Sal Meets the Carolina Chocolate Drops

It's pretty amazing how knowing interesting people can bring wonderful new things into one's life.  This little tale is an example of that.  A few months ago I invited a few of my fellow Fleas to peruse the catalog of the Cleveland International Film Festival and, if they so desired, select a film or two to see with me.  One of the people who took me up on the offer was Nicole.  She came down to see the film The Winding Stream: The Carters, the Cashes and the Course of Country Music.  We both really enjoyed the movie, and yes, there's a post about that.  During the course of the film, the Carolina Chocolate Drops performed a song.  I enjoyed it, but probably wouldn't have given the group another thought if Nicole hadn't said "I love the Carolina Chocolate Drops."  Jump forward a few weeks to when the Cain Park summer concert schedule was announced.  And there were the Carolina Chocolate Drops!

That is how Sal and I ended up seeing a fantastic show on Thursday night with a whole bunch of very nice people!  Starting with a tasty dinner at Tommy's Restaurant, and ending with having the opportunity to meet the amazing performers and take the photos below, it was a great evening.

Lesson learned = hang out with interesting people and you will do interesting things, too.  Thanks, Nicole!

Part of our concert-going group.  From left to right:  Bruce, Nicole with Sal, Weezle, and Laurie.  See how close our seats were to the stage!?

The Carolina Chocolate Drops during their super-entertaining performance.  Such great music!  I would see them again in a minute!

After the show the group signed posters, CDs, record albums, tickets, etc.  Of course I asked them to pose with Sal!  You can see that they are not just amazing musicians -- they are a fun bunch of people!

I ran into several people I knew at the show, including my friend Heidi and her mom Raenell.  As we were starting to say our goodnights, we saw the wonderful dancers whose fabulous footwork had added a lot to the show.  Of course I couldn't resist asking them to pose with Sal, too, and they were super nice about it.  From left to right:  Heidi, Raenell, Matthew Olwell and Emily Oleson (holding Sal) of the Good Foot Dance Company, and Bruce.

If you ever have the chance to see the Carolina Chocolate Drops, don't hesitate!  Get a ticket and go!!!