Wednesday, February 27, 2008

It Takes a Village To Raise A Rock Star

We rocked it tonight people. Well, I didn't, because I was only the roadie (and the groupie, considering my husband played, too), but Joe-Henry and his dad did their first open-mike together in quite a while. It was something new for us, since he hasn't done one since he started school last year, and now he's got all this strange social stuff going on. Feeling shy? Nervous? Something that never, ever happened to him before he went to school.

But he had a reason to be bold. The reason was, as is so often the case, a girl.

He invited his first grade teacher, Ms. G. He's been nursing quite the crush this year, and as soon as he found out that this was an open mike he could do, he wrote her a note and invited her.

He and his dad rehearsed for a couple weeks, the same songs, which was a new thing for him. He used to just pop up on stage with his little guitar and make up the most mind-blowing songs on the spot, and it used to make me so nervous I wanted to poop my pants. But he always, ALWAYS pulled it off.

Now I was wondering if this whole rehearsal thing was going to pay off. And he played the drums this time, too, which is also new, having not touched a guitar or mandolin in a while. Plus he went back to school today after being out for two days sick, so I wondered if he might be a little tired.

But nope. At five p.m., he took me into his room, pointed at his new sport jacket, (navy blue, brass buttons), blue dress shirt and blue tie with the pirate map on it. He wore it with jeans and black shoes, and looked like a million, bazillion dollars. In the car, he seemed quiet, but when I asked him if he was nervous, he said "No. I was just wondering if Ms. G was going to wear something fancy."

I had invited a few friends from work, as well as my brother and his girl, my niece and her husband, but when we pulled up at 5:30, there was one of the other first grade teachers from his school. Joe-Henry said "Hey! That's Mrs. S!", and we all introduced ourselves. A few minutes later, the reading specialist from his school and her daughter walked in the door. Pretty soon, my work mates arrived, then our family, then in walked Ms. G, with the ANOTHER first grade teacher! She was, according to Joe-Henry, looking "fancy enough", and to top it off, was wearing the earrings he had given her for Christmas. She said "I hope it's okay - I let a few other people at school know about it. I hope it won't make him nervous." I was so blown away at the support - his very own cheering section.

It made me feel so good about living here, where all these people show up to cheer on a seven year old. And it didn't make him a bit nervous to have them all there - it made him feel great. Happy and confident, and definitely rockin'.

Well, here! See for yourself. There's two songs, and the second one is worth sticking around for. If I do say so myself.
But I'm just the roadie.

10 comments:

karigee said...

OMG, sweet, funny, charming, amazing! Can you hear me cheering from here? YAY!!!! Rock on, boys!

I, Rodius said...

Wow, they're great together! I loved the look on J-H's face between songs. And it's common knowledge that, while the lead singer gets the glory and the attention, the drummer is, by far, the coolest member of the band. Especially rocking the pirate map tie. Way to go, J-H! I just hope he doesn't have any problems with spontaneous combustion.

suttonhoo said...

oh I MISS you guys. so wish I lived right next door.

this is brilliant and beautiful and makes me tons homesick.

(your son is so spawn of you two. could any child be MORE BORN to perform? I just love it.)

xxoo

Anonymous said...

Oh. my. goodness.

I just love your family. You guys are the coolest. And how cool are those 1st grade teachers?

Love this. LOVE IT. I really really wish Bailey and J-H knew each other. I really think they could be little soul brothers.

anniemcq said...

Thanks, all of you, for your support. I am such a bragging mom. But it was so exciting - I wish you all could have been there!

Kari - I DID think I heard a distant squeal of delight! You are so adorable. I do hope we can meet sometime. You know, we make it to LA several times a year to see family!

Rodius - That's EXACTLY what I told JH the other night! But I don't think I needed to - he knew it instinctively, I think!

Tracey - I know! Those teachers are so amazing. I emailed his teacher today to thank her, and she didn't really invite them along as much as tell them about it, and they all just showed up. How cool is that? And I totally agree about Bailey & JH. I wish you lived right across the street.

D., I think it's time for a visit west. The tulips are springing up. JH and I will be gone during spring break March 29 thru April 4, but we'd love to have you. It was so unearthly beautiful here today - blue, clear and warm, and things are growing and blooming, and we could sit in the back yard and drink wine and play Apples to Apples until it gets too dark and cold, then come in for a concert with the boys. We'll have the bed ready!

Donna said...

Hey! I went to watch and it said the video was no longer available! Now I am seriously sad! Any chance I will get to see it?

Donna said...

Yay! For some reason it was just a momentary glitch when I went back!!! Are you sure he's in first grade???? This kid is another Brody Buster waiting to happen! Joe Henry is a sweet blues name already. Let me know when the Today show calls cuz I won't want to miss the national debut. I always wanted to know somebody famous--looks like JH may be it!

DLS3 said...

Nice work with the recap! Thanks for posting, wish I could've made it! They did a great job!
Dan (used to work at apple with charlie)

anniemcq said...

Hi Dan! Thanks for stopping by! Hope all is well with you. I think they are going to hold these open mike's every month - we'll let you know next time.

Kimberly said...

AnnieMcQ- I'd be a roadie with that group any day!!! Excellent. I loved it. Joe Henry is a prodigy for sure and with you guys who could expect any less. What a true blessing he is and your Charlie, well let's just say "You got lucky babe when you found him..."

Thanks for sharing.