The restaurant is full – or as full as is possible given the COVID restrictions; ‘full’ is relative, but this relative fullness is uplifting to see – and, unexpectedly, it is also filled.
With music.
There is a single musician, mask-faced and stool-seated, caressing a set of strings with well-grooved fingers, adding to the evening-meal bustle an overtone of unhurriedness.
Mexican folk, jazzy classical, well-known hits of yonder years… There is no limit to genre or timing; a Spanish waltz fits smoothly between an instrumental rendition of LaBamba and a piece of improvized bluesy jazz, a classical standard is spruced new with fingerstyle picking on electrified acoustic, wordless melodies soothe and uplift.
It is an experience we haven’t had in a long while.
Even before COVID, our aural outings had been severely reduced: lack of access combined with absence of safety (the city… there is much to be said but even more to be done about the city; unfortunately, it has continually gotten worse in recent years and will likely never get better) and the carefully thought-out application of funds has meant that small-venue dinners with live musical accompaniment have long been a thing of the past.
But tonight, we are – pleasantly, unexpectedly – presented with warm sounds beside hot meals.
And when we are finished, our bellies filled full, we leave surprising fulfilled.
This – bestowed suitingly on a “give presents” celebratory occasion – is the precious unexpected gift of guitar.
.
for the 2021 April A-to-Z Challenge: Letter G
For this year’s A-to-Z Challenge, my theme is Music as Muse.
Feel free to click the badge above to find out what the challenge is all about, or see here for my 2021 challenge posts.
For a shortlist of members of this community who are participating, please see here.
And if you are visiting from the challenge, please leave a comment below and let me know!
And what give-presents occasion might that be? is someone celebrating a birthday? If they are, then HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Lovely music with a warm meal out is always nice.
This was a few weeks ago, yes. The accidental dinnertime musicale took place on my birthday. 🙂
Ah…heaven! You’re in Seattle, right? That city has been a mess for some time. And it’s a shame. 15-20 years ago, it was a fun place to visit. I avoid it now.
But, oh, to listen to live music again!
(And Happy -belated- Birthday)
Thanks.
And yes, Seattle is a nightmare. We don’t live there anymore – we’re further north – but urban sprawl just further spreads urban problems. So while We avoid the city geographically, it’s impossible to avoid it in other ways.
Our surprise guitar serenade actually took place at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in a small rural town. Somehow that made it all the more delightful. 🙂
What a lovely treat!
I loved reading your guitar piece! Your writing makes me imagine being there. We have a musical theater gal in our immediate family, so we are always pleased to hear about the arts somehow surviving and always bringing emotion with it. Happy Belated Birthday! Hugs, Windy
I guess I am a day off with the ABC Challenge. I’m posting F tonight. LOL Whatever! I’m writing my ass off either way!
Windy recently posted…Dishwasher Envy
You’re not off — I’m ahead. 🙂
Whoever thought we would be in awe of going out for a meal and listening to music. I so look forward for our restaurants to open again, for a meal prepared by someone else, some music, and for, well, just being out. Reading this made me long for it even more 🙂
~ Marie xox
Odd how things look so different after a full year of disruption. We take so many things for granted and don’t even realize it.
Oh lovely post – I so want to go out for a meal and listen to a man – other than my own! – play the guitar
May x
May More recently posted…Five Meals From One Chicken ~ A Neat Trick
“unexpected gift of guitar.” I love that phrase and how you work up to it. I could feel the music.