River City Writer

It’s a cool day, but sunny, for the final day of the ESO’s Symphony Under the Sky at the Heritage Ampitheatre in William Harwelak Park. In a few moments, things will be getting under way with the national anthem and “God Save the Queen.”

The program has, for various reasons, been thrown out the window for this afternoon’s performance, which means we’re in for a random but entertaining show.

Things started off Checkovsky March (???)…a number which, apparently, requires audience participation. Clap along!

The next piece is “Belle of the Ball,” a piece by Leroy Anderson. Thouhg I didn’t recognize the name of the piece, I do recognize the music, which is often the case with symphony music and I. I enjoy the music, and Ienjoy learning more about it, but if you were to ask me to name a tune, I’d be at a loss for anything other than the most commonly recognized songs: Beethovin’s 9th, the “1812 Overture,” etc.

“Phantom Regiment” is the next piece, also by Leroy Anderson. This is apparently a relatively obscure piece, which makes me less embarassed to not recognize it. It was a quite charming piece, which the audience seemed to enjoy. Of course, I am continuely impressed by our ESO, and never fail to be both entertained and enlightened by them…as difficult as it made be with ignorant people talking throught the enitre show behind me.

A little medly being called “Saint Bailey’s Rag” goes by, and we’re into the first song with tonight’s guest artist PJ Perry on the sax. I believe that this will be a medly of ’20s jazz numbers…

Watching Perry rock out in his brown suit and baseball cap is an enjoyable experience. Seeing him lean into the music and give it all that he has to give it is beyond enjoyable, it’s…well, frankly, it makes me want to put down the computer for a few minutes to just sit and take it all in. And so I shall.