Text and photos by Sylvia Mallory
Season 1’s fifth show drew another sellout crowd to the Reed Room to greet, meet, and enjoy the star of the evening, beloved singer-songwriter Christine Lavin. We knew from the get-go that this concert would be special, as it began with a lively knitting circle, orchestrated and led by Christine herself; included a Downton Abbey napkin-folding demonstration at intermission; and ended with the artist’s glowing baton-twirling routine in the darkened concert hall, performed to the surprise and thrill of the crowd.
Between the special interludes, there was music—and what music it was. Christine’s unique humor pervaded it all, from “The Password Song,” to “If You’re Drunk You Cannot Buy a Puppy, to “Here Comes Hurricane Season,” to “I Am Psychic, So Are You,” to the relatable “Good Thing He Can’t Read My Mind.” “Sensitive New Age Guys” (“whose last names are hyphenated”) brought four lovely male concertgoers to the stage to back up Christine, and the audience sang along with gusto and amusement.
Christine seemed to have at least as much fun as we did, mingling amiably with showgoers and the volunteer staff. The day after the show, she offered, “Last night it was so clear that New Song is a welcome social opportunity for area residents to get together. You & your friends are doing everything right with your new venue.” We would note in response that Christine herself—with her lust for life, a full performance schedule, and a new CD coming soon—is also doing everything right. Watch for the release of her 26th solo album, Drum School Dropout, later this year!