The Unforgettable Night with Dave Brubeck and Rare Earth
From the magic of attending a concert at one of America's premier music halls to the serendipity of bumping into a legendary musician, my night was filled with unforgettable moments. Let me take you through this extraordinary evening.
Concert at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, New York
The Kleinhans Music Hall is one of America's best music venues acoustically. During a winter evening in 1995, I had the privilege to attend a concert with my date. Located in Buffalo, New York, the hall has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. I held front row center orchestra pit tickets, which meant I had an unobstructed view of the performance.
The concert featured two parts: the first half with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the second half with Dave Brubeck and his quartet. My date, a fellow music enthusiast and local, was Bobby Militello, known for his tenor saxophone skills.
The show was phenomenal. Dave Brubeck's piece, Take 5, was particularly memorable. The music was unbelievable and exceeded all expectations. The ambiance was electric, with a perfect balance between the modern and timeless tunes. The performance was second to none, fitting perfectly for a Dave Brubeck show.
A Night to Remember
Following the show, a sense of magic lingered in the air. The basement of Kleinhans Music Hall transformed into a massive 1920s-style bar, with a grand oval seating arrangement and countless bartenders. People mingled shoulder to shoulder, enjoying their after-show cocktails. This legendary venue's charm added to the night's enchantment.
Despite the initial awkwardness of having spilled my drink, the post-concert bar scene brought about a series of unexpected events. The bar was a hive of activity, and as I was retrieving a replacement drink, I found myself bumping into Dave Brubeck. This moment seemed almost scripted, especially since I had just been impressed by a charismatic performance.
As I apologized, Dave Brubeck not only took the responsibility seriously but also took the initiative to offer me another drink. Shocked by his graciousness, I suggested that I could return the favor by getting him one instead. After a brief exchange, I was thrilled to learn that he just happened to be from the area and knew my date's friend Emilio. The chemistry between the two seemed to be a good fit.
The Date's Amazement
My date was bewildered and amazed to learn of my encounter with Dave Brubeck. The entire night was marked by wonder, and it highlighted the unpredictability of life. My date and I spent the rest of the evening sharing our amazement and reliving the incredible encounter with the legendary musician.
This night was more than just a date; it was a magical evening. The combination of excellent music, a touching encounter with a music icon, and the element of surprise created an indelible experience that I cherish to this day.
Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll Memories
My nights filled with rock and roll memories aren't limited to the Dave Brubeck concert. The summer of 1992 brought another unforgettable occasion to my life, a show featuring rare Earth, The Guess Who, Mark Farner, Grand Funk, and BTO at Melody Fair in North Tonawanda, NY. This event added to the rich tapestry of my experience with rock and roll, with each concert bringing its own set of unforgettable moments.