Short version: It’s simply a night that could not have gone any better.
Longer version: My wife and I have been hosting a “house concert”-style series at the Corralitos Cultural Center for nearly two years. Sometimes I bring in a couple of other songwriters, and we share the night telling the stories behind our songs. Other times I’ll just host and “show off” an artist that I want other people to experience. Every show is different, and each one is special. But I think we outdid ourselves last Friday.
Keith Greeninger played the cultural center. Not only is he an award-winning songwriter, Keith’s also become a good pal over the past few years. He’s one of the most gracious performers around and for me has always been at the ready with support and advice. (I easily put him in the same ranks as local favorites Dayan Kai, Alisa Fineman, or the late Chuck McCabe: People just *that* good who want to help you along your way.) Keith is also a hell of a performer and works a crowd like no one I’ve ever seen.
He and I have been talking about him playing down here since the series started. We both knew he’d be a big draw. Keith specifically said he wanted to do the show to make people aware about this venue we’ve been grooming in south county. After last Friday, a lot more people definitely know about it.
I did a few songs to open the night, then turned it over to Keith. He started with a cover of Jesse Winchester’s “That’s What Makes You Strong”, and then spent the rest of the first set doing mostly new material that I’m sure we’ll hear on his next album. Keith also fits right in with the “songs and stories” aspect of this intimate little venue, giving us the complete background on every song.
The second set featured lots of favorites including “Ruby and Rosie”, a song written for his grandmothers. (It’s one of my favorites, and I’m sure a favorite of Keith’s parents, Al and Carla, who were also at the show.) He took requests for songs like “Glorious Peasant”, gave us the whole tale behind “Arsenal of Doves”. And after suggesting, “I think it’s about time you all stand up and sing”, Keith closed the show with a big singalong of “I Shall Be Released”/”Three Little Birds”, with an invitation for his friend John and myself to accompany him onstage.
Yeah, it wasn’t a bad night. 😉
Shows like this don’t happen by themselves. It takes a special artist. Lots of planning. And a lot of support from an audience who shows up and makes a simple concert into a community event. Here’s one more thanks to Keith, along with another nod to everyone who came out and made Friday night special. Thanks for supporting Keith, and thanks for supporting the Corralitos Cultural Center.
The next show at the center will be a night of two local performers probably best known for their jobs as supporting players. We’ll feature the songs of Jim Lewin (Lacy J. Dalton, Todd Snider, Great American Taxi) and Scott Musick (The Call) on Sunday, April 1st at 6:30 pm. You can reserve your seats ahead of time by sending me an email.