Knopfler Brings Music to Civilization
Community. It has its good points then, doesn’t it? I’ve received e-mails from a few of my loyal cadre of readers wondering about last night’s Knopfler show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and it got me to thinking about a lot of what was mostly good from last night. Did you follow that?
In a recent thread, there was a discussion of “the audience” and how much they matter in the context of a show and enjoying a show. In keeping with my “Up With People” outlook on life, you might know my position is officially “Fuck the crowd.” I still feel that way, and with good reason. I did, though, get a reminder that atmosphere can make a difference.
The star of the show last night, in many ways, is the Ryman Auditorium. Ryman opened its doors in 1892 and became the first home of the Grand Ole Oprey. When the Oprey left Ryman, the auditorium sat vacant for 20 years before being restored as a historical landmark.
It is one of the premier listening environments in the world. It’s a cathedral. It’s also one of the last bastions of civilization. There was cold beer at a reasonable price! I paid $2 for a Coke. Bottles of beer were available for $4. Ushers in burgundy jackets walk you to your seat. Civilization, people. This is what the concert experience can be.
Filed under: Tags: Mark Knopfler, Musical Musings and Random Ramblings
