It is no secret that I love John Vanderslice. He kept me going during covid with live Instagram shows weekly. I think those shows kept him going to. One of the coolest things he did was some living room shows. I was able to see him, talk to him, and listen to him in such a close encounter that makes you feel a real connection. It was amazing.
The first show, which was just prior to COVID, was at a recording. studio in Grand Rapids. Yes, that is how close you get.
Part of the fun was because of the intimacy of the event, John would ask, “What do you want to hear?”
I asked for The Parade, one of my all time favorites, of all time, not just of John’s songs.
During COVID, he did another tour. My wife and I saw him in Kalamazoo on a hot summer night at someone’s house without AC. It didn’t matter, it was still great to be there and see John, even if I was all the way in the back. 😉
A couple of nights later I drove the short drive into Chicago to see him perform in someone’s backyard. It was like seeing an old friend. Again.
Thank you John, for making the pandemic a little brighter. I hope you are well and I can’t wait to see you again.