My first memory of Steve Martin is watching him in the Father of the Bride. My mother was cranky they remade a Liz Taylor classic, but I didn’t care. I was excited to be going to the movies with my girlfriends. Pre-teen PG movie dates were the precursor to “Girls Night Out.” I remember thinking I wanted George Banks to be my dad.
Ever since then, I have been following Mr. Martin’s career. When he published Shop girl I was beyond excited to read it. It became yet another book that has shaped a little bit of my soul.
When I discovered Steve Martin would be the season opener for the Gallo Center for the Arts, I jumped at the chance for tickets; purchasing four so I could take my former in-laws. Since my father-in-law is a musician and my mother-in-law is the generation that remembers Mr. Martin on the Smothers Brothers, and we all have an appreciation for blue grass, I figured they would be perfect theatre companions.
When the Steep Canyon Rangers and Steve Martin walked on to stage, the Rogers Theatre erupted with cheer. Without hesitation, the show began. Mr. Martin and company moved seamlessly into performing music with a dash of comedy.
While the theatre was large (and sold out) the performance was intimate. The dynamics between Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers filled the room; playing such songs as “Go Away, Stop, Turn around, Come Back” and “Atheists Don’t Have No songs” from the new album Rare Bird Alert. The crowd was engaging and incredibly fun to be a part of. Steve Martin is talented, truly a renaissance man. He announced he began playing the banjo at age 16 and his passion for it shows. Every song performed, he had written. It became very clear that these pieces were created with a great deal of thought, inspiration and care. He even explained what inspired him to create. I love that Steve Martin is still inspired to challenge himself and grow in all forms of art. His motivation and what appears to be hard work shows in the incredible performance I attended last night.
In the middle of the show, Mr. Martin excused himself so that we may enjoy the music of the Steep Canyon Rangers sans Steve; a band from North Carolina who existed long before partnering with Steve Martin. The talent of this group dripped off stage. Two songs was not enough; we were left wanting more. One does not have to be an actor to give a passionate performance and this group had the heart and soul of every instrument played. The movements of their hands, heads and feet suggested they were one with music creating an environment filled with feelings of warmth of the heart.
When Mr. Martin announced their final song was to be performed next, an audible sigh engulfed the crowd. Once finished, Mr. Martin and Company bowed and left the stage, leaving behind a crowd on their feet screaming, begging for me.
To our wonderful delight, the men obliged and we were serenaded with two more beautifully crafted songs.
As we exited the theatre, the debate began: Should we buy cd’s here or online. The line to the merchandise was long and we all feel that 10pm is too late to be awake and the online purchase would arrive in only 2 days time. As we stepped closer to the lobby (we were on the third level balcony), I announced I was getting in line. The rest followed suit.
I’m glad I did. I was able to interact with the violinist of the Steep Canyon Rangers and my cd, The Rare Bird Alert was signed by all members of the group, including Steve Martin. And while it may have been cheaper to purchase online, I would not have received an autographed copy, signed that day, so says the violinist, nor would I have interacted with him.
It makes a pretty good story to tell my kid the next day.
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