Thanks, guys. Neil Berg introduced each performer and the show from which their song came, but never the song title. So yes, itunes and I spent a good bit of time trying to figure out song titles. Just wanted it to be accurate for ya, Deb!
And as for where I sat, Anji, here's a funny twist. At the Borgata show, I was shown to my seat, a decent one somewhere in the 8th or 9th row. A very polite gentleman took the usher aside and a discussion occurred where clearly there was a problem with my seat. The usher took me to another empty seat and asked me to wait there for a few minutes while she sorted something out. She returned with the executive director of Covenant House NJ who asked me if I would mind switching my seat if she could find a better one for me? It was a charity event, so I assured her there was no problem and I could sit anywhere. Later I found out they needed my aisle seat for someone who was handicapped. But THAT is how I ended up in the front row trying to blend in with the other representatives of the big companies sponsoring the event
Not quite so lucky at the Philadelphia event, but the venue was much smaller and every seat had a perfect view. I was seated next to a woman who introduced herself as a member of the Order of St. Something or other. I had noticed there were, in fact, a large number of clergy present in the audience. I was having a lovely conversation with this Sister about many things, the mission of Covenant House, what it's like to be the principal of a Catholic School (her, not me
). Just general chit-chat before the show began. Of course all of these thoughts would cross my mind again as Neil Berg played the first notes of Paradise By the Dashboard Light and my entire body tensed up as the thought went through my mind, "Oh no they're not!!" So Deb, I assure you it was completely Neil Berg's decision to perform the song about hormone charged teenagers at this event and thankfully, the audience loved it!. Of course there weren't quite as many people singing along like there are at all the ML concerts. Also, much to my relief as I sat next to the Catholic school contingent, blessedly, they skipped the baseball part.
These are annual events and I hope Patti and Rob both return in the years to come. What would be really great is if they could tap into some of Jim's other songs that might even contribute to the themes of home and belonging. Anything from Whistle Down the Wind, in fact, would be incredible to hear. If Jim's spent his career writing songs about Lost Boys and Girls, I can assure you those are exactly the children this organization is trying to help. My vote's for Home By Now/No Matter What or The Vaults of Heaven!