Finally have some time to write this report. Got in late from the concert and have been travelling all day yesterday since 4:30am and now finally in Cairns .... and guess what? It’s raining of course! Thunderstorms predicted this afternoon .... seems to be following me! I was so hoping Leonard and the crew’s first look at this beautiful place would be with its normal brilliant sunshine. I told Leif B if he thought Pula was hot, wait until you get to Cairns! He replied with “I’ll bring my space suit!” I’ll look out for that!
Anyway back to the Bimbadgen Winery concert. You know, it just keeps getting better! It was a truly unique experience in more ways than one. Storms with thunder and lightning and heavy rain all the way to the venue. The bus lost its demister function and we had to travel part of the way with the door open for the driver to see the road. It seemed there was every chance the concert may be cancelled. But miraculously the sky cleared and except for some lingering dark clouds (which eventually disappeared) over the valley the sun shone brilliantly. I think it was divine intervention and even Leonard said so. He stated at the start of the concert as the UHTC was travelling to the venue on their bus they were thinking that it wasn't looking good. He said that G-d must be smiling on us. I can’t remember the exact words (recorder malfunction) but it was something along those lines.
There’s nothing like an Aussie sky after a storm. I could see the band watching the shifting sky and the night come on. Roscoe kept his shades on until after Anthem.
Once the concert started at 7:05pm you could tell we were in for a special night. Leonard seemed so relaxed and fed off the energy of the vocal audience. There was also a bit of European flavour in as much as everyone was singing along in unison and loud to quite a few songs – something Aussie folks don’t usually do. Maybe some of them had a glass or two of the local vineyard vintages. Even so, I think we were treated to an extra song because of the atmosphere.
I should say that I had an absolutely perfect centre front row seat and close to the stage. The front row was the only one not sitting in the mud; we had a raised platform – most welcomed. Before the show started I spoke to Mickey Sullivan about the tour plus he very kindly said he would save a (slightly water damaged) set list for me and he was true to his word. Thank you Mickey! I’ll see you tomorrow night and hopefully with the same result.
I wore a T-shirt I designed with symbols meaning I love UHTC’s violin. Being so close Alex saw it, and seemed to get the message because he pointed, gestured and smiled. Mission accomplished!
Leonard on two occasions referred to “here tonight” - in the Partisan and Hallelujah. I think “here tonight” was obviously on his mind ‘here tonight!’
He hasn’t done that so far on the tour in Oz until now.
After Take This Waltz Leonard says: “I’d like to thank this Australian crew; we could never have put this show together without them”. So nice to hear him say that.
After Closing Time I held up one finger and said loudly and repeatedly chanted “one more, one more.....” A lot of people around me joined in then I Tried To Leave You was sung. Again the same pleading gesture and cry and we were rewarded with Save The Last Dance For Me. Such a vocal crowd and I have to say I certainly played my part in it. It was a most enjoyable concert and at such close quarters, it seemed reciprocal from the other side of the stage as well.
It’s funny you know, because I’m going to so many concerts in such a short space of time I was hoping the set list would change a bit but once the concert starts is just doesn't seem to matter. Even so, I still would like to hear some of the songs on the stage set list sung like Avalanche, Joan Of Arc, Hey That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, or Night Comes On. Unfortunately, The Window or The Traitor aren't even listed there at all. I would have thought seeing now there is a virtuoso violinist, those songs would be given an airing, especially The Window. But there are still quite a few concerts to go and I’m always hopeful. Let’s see what happens tomorrow night.
