Last night's concert* was very enjoyable. When I arrived, the halls were dark and few staff, visible...I thought at first that I'd gotten the date wrong ...checked ticket. Nope. Next, I asked a woman who was sitting outside the hall where my concert was scheduled if she was there for it...yes. And no, she had no explanation for where everyone was. So, I decided to go in the Encore: the bar where one can buy wine, beer, sometimes champagne (but not last night) and coffee - Starbucks of course.
I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio and because I rarely travel without a journal and a pen, pulled them out and wrote:
7:25 p: @ The Clarice - it's like a ghost town. Sitting in the Encore; just three customers: me and two others - a man and woman, having a spirited, friendly conversation. When I arrived ten minutes ago, just two people waiting, in the lobby . Usually there's quite a gathering before performances. Strange. Drinking Pinot Grigio - I like the design the wine glass makes on the journal page.
7:30 p - 30 min till curtain time. Walking from the parking lot to The Clarice was such trip down memory lane, taking me back to my own college days, in the fall; quiet - perhaps a tad eerie. But, totally nostalgic. Another couple comes in and order drinks...
7:41 pm - Soon, I'll go to my seat; wondering how many more people have arrived. Another customer just entered the Encore. Wondering how many more people may've arrived for the concert. I'm sleepy too and the wine didn't help but it was good and relaxing. I guess it's time to go to my seat...concert starts soon.
* The Clarice is the University of Maryland's Performing Arts Center. You can read the program notes here, starting on page 6.