Ah, the endless influx of childhood memories began the moment we hit the Meadowbrook Parkway. At the sight of the tower, I was already spellbound. The Feel Of Neil had begun. With plenty of time till the show, we grabbed our greasy boardwalk food and headed for the sand. This quickly became my favorite venue.
BLISS.
If nothing else, I've mastered the ability to score the best-of-the-best seats to see Neil in concert. Joe is still talking about my last-minute purchase for the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach.
PERFECTION.
Soolaimon! The Band hit the stage and thundering sounds of a welcoming message began. Neil appeared and worldly issues were dismissed for a soothing couple of hours.
PEACE.
PEACE.
Neil will know when it's time to stop delivering the goods. It's not time. He tweaked his two-hour show of non-stop hits to perfection. He delivered Girl without the girl. A still-rousing-but-age-appropriate version of Brother Love brought us to church. Glory Road, still being paved to Beautiful Noise, was sung and received as though for the first time. He thought It's Gonna Rain Today, but it didn't.
IMPECCABLE.
IMPECCABLE.
Morningside and Holy Holy. Wow! Is it possible that the voice is richer? Or is it the emotion that builds in seventy-one years that enhances the old, thoughtful lyrics?
HIGHLIGHTS.
HIGHLIGHTS.
An awesome evening was followed by a great night and day at Hotel Kimberly, where we did some much needed catching up. So you think that's The End, right? No, 'cause just this morning, my Neil Diamond Iris was in full bloom, here at the Old Homestead. And tonight, Kim will be sharing space with Mr. D.
ROCK ON.
