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Lately I've been playing more often, with sudden intensity and increased volume. At home. Sure, why not? It's amazing how much creative energy gets unleashed when your home PA system and guitar amplification enables you to play softly while occupying a large sonic footprint. Reminds of a musical Teddy Roosevelt, speaking softly but carrying a big stick.
Speaking of Teddy, isn't it curious that in certain circles, his legacy is that of a pioneer environmentalist while others tend to vilify him in spite of his landmark achievements in preserving American treasures? He launched the National Park system with Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks among others, along with 150 national forests and many national monuments. Yet Teddy was also keen on hunting and delighted in shooting wildlife in abundance throughout American, Africa and anywhere else he traveled. I find myself torn between giving him a pass, for this was a widely glorified activity and an essential part of our pioneer heritage, on the one hand, and on the other, feeling like his legacy was deservedly tarnished by his penchant for slaughtering beautiful wild animals on a grand scale.
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Last night, I had the pleasure of witnessing several of the greatest tennis players in history---Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, plus Maria Sharapova and Victoria Anakova---at the splendid new venue known as Matthew Knight Arena, right here in my hometown: Eugene, Oregon. We thank Phil Knight for his largess because without his enormous contributions, this arena would not have been built. The breathtaking skills of all four, plus John McEnroe, were on full display, and in this exhibition, they also had the opportunity to let their personalities shine. And contrary to my expectations, framed by media events, they had plenty to offer in terms of personality and verve. Roger Federer in particular exhibited a quick wit and an exceptionally nimble mind.
Speaking of the Matt Knight Arena, two weeks ago we saw Elton John and his amazing band perform there. Thankfully, his percussionist John Mahon played on my first record, "When The Big Picture Fades", and through his kindness we were able to visit with the band before the show and to see their performance from the third row. Elton's performance exceeded my high expectations. He played for three hours, energetically and poignantly, tirelessly and flawlessly, and I ask you, how often can this be said of any musical performance? Thank you Phil Knight, for creating this remarkable new venue, equal to the most superb arenas in the world, in my hometown, then for arranging for such talent (tennis phenoms included) to perform here. To receive the collateral benefit of your giving character should humble us all in Eugene. But Eugene is a funny town that way. More on that later. I love this place, but it suffers from an abundance of strange and inexplicable quirks. Which will be a fine topic for another post, and which is the inspiration for my new song entitled "Our Town Needs Therapy". I've reserved a slot for this tune on my next release. In the meantime, thank you Uncle Phil!
