THANK YOU!
Wow what a week! We had jitters when we stepped on to the stage of the High Noon Saloon for the first time in three years (Bryan and I even had to periodically ask each other what the first line of the song was). But together we made it. And by "together" I mean all of us--the band, the staff, and every person in attendance.
It felt like a true collective effort where we were relearning how to be in each other's company and how to attend--or perform--a show. But any awkwardness was forgiven and lovingly embraced because what mattered most was that we were together: singing, dancing, and celebrating. It was a festival of the Irish and of all humans.
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ALL THE SPACES
The club, the pub, and the PAC. We got to play in three very different settings, each with its distinct and wonderful vibe.
We had the yelling and cheers of the High Noon Saloon including the early show with lots of kids. We played the pub show at Gates & Brovi (pictured) in tight with the neighborhood audience and an arms reach from the bar. And then we got to top it off with a night of attentive listeners (and a few friendly hecklers) at the Portage Center for the Arts.
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GRATITUDE
We received so many gracious compliments and heartfelt thank yous. Such nourishment for the soul. It really felt like this was important: for ourselves and for everyone. If the pandemic has taught me anything, it's gratitude for my fellow humans as we travel on this journey together.
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The kind folks at the Portage Center for the Arts slipped this card in an envelope for us. In any other time I might have hardly given it a glance. But not now. I think it's a simple yet beautiful expression of thanks. And my biggest takeaway is the last line in small print: "You are making a difference in the lives of others."
THAT is why we do this.
Cheers friends. We hope to see you (again) very soon.
In gratitude,
Ken and The Kissers
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IN MEMORY
Every March we have the honor of playing for a few residents at Agrace Hospice. I was reminded by one of the staff that this is likely the last live music most of these people will hear. And this year felt particularly personal for me. In early March of 2020 I sat with my father Bill Fitzsimmons in at-home hospice care and played his songs on his guitar as he and I and our whole family had our last singalong together.
Thank you to the amazing workers at hospice who so skillfully help others in their end of life journey.
-Ken
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