Performing with a symphony gives their songs these lush arrangements. Several of them I've heard time and again, but last night there were some super new ones that were fresh and delightful. Songs off the latest album, and old songs like Happier and Demons, finally, with the gorgeous layer of arrangements by professional hands.
And this was the Kennedy Center, where things have gotten .... weird. The new administration has determined the programming too "Woke" and they put measures into place to change the content.
Several artists, bands, and performers have canceled their shows there. Key advisors and creative directors like Ben Folds resigned.
Guster did not cancel their performance. They felt it wasn't fair to the symphony, who had worked so hard to learn these pieces. Not fair to the employees who would miss out on work those nights. Not kind to people traveling from all over the country to come see them. Not fair.
And over the last two nights, they were there to prove they had a reason.
A musical called Finn was canceled by the new ... regime. Official Kennedy Center talking points were that the show was canceled before the new administration took office (but, after the election was won by them) and before the new leadership was in charge. There was no reason to cancel this musical. It was sold out.
But, it's about a shark who thinks maybe deep down inside he is a sparkly fish.
Too woke to have a children's musical about self acceptance, kindness, and discovering yourself in a world where people want you to be something else. Children shouldn't learn that, I guess.
Last night, Guster decided to shine a light on this fact, this situation, and had the cast come out and sing the song "Hard Times" with them. Here's an article written about the moment. And there are articles in Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Consequence of Sound, Broadway World, and Washington Post (need to enter your email to read) and all over the internet about this "subtle protest."
Ryan spoke about how he felt about this situation, and how the stage that night was "their stage," and now also Finn's stage because "they belong here." We didn't get canceled. We're a bunch of cis/het white guys, we're going to recognize our privilege use this forum, and exercise allyship like you won't believe.
There was not a dry eye in the house. Everyone was stunned. It was outstandingly beautiful.
For night two, I really wanted them to come out in drag. Absolutely full blown drag. But they didn't. And the more I thought if it, that would be ham handed and over the top, unnecessary. Make your protest in a way that no one can find it offensive. Make your protest with logic, and peace, and music. They repeated the performance of "Hard Times" with the cast of Finn again, and the composer Michael Kooman, had the opportunity to speak for a little while as well.
We sat with S, S, and Henry and our friend Spicy V and had a wonderful time. I love seeing Guster with Henry. My friend Jeff, his significant other Meg, and his sister Amy were in the row in front of us. I wish we had more time to connect.
It all was just so magical.
I had set up those two meet and greets, and so many people came. 50+ both nights. I was a little overwhelmed by the response. But there were old friends, new friends, and so much fun talking, laughing, catching up, and engagement with one another. There were people at the bar who were wearing Guster shirts, so we jumped them into the gang.
On Saturday during the day, Linda and I didn't even go out. Everyone was going to look at the cherry blossoms, but it was 80+ degrees, and the place was MOBBED, so opted to just not. No. We didn't even go to the pool. Just. Relaxed.
And sometimes that's the best.
Here are a couple pictures and three days of digits. Some of the glucose readings I have to go back and get but the monitor is in the other room. meh.
Friday digits
exercise: 12/12 hours. 20 minute measured walk in the mall (surprised my fitbit counted that) for .61 miles. 14k+ steps by bedtime miles.
blood glucose:
8:30am: 125
xpm: x
xpm: x
food:
coffee/water
8:30am: phentermine
10:30am: met+glip
12:30pm: broccoli, egg roll, 2 pieces of fried chicken, small dollop of lo mein. (food court!)
4pm: mimosas
5pm: met+glip
through the evening - prosecco, meatball sliders, some tuna nachos.
11:45pm: jardiance, some pepperoni pizza flatbread
Saturday digits
exercise: 12/12 hours. 15 min/.37 mile stroll to the liquor store that was measured as exercise by my fitbit. 11k+ steps by bedtime
blood glucose:
11am: 178 (after coffee and egg white bites, forgot to take first thing)
xpm: x
xpm: x
food:
coffee/water
8:30am: phentermine
10am: egg white bites, met+glip
12:15: chicken thigh sandwich, brioche bun, some french fries; mimosa
mimosas in the hotel room
5pm: met+glip; tuna poke in lettuce wraps; white wine
some more white wine
11:45pm: jardiance
Sunday digits
exercise: 12/12 hours. 15 min/.43 mile walk. 8500+steps by bedtime (too tired to get to 10k)
blood glucose:
9am: 96
4:30pm: 136
10pm: 188
food:
coffee/water
9am: phentermine; met+glip
10:30am: BEC on sourdough
3pm: 3 oreo cookies
5:30pm: met+glip
6pm: chinese food
8:45pm: jardiance
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