Several weeks back I mentioned being very disappointed after attending a big concert, due to the loud and rude people we had encountered. Yes. I am an old coot. In fact, I have to make this short so I can get out on the porch and yell at kids to get off my lawn. Well, to be fair and balanced and kinder and gentler and Sears and Roebuck, I have to report that last evening my wife and I took our daughter to see Alison Krauss and Union Station at Starlight Theatre. It was a perfect evening.

The weather was ideal and the music was terrific. My daughter heard just about all of her favorites and my wife got to hear Dan Timinski sing Man of Constant Sorrow in person, which made her night. For me, it was the laid-back, calm attitude of the other concert-goers that I really enjoyed. Maybe it is something about the theatre itself. Starlight is such a beautiful place...kind of classy...that, perhaps, that encourages attentive but polite behavior. I remember my wife and I going there in 1988 BC...that's Before Children...to watch all the summertime plays. We had purchased the least expensive package they offered. (I was going to say "cheapest" but just thinking of Starlight made me alter it to "least expensive" lest I look uncultured and uncouth. Now, I've used "lest" and "uncouth." See the effect the place has on me?) Anyway, those plays were fine. Although, we were so far back that Tim Conway and Tom Poston playing The Odd Couple may as well have been Mighty Mouse and Atom Ant in the roles of Oscar and Felix. Still, it was a nice spot. Now, with all the renovations, it is a totally different experience.

The folks seated around us were a pleasure. One guy ahead of us tried to get an audience clap-along going but was left pretty much alone. His rhythm was a little off so maybe his row-mates thought he was just smacking at invisible gnats. Another couple became fascinated with the colorful night sky and just stared off into space. Whatever their diversions, they were a courteous bunch.

Last night was a great gift to our family. Now, I want to give you all a present: I will be gone from KMBC for a couple days. See how a good evening's entertainment brings out the best in me! Have a wonderful first day of summer!