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Saturday, November 11, 2006

Catch That Train (Children Mentioned)

We just had the most rockin' time EVER at the Dan Zanes concert. For those of you who don't know Dan Zanes, he is a children's musician who was formerly one of the Del Fuegos. He sings both standard classics like "Erie Canal" and "Over the Rainbow" as well as original songs like "Thrift Shop" and "Smile." And I have been known to listen to Dan even when there are no children around. It's just good stuff. And I love his voice.

And now I love Dan because he ended the concert by walking out through the audience and into the back lobby. So as you were leaving the show, he was standing in the front lobby with his entire band, continuing the last song. And it just made me love him even more. Oh--and because he warned everyone when it was the last song and he told them that they should get up and dance because he didn't want them to go home with regrets that they hadn't done something that they wanted to do. He's like, "too many times, you get home and you're kicking yourself because you just wish you had gotten up and danced. So I'm saving you that regret by telling you that you should just get up and do it. And you'll go home feeling at peace."

And that just seemed like sound advice. To jump into things you want to do without regard to how it looks or what other people think. We, of course, had danced through every song anyway (and I had deep regrets about wearing such a heavy shirt to the concert). But if I hadn't, I would have hauled myself out of my seat. Because he's right--there are too many times that I didn't dance because I was more worried about whether or not I was a "good enough" dancer to move in public rather than just focusing on having a good time.

Today, I just had a good time.

P.S. You can go on his website and listen to clips of songs. May I suggest Hop Up Ladies, Smile, Thrift Shop, Brown Girl In the Ring, and Mingulay Boat Song. Just click on the link that says "song sample" on each page.

4 comments:

smart mama said...

I love the thrift shop song- it has been in high roation at our house for many years! I dig dan zanes!

TeamWinks said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. They grow up fast, and it sounds like you are embracing the moment!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I found your blog! Fist of all I want to check out Dan Zanes for my classroom music collection. And second I am currently in the middle of a infertility experienc- although I hate that word infertility. Especially since it applys to me these days. I am so encouraged to find people who have gotten past it! Thanks for sharing!

katty said...

I love dan zanes. and so does my two year old nephew. i recently ordered a copy of 'house party' so i could play it to the baby in utero!

he always looks like he's having such a good time.