After a day kayaking on the Nenana River during the clearest day of the year, with snow-capped hills and autumn colors, I raced the 130 miles back to Fairbanks and into my seat just as the lights were dimming for an Arlo Guthrie concert. Johnny and Sarah Lee opened with a short prelude of some delightfully original (to me, anyway!) stuff, and then Arlo appeared.
Though the auditorium isn't large by national standards, I wished for my binoculars as he was a bit far from row S for my 55 yo eyes. His hair was longer and whiter than I expected, but that voice, a moment after he spoke, brought a flood of memories and familiarity from the last thirty-six years. He went on to thrill and charm his audience for the rest of the evening, and my only disappointment came when he set his guitar down and said goodbye. Judging from the audience's instant standing ovation, everyone else seemed to feel the same way.
Though he came back for an extended encore and played the first chords of "Restaurant", he instead told of feeling like a candidate for Groundhog Day and only played a little of it, then went on to a number of old and new songs. I'd always considered him an interesting character, but now realize what a delightful entertainer he is, complete with stories, historical references, and musical talent. With only one direct quip about the present Washington regime, I was a bit disappointed that he didn't level his considerable wit more in that direction, but he did do a lot of material I hadn't heard before, as well as a driving rendition of "City of New Orleans" and "This Land". I think overall he represents the historical tie to the modern consciousness of the phrase, "Question Authority", and I look forward to seeing him again, if he ever makes it back to Alaska!

Padeen

Padeen, -how beautiful your evening was! Thank you for sharing it.

Sounds like you had a great time! I hope Arlo starts telling some Alaska stories at his future shows. I bet he had a great time there... <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15> I get my turn in Oct & Nov to feel the Arlove...