It had become a thing. Every 6 months (once a semester), I would make the trek to Eastern Nazarene College, in Quincy, MA (suburban Boston), where my longstanding friend and supporter, Dr. John Nielson, would provide the opportunity to give a lecture/demonstration in his arts appreciation in the morning, and to present a concert that same evening. That all abruptly ended last year, when ENC closed its doors (my last trip was almost exactly a year ago). Eastern Nazarene College was a very important slice of life for many people, some of whom I've gotten to know well, over the years (I served on staff of Chestertown Church of the Nazarene, in Maryland, as Worship Arts Director from 2003-2005). Obviously, its closing impacted me far less than it did Dr. Nielson, and many others. Nonetheless, it was a quite a disappointment (my daughter Charie lives in the area, which gave me a guaranteed twice a year visit). But things change, so we just retain the gratitude, and carry on.    

So, imagine my surprise ....

Earlier this week, at Shorebreak Lodge in Rehoboth Beach, DE, Sharon Sable and I enjoyed a very responsive and appreciative crowd, including a couple over at the corner table, who were quite engaged for the entire evening. When we finished, one of the owners came over to me and said that I should talk to the couple over at the corner table, as they had come from Massachusetts just to see me. Huh? Turns out that they had attended many (perhaps even all) of my ENC concerts, starting in 2019, and with the college closing, they decided to make the trip down in order to see me again. And not just in Rehoboth; they also came to Glenwood's (in Columbia, MD) on Tuesday (and didn't let me know they were there). Since they had already (and only) seen me perform solo piano, they wanted to catch me with a trio, and then with Sharon (they had purchased the "Once Upon a Summertime - the Music of Blossom Dearie" CD at one of my concerts at ENC). Talk about heartwarming!! After talking with them for a bit, I did begin to recognize having seen them before, but would have never put it together. And certainly wouldn't have thought that they would make the trip to (greater) Baltimore, MD, and then to Rehoboth Beach DE, just because they couldn't catch me in Massachusetts anymore. Thankfully, Sharon had the presence of mind to take a picture of the Grahams and I. How delightful.  😁

By the way, the Grahams are now fans of Shorebreak Lodge Restaurant, as well    🙂  You will be too, if you come in for dinner to see Sharon and I (or at any other time). I'm there with Sharon two Thursdays/month, give or take. See my schedule page for dates. And thanks again to the Grahams for making the trip.🙂