A Surprise.

Thank you Guitar Center of Colorado Springs.

We rehearsed several hours today in the front room with Pikes Peak showing off in the background. It went fairly well. But wobbly tripod stands caused Mark to head downtown after we had finished. Steadier ones were required. Two were needed to mount our rather puny but mobile pair of SRM150’s on. The black lightweight speakers produced enough sound for the echo challenge of marble floored hotel lobbies. But they could also quiet down enough if we found ourselves in a situation that deemed sensitive volume levels; like in a hospital where Israel’s wounded lay mending.

Kathryn, dressed in a black and gray striped top, asked the question that nearly all Americans are asked when checking out in retail.

“Would you like to round up and donate?”

This particular charity was to help children in the area of music.

With a bit of tongue-in-check tone, Mark answered.

“No thanks. We’re gonna go do that in person.”

The manager stopped her till transaction and looked up.

“Where are you going?”

She learned that we were on a Music Is Medicine two month tour in the Middle East.

Her right palm up, and facing towards Mark became a stop sign. Then she instructed him,

“You wait right here.”

A few minutes later, she emerged from the back warehouse with a big bag full of musical goodies. It included guitar straps, strings, plus black and white checkered picks. And enough wooden drum sticks to make several budding drummers happy. Then she said emphatically,

“Music brings life back.”

The two of them talked more. She was absolutely thrilled to give.

“If you ever go back,” she continued with a huge smile. “I’ll save up some stuff for you. Come see me. I’m all about bringing music back. Particularly to children. We’re losing it in so many areas of life. This is just awesome!”