How spoiled are we? Front row for Vampire Weekend’s private gig last December 10th, I still panned the show (a B-, read all about it) though not the venue, the gorgeous Library at the General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of The City Of New York Library.
I was last at the Library a week ago to the day for the Donna McElroy memorial and, coincidences abounding, the last time I saw Donna (except for visits to the hospital where she was unconscious) was at the Vampire Weekend gig. I’d arrived early and hadn’t caught up with Donna and her husband before the show and I’d been to see Rod Stewart the previous evening and was exhausted, so after the show decided to bolt instead of hanging around.
Halfway to the subway station I changed my mind. No real reason at all . I knew Donna was ill but she wasn’t that ill at that precise moment, and I see the couple often enough for it not to really matter. I just double backed. Joseph and Donna were in the administration area, Donna had fainted during the concert and was sitting down, Joseph was standing close by. She looked tired and she was perspiring a little, her face glowed in the light giving her a halo effect.
I kissed Donna’s hand and spoke briefly, there was something beatific in her visage, she looked lovelier than I had ever seen her. Then I went left and went home and the couple turned right and went their own way.
The show was part of PBS’ “The Artist Den” show, where they put big bands in unusual settings and record the set. It airs on PBS 13 in New York tomorrow (Sunday, February 23rd) at 11pm and here are local dates:
The hour-long episode premieres in the New York area this Saturday at 11pm on WLIW21 and Sunday at 11pm on WNET.
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend WLIW 21 Sat, Feb 22 11:05pm
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend WLIW 21 Sun, Feb 23 2:00am
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend WNET 13 Sun, Feb 23 11:00pm
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend WNETHD 713 Sun, Feb 23 11:00pm
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend NJTV 165 Sun, Mar 2 10:00pm
Live From the Artists Den – Vampire Weekend NJTV 165 Tue, Mar 4 3:00
if you live elsewhere look out for the listings here and here is more information from the General Society. Joseph tells me that towards the end of the concert you can see Donna on the balcony looking down!