Which ever way your pleasure tends, may the four winds blow you home again

Last evening was well-spent. We found a new mid-range Japanese style restaurant, Miso-Teriyaki. They have a good menu, an adequate sushi and sashimi list, and rapid service. We were quite pleased with the quality of the meal and the staff was quite polite and helpful given the habitual understaffing that restaurants live with and that it was Friday evening. The only down check was the presence of large numbers of pre-school aged kids. This is not the type of restaurant I’d have expected parents to bring kids into. However, many parents seem all too happy to bring their kids and inflict them on other diners. The family seated next to us had several kids with them, two of who were climbing onto the seating and rolling around, emitting lots of noise. Since they remained out of our space and did not reach the “wandering-to-the-next-table” stage, we said and did nothing. We were happy to leave when our meal was done as the kid-noise level was high and growing. We both agreed we will eat there again. But if we are not as rushed for time, we’ll request a kid-free seating.

Leaving the restaurant, we moved up the parking lot to Krogers in order to give them money for food. We managed to complete our list and load the car in 20 minutes. Ten minutes later we were at Down Home, our night club/venue for last night’s show.

Sonia Rutstein, performing as SONiA, solo and with her band “Disappear Fear” was in town for a single night, solo gig. We’ve known of her since 1993 but never seen her perform. Since she shares Gloria’s maiden name, we’ve always thought they might be cousins. Gloria and she had the chance to meet and talk last night and we now think the consanguinity is certain. We’ll follow up on the genealogy information when we can.

As a singer-songwriter, I find her lyrics tight, descriptive, and well-written. I’d rank them with the best lyricists of her age group. Her musicianship is exceptional. Her composition is fluid and precise; as is her skill with her instruments of choice, acoustic and electric guitar and keyboard. We heard her sing highly topical songs, deeply personal songs, some excellent blues numbers, and she is capable of singing in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic. Her political stance shows loudly and clearly in her lyrics. She puts her time and money into her causes. She’s had the chance to play and sing with some of the best musical activists from our generation and seems well equipped to carry on the traditions of music as a social and political tool, handing them on to the ones who come behind her in the line.

Her opening group, a local trio named “The Squash Blossoms” left a lot to be desired. We had seen them nearly a year ago. They had no new material, performed exactly the same songs, and performed them just as poorly. They lacked instrumentation, harmony, vocal depth, and agreement as to what lyrics they were singing. Ms. Rutstein had them on stage with her during her second set for two numbers. I think she regretted it by the end of the second number. She offered them secure parts, much like Couric offered Palin, and they weren’t up to it. I applaud Sonia for the kindness she displayed. I hope the “Squash Blossoms” realize how much they need to improve. But if they are taking their feedback from their fans who sat behind us last night, they won’t improve.

Sonia’s music attracts many gay and lesbian fans. I strongly suspect that I was the only heterosexual male who paid to attend the show. Whether or not that is the case, I enjoyed her music very much and enjoyed the chance to meet yet another cousin. Music, well written and well played music, speaks to everyone who can hear it. I’ve always had good enough ears to hear what the singer is saying in the song. I wish I could still make that statement about hearing the instruments and voices that come from the stage as well as I hear the intent. But even my digital VA hearing aids can’t repair or replace that loss.

I’ll admit to turning those hearing aids off last night during the opening act. Gloria looked over and noticed what I was doing. It’s a good thing the people at the table behind couldn’t see her grin.

It was a pleasant drive home. We got to sleep about 0200 and slept in this morning. Today’s e-mail brought the announcement that Dr. Miller, who teaches the CSI course I want to audit, will make a slot for me. So hopefully, I’ll be able to complete registration by Monday evening or Tuesday. Gloria’s registration is complete. We need to go into ETSU to have ID cards made, get parking stickers, and police up the odds and ends.

This morning, I discovered a black bear paw print in the back yard.