WEDNESDAY THOUGHTS : AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

The soprano section.

Dr. Henry Panion

Brandon Jamal Felder

The original, the Empress, Carolene Adams

…because, when it’s over, you don’t want to be wandering in the vast wilderness that is the Kennedy Center parking garage.

This morning, I read:

“ There have been key people in your life that have had a positive influence on you. Rejoice in the help along the way, and refuse to be critical of those who created a stumbling block.” -Marsha Burns

How ironic—and true—in light of this week’s tribute to Richard Smallwood.

He has always championed being prepared, teachable, flexible, and cooperative. His encouragement makes you confident even when you’re always terrified. 

His music makes you want to study more, and think critically. 

Other, superficial stuff may be a part of the performance territory, but the music and the message it brings, are the principal things.

He mentors—the likes of Braxton Shelley, Dr. Henry Panion, Donald Lawrence, Darin Atwater, Brandon Felder—and they, too, value him and his body of work.

When asked, “Are you singing?”, saying yes STILL feels surreal. 

As for tonight and yesterday’s concerts honoring Richard at The Kennedy Center, when asked, “Who’s playing?”, no matter how many times you’ve experienced it before, answering “The National Symphony Orchestra” almost makes you laugh at your own self. 

“No…seriously…stop joking…who’s playing?” (There is actually official sheet music for the NSO tambourines. They’re not messing around.)

I can’t play nothin’ but the radio, and have always been most comfortable “sangin’ in da background”, but after a whole pandemic, a lot of apprehension traveling, crowds, breathing in public, and having to put on anything other than yoga pants, t-shirts and ballerina flats, and trying to look a little more human, it really does feel good to join others again, and sing and hear the wonderful Smallwood compositions I love so much. The way they’re ringing out as the audience sings, is glorious. The songs never get old—but then, well crafted things never do.

He more than deserves every flower he’s being given.🙂