Straight, No Chaser...

It's a beautiful fall day in Podunk. The sky is hazy but the sun is shining brightly. The dogs are taking a sun bath on the back lawn. The flowers are still blooming, though not as profusely as a couple of weeks ago.

It's my day off, too. I went out for breakfast this morning, then hit the grocery store. And now, the groceries are put away, the washer and dryer are humming along and I've had a little catnap....Things are always better on a day off.

Just twenty-four hours ago, I was rushing. Trying to finish up things at work. It has been quite hectic at work recently and yesterday afternoon was no exception. I kept looking at the clock. I really don't think it was moving at all....

Finally, the work day ended and I rushed home. I had just enough time to get dressed up and head out the door. To the big burg, north of Podunk. To a concert. I've had the tickets for six months. There was no way I could know how busy we would be at work yesterday.....

I first heard about the group right here on Eons. From my friend, TestofF8th. Ten young men who met at Indiana University. Ten young men with the voices of angels. No instruments. No background music. No lavish productions. Just ten young men with beautiful voices. Singing. A Capella.

As the theater lights dimmed, the audience stilled to a hush, and it began. The stage lights came up, someone on the stage counted “one, two....very quietly, and there they were: in their shiny suits, singing such wonderful tunes.

Song after song. Some old, some fairly new. Some inspiring, and all with a sense of humor. Some rock, some soul, and even some Lady Gaga. Each number was punctuated with wild applause as it ended. Some of the songs they sang, I have seen them perform on YouTube. Some I have heard other artists sing.

And yes, I sang along. I couldn't help it. I was enjoying myself. Somehow, the backache I came home from work with was gone. I wasn't tired anymore. The rushing was over and the evening was delightful. Worth the six month wait, truly.

The interesting thing, to me, about this group is that they are so ordinary. In an extraordinary way. No gimmicks, no props, and not even any programs. Somehow, they have stripped the experience of any unnecessary components. No set decorations. No instruments. No gimmicks.

Just ten young men, singing like angels...