So my friend Megan is a Norah Jones junkie. Back in March, for her one year anniversary, she and her husband traveled to Indianapolis to see Norah (as she familarily calls her) in concert. Being from Indiana, I know just how long that drive is, so all I can say is that Megan is a dedicated fan, and her husband is a loving husband (not that he's not a Norah fan, but I wonder if would have driven to Indiana without Megan's desire to do so). Anyway, about a month ago, Megan asked me if I was interested in going to the Norah Jones concert in OKC. I said I'd think about it and get back to her.
As so often happens, life intervened, and thinking about the concert was pushed to the far recesses of my mind. Last week, Megan asked me if I'd like to go, and at that time, money was too tight to spend any on a concert. Megan understood, and knew that Ben would go with her. Fast forward a day, and Megan, one of the kindest and sweetest people I know (she's a 1st grade teacher with a personality to match--you know, the sweet, young, pretty teacher you always wanted), well Megan says she's already paid for two tickets, and Ben saw the concert in March, so she's willing to give me his ticket if I'm interested. Yep, that's the kind of sweet, giving person she is. I'm no fool (most of the time), so I accepted.
Last night we made our way, thanks to Megan's Garmin and no thanks to the closed roads in OKC, to the OKC Civic Center Music hall. There's something about a performance hall that makes me excited. I feel like I'm surrounded by culture and that maybe some of it will brush off on me. There's also the pressure, combined with a small thrill, of being surrounded by what I call "swanky" people. At first I felt underdressed, but soon saw folks in their shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops, and then I felt safely middle-of-the-road.
We were seated next to a man and a woman I assumed was his wife. He was one of those arm-rest hogs, and was also a commentator until he wore himself out with his head-bobbing and toe-tapping. I'm pretty sure he fell asleep toward the end of Norah's set, and he and his wife (?) made their way out before the encore (silly people!). I started the night a little tense (having to cross my arms or else sit arm to arm with a stranger) and a little annoyed (doesn't he know that there's an unseen plane--you know, like the one Dwight marked with pencils between his desk and Jim's desk in the first season of "The Office). But then I got over myself. It's hard sometimes, but necessary. When I made the Dwight connection in my head, I knew I had to let it go, so sometimes I'd let my arms down and thus touch this total stranger. It struck me how odd social dynamics at a venue like a concert can be.
What can I say about the concert except that Norah Jones is amazing. She played a lot from her new album, and I like that she's mixed it up a bit. There was more of a rockin' vibe than I'd anticipated. I was expecting a more laid back evening, and while she eventually got there, she started with lots of spunk. I expect that Norah Jones would meet Mr. Bingley's (Jane Austen's version, not mine) expectation of an accomplished lady--she sings, she plays, and does I know not what. Now if only she can embroider a cushion, she's got it made.
So thanks, Megan, for a great night, and more importantly, for your friendship.
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