A lazy Communist's Daughter Saturday
Outside it bustled and inside it blurred. At least, that's how it seemed last Saturday afternoon at the Communist's Daughter with Michael J's Red Rhythm, a 3-piece band playing Django Reinhardt-style swing.
The 25-seat venue was quite full with an appreciative crowd spanning many generations. The small size enhanced the intimacy of the event and Michael J's delivery really makes the lyrics penetrate.
I listen to “Up a lazy river by the old mill run/That lazy, lazy river in the noonday sun/You can linger in the shade of that fine ole tree/Throw, away your troubles, baby, dream with me” and really wonder when is the last time I spent the day outside adrift in thought. Then, I find myself wondering if people actually do this anymore?
By the way did I mention that Michael J is also the bartender? The way he switches from entertaining to hosting, by serving drinks and settling bills in between sets, in between songs and even during instrumental interludes of a song is a big part of the appeal.
The band played on and I sipped on my second beer. I noticed the pace of the activity outside on Dundas Street with the passing pedestrians and the small crowds of people waiting for or being dropped off by the streetcar begins to contrast with the mood inside the Communist's Daughter. Outside = fast and inside = slow.
Did I mention Michael J's thoughts on love and consumerism? At some point he exits a song and enters into a reflection on how most acts of love are expressed through acts of consumerism, even the biggest act of all, having a child. I begin to see his point, just as the hat is passed around. Wait a minute . . . isn't this double-speak. Aren't I about to express my gratitude through an expression of money?
Well, I am a product of my society. I put some bills in the hat and exit onto Dundas and a beautiful setting-sun sky.
Communist's Daughter
1149 Dundas St. W.
Saturday Afternoons
4-7pm
PWYC