One Long Fun Sunday

We normally go into the city on Sundays for church.  We have deep roots there and though we now live in Jersey, we still consider Gustavus Adolphus our church home.  If the weather permits, we typically try to do other things in the city after church as well.  Usually, it is playgrounds or street fairs.  Things we can do as a family.

Today, at Summerstage in Central Park, was Global Family Day.  Before we went to that though, one of Kerry's college friends was in town for a conference and met us at our church.  After the service, we all went to lunch before he had to catch a flight back home.

(Before lunch with Kerry's college friend, Caelyn had to hop on our friend Donald's Ducati and rev the engine a little.)

After a nice lunch at Lyric diner, we drove uptown to head to Summerstage in Central Park.  In addition to clowns and several booths of kid friendly items, many of which were free, there was live music and acrobatics. Other than brief clips on the internet, we were not familiar with any of the acts but the kids love live music so we guessed it would be a safe gamble.

The only question mark was the weather.  It was hot.  Not sure what the exact temperature was but mid to upper 90s was about right.  Fortunately, there are some shady areas at summer stage.  Unfortunately, none of  the shade was up by the stage where our daughter has to be.

The first act to play was a group of four 13 year old kids.  They were not bad.  Excellent considering their age.  The band could actually play and the female singer had a pretty good stage presence.  Since our son loves girls that sing, I took him up front near his sister.  He did get the singers attention and a wave but due to no nap and 90+ weather, he really didn't seem to notice.

The second band were good musicians but the singer was a bit to sing-songy for me.  Caleb and I moved back into the shade.  He was more interested in a nap anyway.  Which is what he did.  He decided that if he couldn't have his crib, I would be it and he passed out.  I spent the next couple of hours with him laid out across me.

The third group to perform was Bethany and Rufus. They played traditional American folk and roots music.  It wasn't music made for kids but it was music that the kids enjoyed.  They even did some gospel.  The highlight for me was when Bethany's father joined them onstage. 

Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, is Bethany's father. They did a few songs together and ended the set with Puff the Magic Dragon.  Watching them, I felt like a kid.  Peter Yarrow decided that there would be no sad ending to the song today (perhaps because his 3 year old granddaughter was onstage singing with them at this point) so he improvised an extra verse where the little boy grows up and has a son of his own who seeks out and befriends Puff.

(Three generations of Yarrows singing together.)

The finial act was Ralph's World.  I did not know them but heard nothing but good things about them.  Seeing them live, I understand why.  They are really good.  The kids loved them and if the screaming moms behind were any indication, so did the adults.  Caleb started to wake during the end of their set and danced a little but was far to tired to do much.

(Ralph joins the crowd for his last song.)

After the show ended, Caelyn went to meet Ralph and get a picture.  It is getting pretty ridiculous.  She has it in her head that at every show she attends, she should be able to get on stage or at least meet the band.  Of course, this is probably because at almost every show she has gone to, she either ended up on stage or met the band.

(Caelyn with Ralph of Ralph's World)

We finally got home around seven and turned dinner over as fast as possible to get two very tired children to bed.  Two very tired children, now sleeping soundly.