There have been three occasions over the course of my lifetime where my undying love for music has endangered my physical well-being:
In 1989, I went to see Boogie Down Productions and the legendary KRS-One perform at a shitty rap club in an even shittier part of Oakland. During the concert, a fight broke out and people started shooting at one another.
In 1990, I saw Jane's Addiction at the Fillmore. Mistakenly believing that, at some point in one's life, everyone should try stage diving into a mosh pit, I jumped head-first off the stage, hit the ground, bounced up, and was immediately body slammed by a 250 lb dude. Not only did I get the living shit knocked out of me, I also bruised two ribs and couldn't move for a week.
This past Sunday, I was sitting in the front row of Carnegie
Hall watching Laurie Berkner perform in concert. As soon as she started
playing "I'm Gonna Catch You," I found myself suddenly surrounded by a
lethal gang of violent midgets who tried to trample me to death while
indignantly spitting all over me.
Okay, upon second glance, they weren't midgets. They were just wildly unrestrained dancing toddlers.
Have you ever seen a pack of unrestrained dancing toddlers? It was
terrifying! These kids bum rushed the stage like Altamont back in '69.
I kept waiting for the Hell's Angels to show up and bounce these kids
back to their seats.
In any regard, the concert was surprisingly awesome and I had more fun than I could have ever imagined.
You want to know why?
Because it proved for about the one millionth time that the best part of being a parent is letting go of any pretensions of coolness and experiencing the world through your kid's eyes.
Never in a million years did I ever imagine that I would stand in front of several thousand people, flap my arms like a little bumblebee, and dance around in a circle yelling, "buzz, buzz, buzz!"
Clearly my daughter has had a great impact on my life.
However, at the end of the concert, I learned that my influence on her may be even greater. As Ms. Berkner and her jolly bandmates exited the stage, my ridiculously cute little 3-year-old daughter climbed up on her chair and yelled at the top of her lungs, "PLAY FREE BIRD!"
Internet, I may never have a prouder moment as a father.
By the way, Carnegie Hall may be one of my all-time favorite places in NYC. During the entire concert, I kept looking around in sheer disbelief that the Peanut and I were dancing to Laurie Berkner in the same hallowed space that has seen legendary performances by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, and Ellington. Thanks to the awesomely good people over at Scholastic for comping us free tickets and amazing seats.
In other news, I turn 39 this week. Happy birthday to me!
As a wise man once said, "You're only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely."
I would have loved to see the Peanut request Free Bird. Very cool!
And have a very happy birthday!!
Posted by: Donna | November 05, 2007 at 02:47 PM
Laurie Berkner in Carnegie Hall? Sounds amazing. Happy birthday, MD!
Posted by: leora | November 05, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Free Bird, huh? I can understand your pride.
I've been working on getting the munchkin to scream "Play some Zeppelin, man" while imitating Shaggy's (from Scooby Doo) voice.
It hasn't gone that well yet.
Posted by: SciFi Dad | November 05, 2007 at 02:51 PM
hey, Happy Birthday. May you stay immature forever, it's a lot more fun.
Posted by: 6th Floor Blogger | November 05, 2007 at 02:53 PM
First let me say I love your blog and tell other parents about it all the time! I had to comment because we too saw Laurie Berkner in concert....except it was on a HOT day in Central Park this past Spring.....it was like Kiddie Woodstock! I have never seen so many toddlers/pre-schoolers dancing, and most parents were getting their groove on too! I am sure your "buzzing" made Peanut proud!
Posted by: Clare's Mommy | November 05, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Your gig sounds better than the live action My Little Pony: World's Largest Tea Party that I took my two year old niece to. Although, I don't know which of us was more pissed that we didn't have floor seats in front of the stage. Creepy giant Ponies.
Posted by: Jen | November 05, 2007 at 03:53 PM
You beat me to it- I was going to wish you a Happy 3-9 when I noticed your birthday in your Babble profile last week.
Talisker / Rocky Road floats for everyone!
Posted by: JJ Daddy-O | November 05, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Any way that you can recreate that little bumblebee dance and put it up on youtube? I think it would be a surefire winner. Happy bday, MD!
Posted by: Stacey | November 05, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Between the Annie costume and now Free Bird, you could have the coolest kid this side of the Mississippi. You are definitely a great father.
