New York & Yogurt: Active Cultures

My time here in New York has been an excursion outside of the normal confines of Hoosier living and the change has been nice. While visiting with family, I’ve enjoyed a hike through the beautiful Green Lakes State Park, a morning at the local farmer’s market, a chance to catch up with some friends at Eastern Hills Bible Church, an exploration of an abandoned gravel pit, a jazz festival featuring Aretha Franklin, a wine tour and picnic in the Finger Lakes Region, a pops music concert in the park by the Stan Colella Orchestra, and of course, food gleaned from the wonderful selection at Wegman’s. I’ve really enjoyed my time out here with my family and wish we could spend more time together like this. And save for my sister forgetting to tell me about a free Béla Fleck & the Flecktones show the evening of our first day here, this trip has been spot on.

Friday, I finally was able to catch the Queen of Soul in person. Seeing Aretha in concert is one of those do-before-you-die checklist items. I’m glad I could see her perform. My friend Marcus scored some VIP tickets for us, so we were able to squeeze our way to the front of a 40,000 plus crowd. She had a large band with her, including her son on guitar, and featuring a local ensemble of horns and woodwinds. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a top performance from someone her age, but was pleasantly surprised to hear her great, strong voice belting out familiar songs in the cold July evening air. She definitely still has it.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a evening in the park with a much smaller crowd. The Stan Colella Orchestra set up on a patio near the park’s edge and played swing, dance, pop and jazz standards. Even though this music is not something I normally listen to, I could not help but appreciate the aesthetic is created in this live setting. Sipping wine from a local winery on a sunny afternoon, while lying on a blanket in the park, watching kids playing and biking and old couples dancing is pleasant no matter what genre or niche you normally operate within. It just felt right.

Also, I’ve met quite a few people recently that have never heard of Béla Fleck. Shame, shame, shame. If you’ve never experienced his music, check out the DVD I’ve listed below. I’d describe his music as virtuoso banjo elevator music for hippies. That’s sounds awful, but it really is breathtaking to watch. My friend Dan Wilton introduced me to Béla a few years ago. Thanks, Dan!

I may stay a little longer than I had planned. Who knows? Gotta go. Going to enjoy some homemade potato soup for lunch.

Currently watching:
Live at the Quick
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Release date: 26 February, 2002