Pre-show vibes

This past Saturday night, I was sitting in Decatur’s Princess Theatre roughly 45 minutes before the rock show and it occurred to me how the historic theater “meeting” the Fiddleworms-driven “Muscle Shoals Meets the 80s” was historic within itself.

Me, sitting in a historic theater just minutes away from witnessing a historic event choked me up a little, y’all. Think about it -- the rocking takeover of a historic theater by an all-star group of legendary music makers doesn’t happen every day. Now, that’s my kind of history, though. More please.

The stage was packed to the gills with mics, keyboards, percussion instruments in various forms, and (count ‘em) 12 guitars patiently waiting to be lovingly played by musical magicians. The stage looked small. I wondered, “Is that stage big enough to hold all the talent that’s to come?” I mean, seriously. We’re talking two complete sets here – 29 songs with at least 30 guest stars in addition to the 10 or so band mainstays on stage. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself – sorry (not sorry) little stage, it's too late to turn back now because the 80s rock n’ roll storm was already brewing.

There are few things I love more than watching an empty theater fill with people. It’s exhilarating when the low hum of excited patrons' voices brings the room to life. It was date night for some couples and (what I’m sure was a much-needed) girls’ night out for others. It was obviously family night for some, too – I found it especially heartening to see a multi-generational crowd. For a lot of us, though, it was just a good old-fashioned Saturday night out at the rock show reliving the joy of the music that made us.

I watched Corey Hannah, veteran videographer extraordinaire, set up near the stage. I made a mental note to watch for a YouTube posting of the show in weeks to come. Yes, although, the show hadn't even started, I was already looking forward to reliving it from my living room.

Mary McDonald, Princess Theatre Programming Director, filtered through the crowd smiling and greeting patrons with the exuberance of a proud hostess. “We're glad you're at our little theater,” she said, smiling with sincerity.

“Hold On” by the Alabama Shakes played overhead and from behind me, I heard someone ask, “Have you been to one of these shows?” Someone replied, “I have, they’re a lot of fun.” I giggled to myself and thought, "Understatement, much?"

The truth is, the room felt like love and joy even before River Jones, of Big River Broadcasting, took the stage to welcome everyone to the show. Nothing beats how it feels to come together with other souls and bond through music. If you know, you know.

Then, the storm finally rolled in and we were all more than ready. I smiled and thought, "Life is good."

Stay tuned.

Monica Collier