Awake

Thursday night at The Park

On Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm during the summer, the Ashland City Band performs in the Lithia Park Band Shell, treating the audience to pop favorites, classical adaptations, and music by local composers.

Apparently there is a pre-show that begins at 6:40 pm, which explained why the grassy knoll was already chock full of already settled-in folks when I arrived just before the show began.

This picture is a little crooked because I was trying to discreetly lean over to avoid the head of the woman sitting in front of me and get a relatively unobstructed view of the stage and the band.

It was a warm night, but overcast. The clouds were dark and I wondered if a thunderstorm was in the works. So far, so good, and I was able to break out the long lens to get some closer-up shots of the band sections. They look like they're having fun, don't they?

I miss playing in an orchestra sometimes.

Well, sure enough, a dramatic cool breeze gusted through the park canyon and a few minutes later, it began to sprinkle. A few people left (obviously from out-of-state) but the tried and true Oregonians stuck it out, which really was the right move, because it was only a few sprinkles and could have actually been considered somewhat refreshing. A few people came prepared with jackets or sweatshirts, which I admit, I had thought about bringing when I walked out of the house and saw those menacing dark clouds.

But as quickly as it came, it left, and a patch of blue sky emerged from behind the forested hills.

All in all, it was a very pleasant outing. There was only one thing missing.

You.

Happy Friday, everyone. Have a great weekend.