I got called in at the last minute to sing some Christmas Carols at the Storrowton Tavern. The final week before the holiday. I hadn't even finished my shopping yet! People were very happy to see us and often sang along with us during our shows. The people I worked with were very good this year, and I was grateful for that!
On my time off work, my girlfriend and I went to see a Jethro Tull tribute band play in Holyoke, and that was a blast! I grew up with two older brothers in the '70s, and they played a lot of Progressive Rock, so I knew most of the songs they played. Sadly, the club is closing at the end of the year, and leaves the town without a live music option. That doesn't take away from how great a night it was.
Holyoke's loss is ultimately Northampton's gain (as well as Amherst and Eathampton) as the Iron Horse and the Calvin Theater will both be reopening. 2024 looks like a promising year for live music.
Ultimately, I got into the Holiday spirit with the help of the people I love, in the place I've called home for 23 years. My girlfriend took me out for my birthday, and we took in dinner and a movie in Amherst. The students were gone and so the town was oddly peaceful and quiet. One of our first dates was at the Amherst Cinema, and it was a nice 5 year anniversary.