Happy birthday, MD. One more year and join the ranks.
Posted by: Hygiene Dad | November 05, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Vampboy LOVES Laurie -- good times.
And a happy birthday to you!
Posted by: Vampdaddy | November 05, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Happy birthday MD!
I love that you took your three year old to a concert. I started going to concerts that young and I've always loved it.
Posted by: Phoenix | November 05, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Bumble Bee? Can't you see? Buzz buzz buzz buzz a buzz buzz...
Posted by: Busy Mom | November 05, 2007 at 04:19 PM
I can't even imagine what a Laurie Berkner concert must be like. When they play her music in preschool, all the kids go completely insane and start running and dancing like crazy. Total chaos!
Happy birthday, MD!
Posted by: Lena | November 05, 2007 at 04:19 PM
happy birthday md!
Keep flapping those arms and buzzing ; )
Posted by: b | November 05, 2007 at 04:21 PM
I think the world would be a far better place if more dads flapped their my arms like little bumblebees while dancing around in circles yelling, "buzz, buzz, buzz!"
Posted by: dominique | November 05, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Happy Birthday, MetroD! And I have to say, I'd be bursting with pride, too. You done good.
Posted by: Ten Feet of Steel | November 05, 2007 at 04:40 PM
First of all, Happy Birthday... old man.
You rock. Really. Laurie Berkner in Carnegie Hall... wow. LN and I are jealous.
Posted by: Mama Nabi | November 05, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Free Bird! How classic. Kudos on demonstrating, yet again, how cool your kid is!
Happy Birthday. Many happy returns.
Posted by: PeetSwea | November 05, 2007 at 05:34 PM
39 years young, MD! Happy birthday.
Posted by: Jess | November 05, 2007 at 08:49 PM
Rock on, Peanut!! I totally understand, MD...as we prepare to see Ralph's World this weekend! One of my fav Munchkin moments was when I reminded her that we were going to the symphony one day last Spring and she looked at me and slyly asked, "Symphony of Destruction?" :)
Happy Birthday, MD!
Posted by: Nomadic One | November 05, 2007 at 09:18 PM
MD,
I love how you teach the Peanut all these cool sayings, like, "these are not the droids you're looking for". Beautiful, man! Simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Have a great birthday. I'll have drink to you this week.
Cheers - Jrock
Posted by: Jrock | November 05, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Have a great birthday, MD!
Posted by: landismom | November 05, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Happy birthday to you!
Posted by: beloved | November 05, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Tell me you showed her how to hold the lighter so she won't burn herself as she waves it back and forth...and that you turned the flame down on it.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Papa Bradstein | November 05, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Isn't it our true job as parents to teach our kids stupid human tricks? It really does make it all worthwhile. Happy birthday, MD!
Posted by: lena | November 05, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Great image in my mind. I'll be smiling all night.
Have a great Birthday, my friend.
Posted by: Matthew | November 05, 2007 at 11:15 PM
I almost spit out my food when I got to the end of your post. That's sooooo funny! And Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Chief Family Officer | November 05, 2007 at 11:34 PM
You guys saw Laurie Berkner in Carnegie Hall? That is the coolest thing I have ever heard. One more reason I wish I lived in New York.
Posted by: Amanda | November 05, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Laurie Berkner kicks ass...after 3 kids, I think I may know all of her songs by heart.
Posted by: Sandy | November 06, 2007 at 12:14 AM
There aren't many things better than enjoying live music with kids. Except one more year of not being 40. Happy birthday!
Posted by: Mrs. Davis | November 06, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Happy Birthday!
And there's nothing funny about gangs of angry midgets.
Posted by: creative-type dad | November 06, 2007 at 01:20 AM
Your post made me laugh in an otherwise quiet office!
Looks like I'd have to "upgrade" from dancing in the living room with my 3 yr old Caitlin, to going to a real concert!
Happy birthday!
Posted by: JLow | November 06, 2007 at 01:34 AM
As per usual, I enjoy reading your perspective on life, MD. Only you could tie in stage diving at a Jane's Addiction concert to Laurie Berkner at Carnegie Hall to some good old fashioned Lynrd Skynrd. Have a great birthday!
Posted by: BDF | November 06, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Hahaha! I don't know who makes me laugh more, MD...you or your daughter! Have a great birthday. 39 is a good one.
