Concert - Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) - a musical experience!

Last night we had a musical experience extra ordinaire. To say it was an amazing concert would not do the performance of Mark Knopfler and his band justice.

It rained all day yesterday and after spending the day in the hospital with my son, I drove home in a rainstorm. So by the time we met up with a friend for dinner at Applebees before the show - I was ready to relax and enjoy. 

For those not familiar with Mark Knopfler, he was the lead singer for his band - Dire Straits. You might remember "The Brothers in Arms" album or the hit "Money for Nothing".

Never a great singer, but a wonderful story teller and an excellent musician, Mark Knopfler decided after all his fame and fortune with Dire Straits, he now had the opportunity and obligation to himself as an artist to follow his dreams.

He's been making wonderful music under "Mark Knopfler" - I love his CD "Sailing to Philadelphia" and his newest release is every bit as great. A raspy, yet somehow melodic voice - outstanding guitar playing and often story telling music about current events and observations about society in general.

We bought our tickets weeks in advance, actually the day we heard he would be coming to our area. Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Florida is a wonderful venue. There is no such thing as a bad seat in the house. 

We purchased membership at Ruth Eckerd Hall just so we could purchase the tickets before they went on sale to the public.

The tickets sold out on the first day! 

The concert - OMG. No way had I expected the level of musical excellence that I had the pleasure to witness. Outstanding performances by every member of the group.

You could have heard a pin drop when the violin player performed his solo - or the piano player. It was on par with a great classical music performance. These musicians have honed their craft and you can tell that they have played together for fifteen years. PAR EXCELLENCE!

The violin player was the only newer member of the group, with a country music background and Grammy awards to his name (John ...) - he was a treat for the ears.

All I am saying - if you get a chance to see this concert and you like good acoustical guitar and violin and a fantastic drummer and a great piano player - GO! You will be glad you did!

I couldn't wait to share this experience with you, but now that I see it all written down I realize, you have to experience the music. I wish I could send you a few notes:)

P.S. There was an opening act Jessica H.... a one woman act, who sang and played guitar. Sadly she was over amplified.

 Good voice and good guitar playing, but there was something off with the acoustics set up. I had the impression she was distracted and she actually had to start one song over.