A Musician Who Listens
Musician Deidre McCalla had her first performance in 1973 and since that time she has crisscrossed America a number of times. Listed below are some concerts she attended and felt were special for her.
Which five concerts/performances have you attended in the past that moved you for the musical ability and skill of the artist/ band? What was it about the show that still stays with you?
You’re not going to get five. I always marvel how in courtroom dramas witnesses can remember what they were doing on a specific night five years before. I’m doing good to remember what i did last week!
Artist: Joan Baez
Venue: Carnegie Hall, New York City
Year: 1975
I remember this because it was my first year of college and I had been trying to get tickets to a Baez concert for three years but they were always sold out by the time I found out about it. This was a benefit with Italian activist poet Danilo Dolci. I went by myself. My seat was front row center - just a few feet away from my hero. I was in heaven!
Artist: Dylan
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Year: No idea
Sound was awful but I remember at one point Dylan sang out “How does it feel?” and in my head I was thinking it feels just fine Bobby. Just fine.
Artist: Simon and Garfunkel
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Year: No idea, but I think it was a fundraiser for the McGovern campaign so maybe 1972.
I could only afford the section behind the stage and at one point S&G turned around and sang one for those in the cheap seats. It was a nice gesture but I recall thinking great, the less fortunate only get one song. figures. However, they were my heroes and I was glad to be there. Still, it was the Garden and the sound sucked.
As for 4 and 5 I can’t recall any specifically.
I will say that every show I have gone to has schooled and shaped me as a performer. I learn what can work onstage and what doesn’t. It doesn’t matter if it was a major artist or Jane Doe at the Farmer’s Market. I take it all in and learn something. That’s how you grow as an artist.
Which five concerts/performances have you attended in the past that moved you for the musical ability and skill of the artist/ band? What was it about the show that still stays with you?
You’re not going to get five. I always marvel how in courtroom dramas witnesses can remember what they were doing on a specific night five years before. I’m doing good to remember what i did last week!
Artist: Joan Baez
Venue: Carnegie Hall, New York City
Year: 1975
I remember this because it was my first year of college and I had been trying to get tickets to a Baez concert for three years but they were always sold out by the time I found out about it. This was a benefit with Italian activist poet Danilo Dolci. I went by myself. My seat was front row center - just a few feet away from my hero. I was in heaven!
Artist: Dylan
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Year: No idea
Sound was awful but I remember at one point Dylan sang out “How does it feel?” and in my head I was thinking it feels just fine Bobby. Just fine.
Artist: Simon and Garfunkel
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Year: No idea, but I think it was a fundraiser for the McGovern campaign so maybe 1972.
I could only afford the section behind the stage and at one point S&G turned around and sang one for those in the cheap seats. It was a nice gesture but I recall thinking great, the less fortunate only get one song. figures. However, they were my heroes and I was glad to be there. Still, it was the Garden and the sound sucked.
As for 4 and 5 I can’t recall any specifically.
I will say that every show I have gone to has schooled and shaped me as a performer. I learn what can work onstage and what doesn’t. It doesn’t matter if it was a major artist or Jane Doe at the Farmer’s Market. I take it all in and learn something. That’s how you grow as an artist.
