It is probably bad form and a bad idea to write/publish anything after you’ve had a full day of sun and cocktails. But…….Today was a good day. A very good day. Soccer, breakfast burritos (I didn’t have to cook), beer, mimosas and laying out at the pool all before 10:30. How could it not be a good day?!? I spent quality time with my favorite (although sadly not best) soccer team. An afternoon of UFC (it was the company not the event) and a nice nap, it was time to get ready to see Keyshia Cole.
This was sort of a make up present for my baby sister. We had fussed over the last couple of months so this was my version of a peace offering. We play cool and casual for the evening attire and leave my house in the capable hands of 4 teenage boys. Please note the sarcasm. A small pit stop for a bite to eat and we are off to the concert.
As much as I love my friends, this is why you love your family more. Tammy says, “I love you car! I feel famous because everyone is looking at us!”. Most everyone else makes jokes or tries to slink down in the seat to avoid being seen.
We arrive in Smart-T style, get a little drinky poo and take our seats. I think that every human being should be required to attend an event where they are the minority. It’s a fascinating perspective. I personally love it. Within my own socio-economic strata I’m so ordinary as to be non-existent. To be the expectation: white girl, short girl, rich girl, American girl, straight girl, cougar, virgin… makes it so much more exciting.
We are only a couple of minutes late but walk in on one of my favorite songs… “When I get up all in ya, We can hear the angels calling us…. Wee ooh wee ooh wee”. I’d like to pretend I was really hip and cool and know exactly who this was but I cheated and googled. Then we got to see The Game. I only know two songs one of which I like. What I Didn’t like was watching him perform some self pleasuring bump and grind on the stage. Yuk! I was offended and I’ve got the dirtiest mind ever. OK I don’t really have a dirty mind I just have quick tongue. Ok that doesn’t sound right either but I’m quick to respond… aggh whatever. You know what I mean. My sister chastises me with “that’s a black concert for you”. Tammy tells me that’s what goes on at a black concert. Since this is only her second concert ever I’m not sure how she knows. My sister is black but you can get all those details in another blog.
Finally, here comes Keyshia. I have to say this girl impresses me more and more. She starts her concert by apologizing and saying ladies there’s not going to be any stage grinding, no using of the ‘n’ word, and no calling woman the ‘b’ word. I love her!
If that’s wasn’t enough the girl can sing! Ladies if you ever want to hear someone who can articulate a heartbreak, its Keyshia Cole. “I Remember” has got me through the only two times I’ve truly been heartbroken. Pathetically, they were with the same person so I’m a loser but don’t blame that on Keyshia. I think every girl and woman should have to memorize her albums. From “Love” to “Let it go!” there’s something there for everyone.
Once Tammy got her crying under control, she belted out every song as if she was on stage. “I love Keyshia Cole!” she says to me. “I would be a lesbian for her.” Truly no higher praise.
Tam and I don’t sit down at all. I want to go dancing next weekend now. Keyshia takes a small break and the back up singers come out and do a number. The first girl is a beautiful Asian woman (did I get my adjective correct Pete?) who does Patti LaBelle like there’s no tomorrow. I’m dancing and singing along and then I realize I’m the only one dancing and singing along. Not sure if I’m uncool because I’m white or 40 but I take a seat and chair dance for the rest of the song. The other singer does another song which I frankly think doesn’t compete and the entire place erupts. There is no accounting for taste obviously.
What made me enjoy the concert most was watching my sister truly enjoying herself. She claims this is only her second concert (I took her and the boys to Bow Wow) but she appeared to be completely enamored with the event. I know she thinks the tickets were the gift but real gift was watching her shine with joy. I’m lucky I’ve been granted the wherewithal to do these kind of things.
We bought her one of the backstage looking passes and she came in the house singing to the boys. (Thank god the house was still standing and so far I’ve not found any thing broken.) She’s convinced 4 naïve teenagers that she got backstage to see Keyshia Cole.
Kids: “Why don’t you have any pictures?”
Tammy: “Because they wouldn’t let me take my camera back stage.”
Kids: “Why don’t you have an autograph?”
Tammy” “I told you because we couldn’t take anything back stage. Look, your aunt bought me a lottery ticket and I got to go back stage. Look right here this is where Keyshia kissed me. In fact, when she call me to go on tour with her I’m leaving all of your bad asses!”
Kids: “Nut uh, she’s not going to call you”
Tammy: “Yes she is she has my phone number.”
Kids: “Thought you had to leave anything”
Tammy “Whatever, I’m going on tour with Keyshia. In fact, I’m going to be a lesbian. Keyshia is going to be your stepmom”
Kids: “Nut uh, what about Dayday. Ya’ll are getting married”.
Tammy: “If Keyshia Cole calls me I am leaving his black ass and I’m going to marry her!”
I love my sister! It was a very good day.
p.s. I even started my book today!
