Tuesday on the Half Shell

Hailing from Tennessee, Paul McDonald, songwriter, poet, and extremely perky fellow came to serenade us in Stewart Park in Roseburg, Oregon tonight. He began with a song I felt was a bit "twangy," giving me the feeling that we were in for a night of country music. I'm not a fan of country for the most part. 

But as the night progressed, we were pleasantly entertained by this group visiting from my birthplace. Yes, the country sound was there, but I also got notes of a bit of rock and some folk thrown in for good measure, all done with a Pat Monahan voice of sorts. Pat Monahan is the lead singer of Train, singing hits such as Hey, Soul Sister.  

The evening was beautiful in the park setting. We had clear summer skies and the shade was welcoming. Terry, Mallory, and I sat near the stage, on the left side as I was having a difficult time with the incline we had to hike to get in the park. The decline in the ground was worse though. We settled in on a fairly flat piece of real estate and waited to meet our entertainment for the evening, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves. 

Paul and the band came out and began to sing. Mr. McDonald is a poet and a songwriter, so most of these were of his own creation. It was with a little country in there that had me wondering if we wouldn't leave the venue before the concert was over. After a couple of songs, however, this man had the place booming with energy. He turned out to be one of the most entertaining people I have ever seen. His interactions with the audience kept this concert alive, full of energy, and exciting. 

Some of these videos are just teasers so to speak. You may also be taken on a view of the skies as you watch. This was not to be filming anything other than the drones that were flying way over our heads. I was interested in who was operating them and exactly why they were up in the air to take video of all of us. Interesting theories could come out of this, I'm sure, but it was probably Joe Blow who is taking the videos for his blog. Imagine that. Annoying blog writers. 

As the show continued, Paul's energy increased. I would not have thought that possible, considering the bouncing and running through the audience he had already maintained, but he did it. The man must go face down after concerts. He was exhausting me just watching him do the moves he loves to do and exerting the energy to get concert goers to move with him. Of course, he is much younger than I am. I'll give him credit for that.

Great entertainer, as I said before. He was captivating everyone and left them feeling great about the day and themselves. Paul is on a mission to share love and positive thinking, as written on his website. He does it well, I might add.

 Paul and his bandmates took us to church last night. The church of humankind. It was fun, left us happy, and was a good way of getting people to greet others. All of us were asked to turn to the people around us, meet them, and introduce ourselves to each other. There's never anything wrong with meeting new people. 

He actually introduced himself to this man, hugged him, and told him he loved him. Everyone had smiles on their faces by the end of this event. That takes a lot to produce good energy in a large crowd, but Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves pulled it off. 

At the end of the show, he invited "all of Roseburg" to join him up on stage. And they did. 

Moments after the concert was over, the band left the stage and someone else came up to take their place. Immediately the MC of the show was asking that everyone leave the stage area so they could begin tearing down the equipment. The large group of dancers and Paul McDonald fans began to disperse into the darkness. It was difficult to watch everyone leave and go back to their blankets and chairs, the final hint it was actually all over. 

I have to say, for a concert I wanted to go to but wondered about remaining after hearing the first song or two, it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. I had a blast. 

Terry stated he liked it, but having unknown songs in the concert, it makes it difficult for him to make out lyrics. I get that. He did enjoy the show, however, and was amazed at how Paul got the audience so involved. Mallory's opinion was the same as mine. If they have a show again next year, we're coming! Mallory and I both were on such a happy "high." We both could not stop grinning and clapping for the band. 

Kudos to Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves. May you receive as much love and happiness as you share. Thank you for coming to this little burg to sing songs and make us happier. Bless your hearts! Your music and words will bounce off the surrounding hillsides and the great experience of meeting you will remain in our souls for the rest of our lives. Good on you. 

I truly hope the band makes it to where they want to be. The night turned out perfectly wonderful. We said goodnight to Mallory and parted ways. Terry and I walked to the car and went home. Our fur babies greeted us and all was good. Terry took a cigar out to smoke for a while and I drove to the store to see if I could find something small for dinner. We had not eaten. 

As I came out of the store, I looked up at the beautiful skies. A sliver of the moon was showing above a multi-colored gorgeous sky. Warm air brushed around my face, as if to gently assure me everything was perfect in this life I had created. I went home, cooked up some taquitos and sat outside with my husband. We ate the tubular beef and cheese snack food and discussed the day. Yeah. The wind was right. Everything was more than fine. How could I possibly ask for anything more?

Beautiful concert. The calmness and joy had permeated my heart. Paul, if I ever see you out there again, I will attend your show. Your music was so uplifting tonight. It touched my soul. While most musicians can make you smile, bringing your favorite tunes into your life again, you brought us happiness, love, joy, and the reminder to love one another, a feeling most bands cannot leave you with. I thank you for that unusual feat. It was a delight meeting you. Music and love. What better combination is there?