Sunday, June 8, 2025
We drove all the way across town to Maple Grove (where 30 years ago Keith drove every day because he worked over there) to go to Chalkfest. There were a lot of people and it was a little chaotic trying to see. I found it pretty extraordinary how many people got to the front of the line and put their kids on the picture and then let them dance around and crawl around and not know how to pose for a picture or follow directions for 5 minutes while everyone else waited. The artists were incredible. I can only draw stick people with skirts, so I am just blown away by their skills.
It was verrrry slow getting out of the parking lot. I think someone directing traffic would have been greatly appreciated, but since this is year 10 of Chalkfest, I don’t expect it to happen soon.
We made it with ten minutes to spare to the Hanifl theater in White Bear Lake to the Rat Pack show with the MN Jazz chamber orchestra. We thought that was a cute take on the name because MJO was using a cut down band with only 9 players. There were three guys “playing” Frank, Sammy, and Dean with their schtick without actually imitating them. To me, there is nothing better than a concert of American songbook, so I enjoyed every instant. The two guys were good, the third guy was GREAT. His name is Dakota, he’s 27, and we ambushed him in the parking lot to get his deal. I want to hire him to play my next big party. I planned any number of parties while they were singing. I saw myself in all sorts of pretty dresses dancing. There were lots of sparkle lights and lots of snacks (mostly involving crackers and cheese). I realized after a while that I had to do a better job organizing because I am likely to be the only person at my party dancing. I will hear this guy sing again, even if I do not have a party.
We stopped at The Farmer’s Daughter’s Market in the next block from the theater. It looks so cute and it is always closed when we go to the theater at night. Today was day, so we went in. It was so cute! When we went in, there were four metal roosters at the checkout counter. They were hand made out of scrap-something-metal, so each one was slightly different (which beak is best!? Should the metal have more writing on it or less?!) and an older couple were debating which one to get. They continued trying to decide as other patrons weighed in and as the owners tried to help. They spent the entire time we were inside debating, then I missed the final decision! We were busy picking out an owl watering can. So cute.
We were going to eat at a lakeside restaurant, but it was too cold and windy and I was not dressed correctly (sleeveless dress). Instead we went to AlleyCat’s Gourmet Sandwiches. I thought sandwiches were sandwiches, but no. These were truly awesome sandwiches. We will go there for dinner next time we head to that theater. My sammie had candied bacon on it and that was the finest bacon ever. Ever.
I texted Alexander to tell him we were coming to borrow a sweatshirt. He asked why. Reasonable. He wondered if I had lost all warm clothes in the move, or perhaps I had mistakenly thought we would never have cool weather again. I had to admit I left the house without even glancing at the forecast. Yesterday was nice. Today was going to be exactly the same. Because that happens (?????). I was dressed for 85, but it was 65 and it was windy. I got a really good sweatshirt and we were off to Como Park Pavillion for Keith to sight-read a gig with the Brooklyn Big Band.
I wrapped my legs in a blanket from the car and was super cozy. Maybe it should always be 65 and windy. Carla and Mark joined me, and Dick and Ruth Ann came after Keith told them last night that he was playing. People are so nice, aren’t they? It was enjoyable, but a bit long (94 minutes without intermission). Apparently, everyone in the band’s name is short – 3 or 4 letters – which is presumably why Keith can’t be in it regularly. Dave, Katy, Tom, Bill, Mark, Isak, Jeff. Huh. Katy the singer was spectacular. I told her when I imagine I am good while singing in the shower it never occurred to me to imagine I was that good. I want to hear her sing again too.
There were dancers off to the side. I think it was six couples. Not one of them was in time with the music once during the whole evening. I don’t get it.
It’s late and it’s Sunday. Keith did not retire that I know of, so we better wrap this up and go to bed. I might unpack something tomorrow….