A Goodness Down Deep -That Keeps On Singing
Encounters of Consequence
Last week my flight out of Sioux Falls was delayed several hours and so I missed my connection in Chicago, resulting in 4 hour layover in O’Hare Airport. I found a comfortable booth in a busy Starbucks and settled in with a book. There were three baristas working the busy counter. One was a young African American man with a wide smile. This wonderful man was singing mini arias in a beautiful operatic voice. He was obviously a trained vocalist, and a seriously fine baritone. He kept singing out the orders in soaring melodies as they came up, lattes and cappuccinos, the name of the patrons, and then always (with a final flourish) a thank you . I sat there for an hour, just listening to him, closing my eyes, enjoying the resonance of his voice, the flourishes, the final gratitudes. I noticed how some people stopped, clearly delighted by something so fine and rarefied. Others hurried by, so intent on getting where they were going, they arrived at their gate, but missed the miracle.
There is a lot in this troubled world that feels like a gathering storm. All I have to do is read the news to feel the weight of a worried sky pressing in. And yet consistently (if I’m paying attention) something utterly unexpected and truly beautiful happens, reminding me of a goodness down deep, always presenting itself…a miracle that just keeps singing.
Eventually I got up, ordered a drink. But instead of telling him my order, I sang it to him “ a small latte, with almond milk please…” We began a conversation (all sung) tossing the melody back and forth to one another like game of catch.
His name was Owen, he had a show in town next Saturday. My name was Carrie, I just had a show in Sioux Falls, and what show will you be singing on Saturday? He would be singing in Pucinni’s La Bohème. How about you? I sang folk music - mostly about finding something extraordinary in an ordinary day.
By that time, the other baristas were grinning and nodding to one another. The people in line had looked up from their phones. Finally, I sang a sincere affirmation, “Owen, have a truly beautiful voice. I have been so touched today by voice, your music and your generosity of spirit.“ And then with a deep bow, I thanked him. There was a moment of comfortable silence, then the other baristas when back to taking orders, the people in line went back to looking at their phones (but not all of them).
He stopped. Leaned in and whispered, “ You know…I kind of needed that today.” Then he straightened up and sang with a flourish as elegant as a quill tipped pen, “Thank you.”
Yes, there is a goodness down deep in the world…. and oh my friends, it just keeps on singing.
Question
Have you ever had a moment when you had to wait somewhere (in line, in traffic, in an office or airport) and encountered something you were glad you didn’t miss?
Fun News - New Album Release “A Great Wild Mercy” Sept 15, 2023
I’ll be recording a new album at Airtime Studios/ The Hundredth Hill Artist Retreat with Co-Producer/Engineer David Weber during May and June. The working title is “A Great Wild Mercy” and will be released Sept. 15, 2023!
I’m so excited to be joined by some incredible musicians including some names and voices you’ve heard on past projects : Gary Walters, Jordan Tice, Paul Kowert, Jim Brock and Brittany Haas.
I’m really looking forward to sharing this new collection of songs with you all later this summer. We will have some special pre-release packages and I’ll be sharing more news and even some in studio sneak peeks with my Substack Supporting Subscribers.
TOUR
Fun Opener in Ann Arbor and Chicago. At the Ark and The Old Town School my good friend Mike Green will be opening the show! He’s a wonderful songwriter and I know folks are going to love his addition to the evening. I hope you’ll join us!
For more info on my spring touring schedule visit www.carrienewcomer.com/tour
For Booking Inquiries - Concerts, Workshops & Other Events
Visit my Contact page at www.carrienewcomer.com/contact
Taking A Little Travel Break
Note - I’ll be traveling in Ireland and England the early part of April! I’ll send photos and I’m sure i’ll have some fun traveling reflections!
My dog Ella - just because :-) (from the video shoot for “A Long Way Up”
Once when we were stuck in Boston traffic with three young children who were acting well, like three young children, I pulled out my bag of tricks for such emergencies. I grabbed three bottles of bubbles. We opened the van windows and started blowing bubbles. The children watched how far one little bubble could go. I watched the drivers become surprised by the gesture of joy come by their window. Many smiled and some tapped their horns in a way I had not heard in Boston. The traffic didn’t seem so bad after that. Our family has done that waiting in all sorts of lines ever since. Thank you for reminding me.
your story of the baritone barista lifted my spirits today! I will keep my eyes open for that kind of possible encounter.