CD.. and if yes, which song will it be.. she's got With Or Without You all set up for the Dad acknowledgement.. but Mom..? maybe Made To Dream..?
one may wonder what songs will Jackie sing in concert on her Awakening tour.. I really don't think it will be a mix from her CDs – I simply can't imagine what Awakening songs she would drop – surely she would want to share every one of them – they are so spectacular..
after her final number for the night, Jackie exited up the stone steps at the back – maybe 12-15-18 steps – very elegant walk.. at the top, amid a dazzle of bright lights, Jackie turned and thrust her arms high and wide in her “ta da” pose.. it was such a glorious moment – Jackie all a sparkle, the music playing, the crowd standing and cheering.. then she turned and walked up another shorter set of steps and at the top turned again and struck the pose.. truly magnificent.. yes, you were Jackie – yes, you were – and are..
did Jackie get borderline emotional at the end when she thanked the crowd for sticking with her for the long show and then asking us to look for the Special - and the CD - the 23rd – September.. it almost sounded like her voice caught around “the Special – and the CD” - and if it did, who could blame her – this must have been one of the best experiences of her life – we've all been waiting day by day for the event to arrive – it must have been a million times more anxious for her.. well done miss Jackie – may all your dreams come true..
I went through all my tissues – each taking its turn to disintegrate in my hands and on my cheeks.. the tears flowed for Your Love, Je t'aime, Say Something, Ave Maria, Open Fields Of Grace.. the tears streamed for Think Of Me, With Or Without You, My Immortal.. for the other songs, I simply sat in an exhausted state of drained emotions..
despite rain forecasts anywhere from 30% to 80% during the day, and multiple thunder cells in the area throughout the evening – nary a drop all day, or for 2 1/2 hrs of all those songs, or for people to calmly file out to their cars.. I was in my car for about 10 seconds and it started to rain.. there is music and harmony within the cosmos.. and music and harmony seems to engulf this girl and her family in spades.. so when even the threat of extreme weather is seemingly thwarted (time and again in my experience) as necessary for this young lady, well I don't mind thinking that she's got some “connections” - the music and harmony of the spheres loves this girl too..!
I can't fault anyone for the favourite Awakening song they might pick.. all are most worthy.. every single one.. indeed, I have no doubt that faves will change – each will have its turn at its rightful place in the hierarchy over time.. and each will be perfect for the particular mood you are in or mood you wish to create.. also, I'm sure that Jackie will pick the perfect slot for each song in a Jackie concert setting as she weaves her magic for that evening..
I guarantee that there will be favourites from Awakening to match anything that a fan feels for songs from Dream With Me and/or Songs From The Silver Screen, for example, Imaginer, Lovers, The Lord's Prayer, Music Of The Night.. the back to back combination of With Or Without You and My Immortal on the PBS Special DVD, if indeed they keep them in that order, may well surpass the combination of Lovers and Imaginer.. and with Memories following right after My Immortal, this 3 song grouping will be legendary.. so have no fear that one of your cherished songs will be missing in a future concert – you will most definitely not be disappointed with it's replacement..
I left the concert with My Immortal as the song echoing in my head – over and over.. not sure why that song.. then at various times over the next days, it's been With Or Without You, Say Something, Open Fields Of Grace, and others too..
Say Something Duetthe Say Something duet was so lovely.. it's hard to imagine how warm the feeling must be – to be on the receiving end of a request from Jackie to harmonize with her in a duet.. and to pick this loveliest of songs.. and for her landmark Awakening PBS Special.. Cheyenne – I am so way jealous..! he did thank her for asking him to sing with her – I hope he truly appreciates how fortunate he was/is and how memorable this will become for him..
so Say Something in Longwood Gardens brought on a bit of an epiphany on duets with Jackie – maybe it was just this song – I'll have to see in the future.. but I have a new-found respect and appreciation for Jackie's duets as they've become more meaningful because it's Jackie sharing – and I imagine the wonderful feeling to be on the receiving end of her wish to share..
With Or Without You – THE Performance of the CD and the Specialit is Jackie's magnificence that I always wish to see celebrated.. and With Or Without You SCREAMS magnificence..! and magnificent is what she is..!! this song can be a concert closer.. an encore.. it can be the AGT song.. this song builds and builds and Jackie builds with it.. and when she takes it up a notch, then another, and a final notch towards the end, then every pore of your body is in total awe of this magnificent wonder.. Jackie's performance brings your nerves and emotions right to the edge and beyond – you are left totally drained in awe before such greatness..
