Hi Neighbor!
Not only am a contributing writer for Main Line Neighbors but I am your actual neighbor! I live in the same township as many of you, I enjoy similar activities as some of you, and I experience some of the same events as you do, right here in our own neighborhood.
Whether it is my turn to contribute to the weekly newsletter or not, I always peruse the list of activities in and around town that are provided in the newsletter. I too like to be “in the know” and can be found “out and about” at farms and orchards, movies and farmers’ markets, and seasonal events as well. Which is how I found myself, after two decades of living on the Main Line, at the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series a few weeks ago.
And it was awesome.
The featured performer was the spectacular Livingston Taylor, a great storyteller, songwriter, and musician. He had the audience from the opening notes of his version of “If I Only Had a Brain” from The Wizard of Oz. The audience – my neighbors – adored Taylor, especially when he mentioned that he got his start at the Main Point on Lancaster Avenue; there were many proclamations of, “Oh, I was there!”
Taylor was perfectly positioned under the gazebo next to Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr, which had just the right amount of lighting to add to the magical ambiance of the evening. The crowd was mesmerized, applauding appreciatively, and singing along when Taylor encouraged them. Taylor dabbled in his brother James’ “Carolina on My Mind” and closed the show with another favorite from The Wizard of Oz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to which everyone sang along.
It was the perfect, pristine summer night to listen to live music outdoors. And the best part? I was surrounded by my neighbors.
I might have been the only newbie in attendance because all my neighbors knew, and respected, the protocol of low chairs in front of the white line while higher, camp-style chairs needed to be behind the white line. People were courteous, chatting with one another, sharing space, making room for one another, and taking advantage of the new-this-year alcoholic beverage stand. Plus, every single neighbor had a smile on their face as they sat back and listened.
When Taylor’s performance was over, I was caught off guard by my neighbors who were “rushing” the stage, er, gazebo. If they were going to attempt to interact with Livingston Taylor, then by gosh, I was too!
I bee-lined to the edge of the gazebo and quickly got his attention. Now what? He was SO polite when I stammered that life came full circle because I had seen him perform my freshman year at college. He put out his hand and said, “I’m Liv. What’s your name?” Priceless. Full circle and then some.
More neighbors were anxious to have their ‘moment,’ so I politely walked away, forgetting to ask for a selfie. Sigh.
The real point, neighbors, is that music is alive and well in our community all summer long. The Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series runs into early September, so there is still time to partake in this musical experience, geared toward all ages.
Keep checking the weekly newsletter list and the “In the Loop” section for other great activities taking place in the area. There is definitely a neighborhood kind of feel to it. Enjoy!
Your neighbor,
Jackie