“The first fact about a celebration, is that it is a way of affirming defiantly, and even flamboyantly, that it is a good thing to be alive.” - - G. K. Chesterton

About the Music

We are not fond of the music usually played at parties and receptions. A monotonous procession of unchanging rhythm and tempo accompanied by an incessantly mind-numbing beat: 1-2-3-4. Where only the notes and lyrics are changed in a feeble attempt to disguise the fact that it is really the same song being played over and over again. Amenable to only to one style of dance: Stomp, Stomp, Stomp, Stomp. (Okay, maybe a few are Shuffle, Shuffle, Shuffle, Shuffle). 4 hours of torturous boredom for all but a few (generally somewhat inebriated) individuals of a certain age.

Well, perhaps that’s a little harsh (you think?!). Even so, this evening’s music will be different.

A friend recently asked me to describe the criteria I used in selecting songs for this evening’s playlist. (“Tell me, Jim, what makes each of these songs special for you?”) Fair question, so here is my answer: Our playlist for this evening is meant to reflect 1. a Variety of 2. Good Music 3. Attuned to the Moment on the evening’s agenda. Thus:

• During dinner, for example, we hope the music will provide not only a pleasant background for dining, but also the opportunity for selective listening if you wish. Among our selections you will find jazz, new age and classical tracks we hope will meet the test.

• Later, for dancing, we will play a wide variety of genres, artists, rhythms and tempos to which a variety of specific dances can be done. In many cases, different dances can be done to the same song – e.g. swing, foxtrot, freestyle – your choice. (This is generally not true in the case of Tangos or Quicksteps, but these selections will be mercifully few!) The key criterion for inclusion at this point is, “Can you dance to it?” I suspect there will be songs you’ve never heard before, at least at events like this. Don’t worry, though, we will still incorporate some of the “Old Favorites.” After all, “We are Family”, so for sure we plan to “Celebrate” as we “Get Down Tonight” and “Dance to the Music”! “Oh, What a Night” we have planned for you!! (Sorry, but I draw the line at “Sweet Caroline”).

Ah, but noticeably absent among the criteria is The Message! Shouldn’t the songs convey a message reflecting the inspiration of and an aspiration for long and happy lives together? After all, we are celebrating a 50th Anniversary! Sure (see: “This Evening’s Musical Theme” below). But must every single song? Can’t some songs just be fun?

Marriage is profoundly rewarding - but it is also hard work. Lyrics in tonight’s music might reflect either. And then, perhaps, neither - there are those songs we just like . . . because!

So, there you have it. I don’t know if you will enjoy all of tonight’s music, but there should be something for everyone!

This Evening’s Musical Theme
La Vie En Rose

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