I've known this song like the back of my hand for decades.. and now I know it as Jackie's, and 5 days later I awoke to it playing in my head.. and it's still so fresh:
the song starts out subdued.. but immediately begins to build.. and it builds.. you know this song.. you've heard it.. and you feel it.. the building.. the anticipation.. then Jackie begins to sing.. it's like a dream come true..
with or without youuuuu... I can't liiive... with or withooooout youuuu... since the 1st night I saw this on the tracklist, I knew it would be special..
wait for youuuuu... I wait without youuuuu... building.. building some more.. I'm ready Jackie.. bring it.. and there it is..! she takes it up a notch.. my being vibrates..
and you give yourself awayyyyy... back to building again - but from a higher plane.. and her she comes again.. and - oh my - she takes it up yet another notch.. I am truly crumbling..
can't liiiiive... ooohhhh.... ooohhh... oohhh... ooohhh... with or without youuuu... and yet still another notch – such passion..! magnificent..! and then slowing and quieting and ebbing and we are deposited.. I am on my feet.. I will thunderclap forever..!
and so, Jackie does it again.. whether she embraces the songs meaning as that of marital romance, spiritual need or musician/domestic conflict, this little unassuming humble 14 year old sprite of girl, with the depth of the ages, fearlessly takes this iconic legendary hit of a global super group – and nails it like no other can..! she is beyond compare.. there is nothing that she can not do.. her greatness has no bounds.. days later, I sit and freely weep with the memory of her performance still fresh in my head..
I'll say it for you Jackie:
“no Dad.. that's not it.. this is how you do it..”then after she finishes:
“Dad.. Dad.. snap out of it.. are you ok..? here, I think you better lie down..” Appeal to Jackie to Sing Open Fields Of Grace in Concertplease miss Jackie, if you see or hear of this plea.. don't be put off by a couple of missed marks at the beginning, during the filming of your PBS Special on Open Fields Of Grace.. this sweet lovely song of celebration was sung so beautifully by you – it could make a wonderful set closer or encore – you simply must include in upcoming concerts – at least now and then.. your resolve can and does conquer all – just know you're going to do great - and even if there is a missed mark in concert, we'll still love you for it, and it will be a sweet nostalgic trip for some of us back to the unforgettable evening in Longwood Gardens..
Day After ConcertI returned to the sight of the concert the next day to relive Jackie's performance in my mind.. the theatre was all roped off as it was being set up for a show later that night.. I managed to find my way to a tree behind the stage and steps upon which she had exited the night before.. I was somewhat hidden by bushes, so I simply sat back against the tree, reliving the previous evenings event, and capturing a few more thoughts.. many workers, carts and vehicles went by on a pathway right in front of me, but nobody thought to look in my direction, they only looked towards the stage and theatre, so no one noticed me..
I've been so lucky with not getting sick for Jackie events.. I really am grateful.. we plan these things so far in advance, and even though I'm pretty healthy, I'm not immune to the occasional setback.. and August was a pretty hectic time for Jackie events, and I got through it, even got a re-visit to Longwood Gardens on the day after Jackie's performance.. but that night, it all caught up with me.. I'm thinking it was the hotel air-conditioner, but more than likely it was just a natural de-stressing of the body.. I thank the Jackie bubble of goodness for keeping me fit as long as necessary..
Summary Thoughts of Jackie's Awakening Performancetwo thoughts to sum up Jackie's performance on Aug 21 2014 in Longwood Gardens:
Jackie sure has “awakened”, and this from a staunch supporter (and still am) of her SFTSS Tour..
I'll draw on a relevant quote from Jackie herself
“it was one of the best experiences of my life..!”.. and I might add, I wasn't born an hour ago..
Thoughts – Days Laterwritten with tongue in cheek (sort of):
here I am back at home, 5 days removed from Jackie's Longwood Gardens performance, immersed again in my usual everyday life – pretending, and therefore living a lie, that there is meaning in life beyond being in Jackie's presence and listening/watching her perform..
I’ve always advised people to live for today, don’t rush your life away, you only get these moments one time – but Jackie makes the perfect case for the exception – I’m thinking I’d gladly give up these upcoming weeks to see her tonight in Morristown, and then again for sure to see her PBS Special in December – gladly..