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A couple of weeks ago, a former neighbor and good friend of mine, shared a picnic and some wine at the CityCenter Englewood Amphitheater while enjoying the music of “Chris Daniels and the Kings” during a free concert.

People of all ages, but mostly folks “our age,” along with a few families, settled on the wide span of lawn as the cool Colorado summer breezes started whispering below the majestic Rocky Mountains, so visible from that space. Children scampered here and there and people smiled at their antics.   What a joy it was to relax, visit with my friend and enjoy a wonderful dinner.

The music started and a few people got up and danced on the lawn and the sidewalk. Several of the couples were really, really good at the Jitter Bug. It was so much fun to watch them. Chris Daniels and the Kings played a wide variety of music – rock and roll, blues, funk, as well as swing.

The “icon of Colorado music,” Chris Daniels told us that he and another member of his band were cancer survivors. That explained to me the depth of feeling I heard in their music. They were so glad to be alive and bring joy to audiences through their music.

The music made me happy. I was almost in a meditative state. Many of the lyrics to the songs came back to me. Then, I noticed a strange thing – women – yes, ladies-of-a-certain-age, started standing up all over the amphitheater. They were dancing and singing with huge smiles on their faces. Yes, reserved grandmas (like you-know-who) were wiggling their hips, waving their arms, and waggling their lips. I could tell in their minds they were “hot chicks” once again. And, I was too.

I forgot about my cares and woes. I forgot about my worries. I forgot about the physical limitations I have developed. I was just a Colorado girl enjoying the wonder of a glorious evening under a Colorado sky.

Yes, I “Still like that old time rock ‘n’ roll, That kind of music just soothes the soul, I reminisce about the days of old, With that old time rock ‘n’ roll. Bob Seber, 1978

That experience didn’t cost me anything. All I had to do was commit to go, and travel a few miles from my home. The benefit I received was enormous. Concerts, like this one, happen all over our state, as well as in every Denver suburb. It’s often hard for me to get out of my rocker and put my knitting down. But, I must remember the magic of music, moonlight and majestic mountains await me outside of my door.

There’s another concert this coming Thursday, August 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue, 1000 Englewood Parkway. It features “The Nacho Men, “(swing, disco and beyond). I’m planning on going and hope to see you there.

 

 

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