Bela Fleck and Chick Corea Concert Date

Months ago, Chris saw that Bela Fleck AND the Flecktones (they don't always tour with him) were coming to town.  Not only that but the Chick Corea Elektric Band was also coming and it was a combined concert.  The look in his eyes said it all.  We had to find a way to get the tickets and find a sitter.  Fortunately Chris' brothers were up for planning their trip around the concert so that we could see them, they could go hiking and backpacking in the mountains, AND Chris and I could go to the concert together.  THANK YOU, Ethan and Nick (and Jordan too!), for watching the kiddos and having a great time with them and keeping them safe and getting them down to sleep.  You are the best, and we appreciate it more than you could possibly know. 

In the first 8 years of our marriage, we went out on dates only rarely.  Some years once.  Some years 2-3 times.  It was usually simple.  It was usually fairly short as we didn't want to inconvenience free sitters (we couldn't afford to pay a sitter on Chris' Catholic radio salary).  But over the years, we've realized that getting out together is REALLY VITAL to our marriage.  So we have worked and re-worked budgets to try to squeeze some money for babysitters sometimes.  We have also asked (begged in many cases) family members to babysit when they come visit.  It's a bit humbling.  I hate asking for help, but I hate inconveniencing others even more, so it's pretty much my least favorite thing to have to do.  But I want to nurture my marriage even more, so humiliate humble myself it is.   If you haven't been getting out much, be creative.  Find ways to move things around in your budget (you'll have to sacrifice something, but don't make it your marriage).  Ask people for help.  Do babysitting swapping.  But leave your house and go on dates.  

End of rant.  

So we went to the concert.  

We sat in line waiting because it was an outside open venue with no assigned seating, so the spots were first come, first serve.  Our "waiting spot" was under a big and very old tree and it was lovely.  

We chatted and sat and just people watched.  

Then the line was moving and it was time to go claim seats for the concert.  

 

silly selfies and the photobomber guy

We found pretty good seats and then got all settled with the cheese, crackers, grapes, and adult beverages we had brought with us.  The guy next to us was a sweet older guy who was very chatty and had all sorts of mostly interesting information to share.  He and his wife (she was there too, but she hardly talked at all) go to concerts at the Botanical Gardens fairly frequently apparently.  

And then the music magic began.  

These are some brief video clips.  It doesn't do the concert real justice, but at least gives an idea of the music style and the talent. 

           

           

Some Victor Wooten on bass, solo work.  

           

         

          

And then Chick Corea's Elektric Band played.  

          

 

          

Just some phenomenal musicians in both these bands.  We had so much fun listening.  And hang out together.  And hold hands.  And eat chocolate (and all the other yummy stuff).  :) 

And then Bela Fleck and the Flecktones came back out and they all played together.  What a night. The video  just catches the very end but it was amazing talent all together.  A fun date to experience with my own talented musician/husband.  Thanks for taking me out for a fun night, babe!  What a great time.