Hi folks. I was reluctant to write about this now, because we will be discussing this at our next “Geezer” lunch later this month. The discussion question is “If you had a time machine and could see any performer, living or dead, who would you wish to see at their prime?”
I decided to write about this now cause I discussed it with my young’uns and discovered, not surprisingly, that the choices are quite generational.
My first thoughts about this assignment led me to choose the “rat pack.” I’d love to see Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and throw in Bing Crosby in their prime. Marjorie and I were blessed to see Sammy Davis Jr. in Vegas before he passed.
After more thought I added the great tenor, Enrico Caruso, to my list.
In a stark example of a generation gap, I put that question to my daughter, Christine, and daughter-in-law, Kiersten, while they were visiting. They immediately chose Prince as their fantasy performer.
I didn’t say “Who?” Cause I knew who Prince was. In fact, I would’ve said, “you mean, the artist formally known as Prince, right?” But I was caught off guard by their choice. His name wouldn’t have ever rolled off my tongue. Their next thought was Michael Jackson, a fantastic entertainer, but again, not someone who would be on my top 5 list
My next thought requires a deep dive into historic fantasyland for me. I thought how wonderful it would be to sit in the same salon with my favorite classical heroes, Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. I have always been in awe of folks who can play and compose beautiful music. Berlin, Rogers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda wouldn’t be bad either. Ain’t fantasy wonderful? OMG the names Judy Garland, Betty Hutton, and Mary Martin just jumped out at me.
I wonder how many more fantastic performers will jump into my fantasy (yes, I know the words fantastic and fantasy in the same sentence is another example of the department of redundancy department). I’d be interested in seeing your choices in the comments you may have. Consider that a dare. Enuf
Here’s an addition to my earlier performer choices. Just heard a brilliant violin concerto played by Joshua Bell. I became a fan several years ago while on an extended hospital stay in room with TV. Saw the movie “ The Red Violin” for which Joshua Bell was the violinist playing all violin pieces. The movie and the music was great.
I would love to attend a long concert featuring Joshua Bell.