Blog 43

I am writing this two hours after the incredible Shemekia Copeland show at Riverbend Live. Huge crowd for the venue and people so affected that they were in tears. Shemekia's blues were incredible, the band was awesome and the audience responded. If you didn't go, ask anyone who did - people will be talking about this one for a long time. Backstage they were laid back personable fun people - no one looking for "rock star treatment", just wanting to do a good show. The highlight was clearly Shemekia walking through the crowd, without a microphone, belting out a 50 year old blues song written by her late father. She hugged people, smiled, even accepted offers of fresh fruit, a cold beer, and a flower from a child. ...all while the song continued with the band still playing on stage. In all my years of emceeing, I have never seen anything quite like it.

She stayed late chatting with people and signing CDs. She seemed to like the local folks who turned out. Being back stage, I knew the band had to drive back to Portland, sleep for 2-3 hours, get to the airport, catch an early flight, fly to New Mexico, and drive over 2 hours before their next show Saturday night. Yet no one was in a hurry to leave. Incredible.

A side note for me: I got to help be a roadie and move the hammond B-3 organ the band used for the evening. These instruments are very heavy, worth alot, and almost like a museum piece.....a work of art unduplicated with modern instruments. To be trusted to help move it was an honor honestly.

Okay I will stop now. Except to add that my youngest girl drew a picture for Shemekia during the show. Shemekia looked at it, read everything on both sides of the paper, and smiled, getting a bit choked up in the process. Wow - honest human emotion. What a night to remember.

Thanks to everyone for coming out and all those who sponsor Riverbend Live. Its a great privlege to help make the shows happen on Friday nights.