Oh, Peter

Every once in a while something comes along that helps me remember that I can do more than just change diapers, wipe counters, and fold laundry. This was one of those weekends.

While Jeff was home being super-dad (or should I say super-super dad), I got to run away for a few days and play in a small orchestra with none other than the Peter Cetera. Who's Peter Cetera, you say? To be honest, that's what I thought when I was first asked to play. Then, like any normal person would do, I googled him. Then I got excited. (although in this picture, I think he looks like the villain in the first Spiderman movie)


I spent Wednesday evening, Thursday, and Friday, in rehearsals and concerts in Logan, UT and Sun Valley, ID basking in the talent of some seriously cool musicians.

From the left: Gene (guitar), Peter, Kim (vocals, percussion), Bruce (guitar), and Boh (piano).


Logan was fun, because as I've said before, I LOVE Logan. Plus, it was fun to walk the halls of my old stomping grounds and remember when my violin was a fifth appendage. I did love those days. Plus, I got to stay with my cousin and his wife, who I completely adore. We stayed up too late talking, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Plus, their daughter is the same age as my Alice, which helped with the withdrawal.

I'd never been to Sun Valley before, but hope to go back. The venue there was incredible. A good part of it was covered in these cut rocks that actually play a tone when you slap them. This is my friend, Sara, demonstrating.

I really didn't take many pictures, but I got a couple during our Sun Valley sound check. This one is from where I was sitting.

While the band was doing their sound check, I sat in the audience and dreamed of what it would be like to tour around the world (they just returned from South America) making music. You can see the venue a bit better from here.

I was kicking myself for not getting a picture of Sarah and I when Boh (the pianist) joined us on our trip to the deli for dinner. We talked at length about his schooling, touring, and time spent playing for Rascal Flatts. I couldn't believe how down to earth he was. He was so friendly with everyone, learning our names, and even gave me a big ol' wink during the concert.

I also wished I would have gotten a picture with the guitarist, Gene, because I know he's going to be famous soon. He won me over when he busted out an amazing version of the Beatle's Lady Madonna. I told him later that I wanted his album, and he assured me he was working on one. If I wasn't already in love with his style, while he and the band were waiting around on stage he started into a James Taylor song. I was dying.

Peter, in general, was about what I expected: a fabulous performer. He did not disappoint. It's clear he knows what he's doing and the audiences loved him. LOVED him. Even male voices were shouting "Go Peter!".

I would have loved to see that show. If I would have been in the audience, I would have been looking at the violinists thinking "I could do that. How do I get to do that?" like I usually do. The difference was, this time I was doing it. I seriously wish I could brush this off like it was nothing because I do it all the time. But I don't. I'm a mom. I've played gigs here and there, seen a few famous faces (Willy Nelson DID wave at me during the Olympics gig, and I did get to "pretend" to play while Harry Connick, Jr. was serenading the audience to the pre-recorded minus track, and such), but this seemed different. I loved watching how the band interacted, how they doodled on their instruments, and how they laughed at musical humor. I was super impressed with how humble they all were.

I wish I could say I've done a million of these, but I haven't, so it really was something I loved. Even half-way through the Sun Valley show when my teeth were chattering from the cold, I was still excited to be a part of it. Even when I climbed into my own bed at 6am to go to sleep for the night and the kids came in at 6:15am, I was still happy I did it.

So now, who's next? When is James Taylor coming to town? Did I already miss Michael Buble?

Anyone YOU would love to see the behind-the-scenes?