Somehow I was lucky enough to get two more shows under my belt yesterday. What was supposed to be a 2pm Dragonfly Races meet 'n greet at the Norman Borders store yesterday turned into an 8-song performance! The small but attentive crowd in the Borders cafe was treated to:
the world ain't slowing down (exceptionally well-known in Oklahoma due to it's appearance in an Oklahoma Blood Institute TV and radio ad)
anna lee
jukebox on my grave
bad, bad blood
sweet mistakes
God's promise
she was
waking up to me
One of the best things for me was watching the faces of several young teens sitting front and center who looked absolutely enthralled. Turns out they had their own band and were very familiar with EP's music. One of them had actually requested "bad bad blood" which is why EP played it...but needed much lyrical assistance from the audience. Those moments are really fun for the audience, although I suspect not as much fun for the artist.
On to The Depot where Becky and I helped get things set up for the show. The Norman Performing Arts Studio does an incredible job to insure a fabulous experience - from the sound engineer (it was exquisite) to the free potluck goodies, wine, and other beverages. I'm always amazed at the amount of work that the volunteers put into each show. Since the building is a real, live, working train depot, there are lots of preparations - from covering all the windows with long velour panels that have to be shirred onto rods, to setting up tables and chairs, hauling in food and ice, hanging the sponsor banners, etc. I've been there now for quite a few shows, and it feels good to be part of it.
Last night it all came together and flowed into one of those over-the-top shows that happen now and again (not that all of EP's shows aren't over-the-top)
....but I know you all know what I mean. There were some funny moments when a train passed by (which happened probably 4 or 5 times) and EP improvised whatever he was playing then, once the train had passed, continued where he left off. The setlist:
huricane angel (piano)
heaven is where you are (piano) [There was a long improvisation as the 1st train passed by; I'll try to get the song lyrics tonight]
waking up to me
anna lee
jukebox on my grave [Hobo Lullaby interlude during train]
maria's beautiful mess
alice's champagne palace
once upon a summertime
the night Hank Williams came to town (piano)
BREAK
This Train Is Bound for Glory [as another train passed by]
million chameleon march
dragonfly races
angel in manhattan (a request)
God's Promise (a request)
seize the day (a request)
minor key (a request)
Martyr's Lounge (a request)
Let it be (piano)
the world ain't slowing down (a request)
ENCORE:
Home (piano)
I can't believe we get to do this again today!
Reporting live from Norman, OK for the EP Channel....
KarenZ
