Ira Sullivan Inter/Outer Continental Quintet Show, Raining and Shining!

OK Guys, Here's the story.

Sunday night, with a favorable weather report, we set up the beautiful TIB Amphitheater for the highly anticipated Ira Sullivan show.

The lighting and sound were perfect. The crowd was gathered and the night started off almost on time. After my short intro set with Nyan, and two thirds of a set from Marc Berner and Peter Betan, the rain started coming down in sheets. Everyone huddled under the food tents and the awnings, waiting to see what would happen.

After the rain let up to a light mist, we checked the situation. The sound system and power mains were soaked but the lights were fine. All the stage monitors were wet and the mic cords, etc were dripping. Our tech crew decided to call the show for safety.

I asked Ira if he would agree to play an acoustic, non amplified version of Amazing Grace, for those who came from near and far for this show.

Ever the seasoned professional, Ira stepped up and rendered a heartfelt and spellbinding performance of the great standard, for the wet but hardy audience.

Marc Berner and Dante Luciani joined Ira onstage on Shako lute and trombone harmonies. The air was magic, everyone was transfixed and deeply moved.

Meanwhile upstage, we still had one dry power cable left. The crew gathered the rest of the band, and set up an "old school" stage. On carpets in still the dry upstage area, we set up Brain Murphy's little piano monitor, Jamie Ousley's bass amp and John Yarling's little purple Jazz drum kit.

When Ira turned around, he stepped right into a remade simpler setup. Then he and the Quintet played an almost two hour set of the most amazing and spiritually infused Jazz improv holiday music. There were no microphones, no special effects, just like a club, the way it's supposed to be.

We had the big PA. We had the huge stage, big crowd. But somebody knew better. The band's amazing music was beautifully enhanced and projected by the venue's natural resonance.

One can never really know the exact formula for great music. But I believe it has something to do with the following ingredients; an appreciative audience, a place to play, some great musicians, a little rain, and God (Love).

Those who stuck it out were treated to an experience that will last a lifetime.

Thanks to everyone who braved the weather, including the Blu Bambu girls, J & T, and all the volunteers. And a special thanks to all the music fans who stayed and helped the crew tear down in the again pouring rain.

For those of you who bought tickets, but were driven away by the rain, we still love you and you'll get in free at the next Ira Sullivan show. Maybe it will be in March. Stay tuned to www.keysice.com

As for me, Nyan, and the crew, we are still drying wires, speakers, microphones, etc., and basking in the afterglow of a great performance.

See you next show.

PS Don't forget Pierre Bensusan and Leo Kottke together on February 21.

David Feder
Islamorada Community Entertainment
South Florida Center For The Arts
www.keysice.com

Music is the language of the spirit