Rock-a-bye Sweet Baby James!

The Setting: Ravinia June 6 th 2008 some 30 years later... Sun, surely sinking down and the moon slowly rising. Trees ablaze, rimmed in what seemed to be vibrant crimson flames from the brightly glowing orb. Casting long shadows on the Ravinia Lawn across the pavilion.


My sister had been given tickets to the previously sold out concert. Attending had mearly been a dream to this point. One phone call the night before and we were in. She arrived several hours in advance and I wandered in ten minutes before he took the stage. Unable to sit, like the other thousands on the lawn... as though listening to him on a "Bose" at home... I stood just outside the pavilions East side. Surrounded by many other adoring fans... I waited my turn to move closer to the front. Once there, My sister joined me and her friends Lana and her daughter Carley, who before had had several brushes with both James and Ben, arrived by my side. We listened and danced in a pack of women and men who were there to enjoy every moment of his performance... unlike the " blue" faces in the pavilion staring as though watching a television screen and with as much life... It was our moment.

I had whispered to my gals ( the four of us) that at the opportune time, we would plan to holler... " we love you James"! It was the time we had planned... he was pulling up a stool and his acoustic for a toned down tune... three, two, one ... from our very depths we let our voices resound as one! A moments pause and James, pulling his microphone closer, looked our way and replied... "And I love you, too". We raised our arms and whooped upon knowing he had heard us and knowing he was replying only to us... in the crowd of thousands... He then replied ( as he has on other occasions, to other adoring fans) "Perhaps it is better that we not know one another". The crowd rumbled with laughter but THAT was our moment. We loved James and we told him so, He heard us and Loved us as well. All of the women around the four of us were a clammer. They were shouting..."he loves you! Did you hear him... he was talking to YOU"! It was as if we had finally been able to tell him personally, albiet in our own rebel rousing way and in front of thousands, what we all had been feeling for some thirty years....

What a memorable moment. Then followed by Sweet Baby James.... need I say more.


After the songs were sung... we retreated for a glass of wine at the typical candle lit table, freshly made goodies, candles and a makeshift fragrant centerpiece with peony and roses from my garden...and conversation. Knowing that we had the satisfaction the he knew we were there... among the up-lit trees, and the smell of the heavy summer air.
now that is love.