I was lucky enough to be able to be at the Ark for both performances. I’m not very good at describing these sorts of things, so I hope you all will excuse me if I don’t do it and them complete justice.

Sunday, I worked at the show so didn’t get to hear the entire performance, but what I heard was fantastic. Arlo was up on stage pretty much smiling and seemed to enjoy himself. Sarah Lee and Johnny surprised him by singing a song he had been thinking of singing, but he didn’t seem to mind. They sang some really beautiful songs one of which I think they said was from their new cd, Escape, about a vacation on Mars. It was a very nice show. They were all in complete rhythm with each other. Sarah Lee and Johnny’s little daughter came out and sang part of This Land. Now you have to understand that in Ann Arbor a lot of times the crowds can be a little quiet and unresponsive to the performers. I’ve seen a number of performers get pretty frustrated by this. Well, that was not the case at all on Sunday, right from the get go, the entire audience was singing along with Arlo on almost every song. I don’t know if Arlo likes that or not, but the audience was really happy and enjoying themselves. I don’t mean to leave Abe or Gordon out of the compliments here, they were also wonderful. As an aside to Arlo and family and friends, sorry we came early to start to set up on Sunday, there was a small communications snafu for us and that’s why were there so early bugging you.

Monday, I had a ticket to attend the performance. You never know what job you’ll have when you work there, or how much you’ll be able to listen and I’ll tell you I was not going to miss their performance. Anyway, Monday was even more wonderful than Sunday. Arlo seemed even happier. They played a number of the same songs, but with some additions and subtractions. I truly have never heard anyone play guitar as good as Arlo. He is a true master of his craft. You know sometimes there are people who really know how to make their instruments come alive, and he is one of those people. The audience on Monday was a little different than Sunday. The lady on my left was so happy to hear the Union song, she started singing along right away. Later on she told me she sang that song at many a union happening. The man on my right had never been to an Arlo performance, but he seemed to enjoy himself. His girlfriends name is Cheryl too and he was quite amused that he was sitting between the two of us. Everyone was very happy to see Arlo and family and friends and they all joined in singing at different times. I could tell you some more interesting little stories, I just love people they are so interesting, but this is really about the show (for heavens sake)!

Both nights they played a wire recording of Woody Guthrie performing. I can see where Arlo gets some of his talent for story telling. Some time in the next year they will be coming out with a cd of these recordings. It will be a worthwhile purchase.

I really could not tell you the names of all the songs they performed... I’m just not very good with names and I hate to list only some and not all. Maybe someone else who went will have a list. I will tell you though that if you have not had an opportunity to see Arlo and family and friends perform, do go. I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

Thanks for the great report!

kurt...

Cheryl, you did a great job! Thanks for posting.

Thanks for posting.

I attended Sunday night show with a couple that had never seen Arlo before. It was our third time seeing Arlo at the Ark and without a doubt it was the best show yet. Sarah and Johnny were magnificent together and added so much more to Arlo's songs.

Our friends thoroughly enjoyed the evening with Arlo.

It truly was a family affair and we were all so glad to be part of an event like this.

Arlo, you truly are carrying the torch. Thank you so much for doing what you do and bringing such a good feeling to Ann Arbor each time you visit.