Posted by: Jack D. | November 06, 2007 at 09:27 AM
Happy Birthday MD from one Scorpio to another. I turn 32 today....and am so high on sugar that I almost don't care! Now, if only February could get here faster so that I can add wine and vodka to my celebrations once again....
Have a good day and happy birthday from Atlantic Canada!
Posted by: wn | November 06, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Free Bird????.....that is funny.
Posted by: lotus07 | November 06, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I don't have any kids yet but I love coming here and reading about your life with the Peanut. You seem to get so much joy out of life and it's nice to see that having a child hasn't changed any of that. If anything, it just seems to have made life that much better.
Happy birthday, MD!
Posted by: cliff | November 06, 2007 at 11:41 AM
You're a scorpio? Man. What date? (My husband is the 9th.) Also, for next year, let me know if you want the "40 is the new 20!" logo I made for his pint glass give-aways. :-)
Posted by: Xdm | November 06, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Hmm....well, now I know how my parents felt when they took me to my very first concert - Donnie and Marie Osmond.
Posted by: Paige Jennifer | November 06, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Little Dub has a karaoke set that he uses from time to time - I am trying to get him to say, "Hello, Cleveland!" but all I get so far is "V-land!"
39, huh? It's that time again? My, how time flies. I once had a poster hanging in my room that read: Maturity is a high price to pay for growing up. It featured a guy in shorts and Hawaiian shirt at a board meeting surrounded by stiffs in suits. I feel like that guy everyday.
Posted by: mr. big dubya | November 06, 2007 at 02:29 PM
This reminds me of when I was pregnant I used to put earphones on my belly and crank up the Zeppelin, Queen, Bowie, and of course Skynard. It has worked out well, LaLa is now 3 and I have many times caught her groovin in the back seat to these artists.
PS- LaLa goes insane for Laurie Burkner. "Play the catching song!!"
Happy B-day MD!
Posted by: Kat | November 06, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Part of me knew we were nearby on the birthday -- aka what's you sign baby -- track. Are you and ITSJ, too?
Happy birthday I was 38 last week and totally enjoyed NOT being 40 this year. I send to you a virtual Macallan and a copy of Barney's Version.
Posted by: mo-wo | November 06, 2007 at 05:25 PM
that was hilarious! My family loves Laurie Berkner. She probably would have tore up some Freebird.
Posted by: Kathy | November 06, 2007 at 05:32 PM
I you wanna experience another amazing musical moment in your life, go to Carnegie Hall to see the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. It will change your life...
(there was an article on Dudamel on the NYT magazine last week)
Posted by: Sal | November 06, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Sounds like good times! The Peanut is certainly gearing up to be one rad kid. But then again, she takes after her dad -- you've been to the Fillmore; man, can you get any cooler!?! (And my absolute favorite band has kicked ass in Carnegie Hall too... and they don't usually allow rock groups into distinguished venue, so what does that tell ya about my boys? Bet you can't guess who they are).
Can't believe I've never heard of Laurie Berkner.. but then again, I'm not a parent and not currently nannying any kids. My head is full of Jean Piaget, though -- he rocks, in a different way!
Happy birthday, dude. May God continue to heap the blessings down on you!
Posted by: Fiona | November 06, 2007 at 10:07 PM
We took the kids down to Red Bank a few weeks ago to see Dan Zanes in concert. It was like the Beatles, the Stones, and Elvis all wrapped up into one. I've never seen so many little kids go completely crazy at once. Can you imagine if he and Laurie Berkner ever played together? I think a million little toddler brains would explode!
Posted by: J-dog | November 06, 2007 at 10:42 PM
Happy birthday, old man! My hubs turns 37 this week. He's a nice Scorpio too!
Posted by: Helene | November 06, 2007 at 10:46 PM
"As a wise man once said, "You're only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely."
childlike would be a better word. immature is so negative.
Posted by: Navi | November 06, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Sounds like a blast. We've got the Doodlebops live in Lexington tomorrow night. My two are giddy with anticipation. We are sure to rock it.
Posted by: Kevin | November 07, 2007 at 12:29 AM
Holy crap! 39? I hope you weren't dancing too hard you old fart.
Do people still say 'old fart?'
Posted by: Whit | November 07, 2007 at 02:19 AM