Arlo played in Coos Bay, Oregon on the January 27th. He was here a couple of years ago and I wasn’t able to attend but I did not make that mistake again. I took my two youngest daughters - ages 22 and 16 - to see the show. They were both quite familiar with Arlo’s songs as all 4 of my kids were frequently serenaded with “The Motorcycle Song” as infants. It is one of only two songs for which I know all the words. (The other being “All You Need is Love”). My daughter’s boyfriend, Jared, was there and he was told by his mother that Arlo “was weird and played heavy metal music.” When I told him Arlo was a folk singer, I could sense some disappointment.

Anyway, there was no disappointment when Arlo began to play - at one point Jared leaned over and said, “This guy’s my hero!”. Yeah, well too late, buddy. This guy was my hero 35 years ago. 35 years ago!?! The show was great with Abe and Gordon backing up Arlo. For two hours we were all treated to some of the best music, stories and poems (it does sound like a fruit) that I have heard in, well, 35 years. And even a little “Alice’s Restaurant.”

Keep playing, Arlo, and remember, Coos Bay may be small and out-of-way but we sure would like you to stop by whenever you’re in the area.

We’ll leave the light on . . .