Rocking Out - A Rare Late Night

"Yeah runnin down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
I'm runnin down a dream"

- From "Runnin Down a Dream", Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Jeff Lynne songwriters

So I am red-eyed and faintly reefer-scented this morning after an evening with Joe Cocker (http://www.cocker.com/), and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (http://www.tompetty.com/) at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. What a night . . . clear and cool at an outdoor amphitheater that has been sacred for many generations, watching passion play out on electric guitar, keyboard, vocals. Late nights out seemed impossible for many years (though late nights IN with sick or startled children were common) - and a late weeknight date is still rare. Only for great live music with friends would I pre-arrange two sitters (blessings on them), dinner for the children, dinner for us, and even lunches for the next day. But it was a blast - a few stolen kisses from my husband and a spousal duet on "You Are So Beautiful" made all the prep and planning (not to mention the sleepy day after) worthwhile.

At our pre-concert picnic our group's conversation turned from Junior High misery and High School pranks to how the great (aging) rockers still rock our world despite pickled livers and unknown drug-induced brain alterations . . . which led us naturally or not to the concept of life after death. It was a quick segue as parking cars encroached on our picnic spot and warm-up sounds from the band beckoned. Yet a quick survey revealed our many different ideas of the afterlife, ranging from none (no existence whatsoever) to reincarnation to continuation in the form of energy, or dark matter, or vibration. A mystery, we all agreed, but the only certain thing is this life, and finding joy and purpose right now. Which sent us off immediately to the concert and cold beverages.

We were seated only ten rows back with a great view of the singers and musicians. Rocking out to my left were two Japanese gentlemen; I recognized a few "arigatou's" but no other linguistics, though it was impossible to mistake the glee in waving arms and shared fist bumps. In front of us were two young people in high school, accompanied by a rocking mom. The kids were totally into the music and not the least scornful of us old fogies - at least not to the point of openly texting throughout the show. With each hit the crowd would jump up enthusiastically, each resonating to their own peculiar beat, his or her own favorite chord. Yet folks took great pleasure in responding together; individuals looking around to see others' responses and looking up into the immense stands in awe of the great swaying (and smoking) crowd.

If it's true that we leave these or any body forever when we die and carry on as energy or as vibration, a great concert provides me with a comforting mental image. Each person, like a guitar string or tuning fork, vibrating with great energy so individual yet tied to the whole. Music connects like that. For me it was great to see two rockstars who made it through the valley of drugs and distractions, attention and adoration, and serve up their dreams for us all to share. Life and all that comes after is a mystery, of course, but what a great way to lose half a night's sleep - to experience the dream and ponder the mystery with many thousands of your closest friends.