High Key....to Low Key

There is something to be said for Wednesdays. I think they are in the middle of the week to give us that break and transition us gently into the weekend. Such has been the Wednesday of Troop Dilana. Our trip from Maryland to Altoona PA was a peaceful ride through God's country. Stretches of highway flanked by gorgeous fall scenery, with no traffic, made for a most enjoyable afternoon for three people tired from the previous night's antics. We arrived at our hotel without incident.

Our hotel was another story. I can describe it two ways and you'll get the idea. First, between the three of us we finished Dilana's entire can of Lysol. Second, when I posted my check in at Quality Inn Altoona on Facebook, one of my friends back in NY only had one comment - "I'm sorry!" was all she wrote! Obviously a reputation precedes Quality Inns! While not quite the Hilton, it is peaceful and quiet though.

The serene aura continued on into the evening and crept into the show. Upon arrival at the beautiful Penn State campus, we had to do a little wiggling around the haphazard roadways of the typical college campus, but a call from our contact person quickly reeled us into our destination. The student center was situated on a reflecting pond. The campus was quiet, bathed in streetlight, and smelled of fall leaves. The auditorium for the show was the perfect size and Dilana loved the sound in it. The audience was small, but when the lights were dimmed and Dilana and Michael took the stage, it became a cozy, intimate night of music. Dilana took full advantage with her voice, as did Michael with his guitar playing. Each song resonated against the walls of the room and encased the people in it. "Addict", once again, drew every eye and ear in the room to Dilana. It was almost as if she felt that there were people present that were hurting in some way and she put on a purely magical show, directing not only her song choices, but her comments toward showing them she understood their plights. "Ice" was so piercing, that I had to hurry out of the bathroom to get the rest of it on video - even though I heard her sing this ballad many times, there was something about this performance that made me want to "capture it" and save it for later like one would do with a delicious dessert. While "Ice" was exceptional, the true highlight of the night was Zombie/If God Was One of Us. I am so happy I went down front and videoed the God song part because Michael's guitar playing was arresting! He changed it up and when the song ended, I was almost sad because I wanted him to just keep on going and see what else he could come up with. Magical, and at times surreal is the only way I could sum up this evening.

After the gig, we went bowling and our relaxed, easy evening continued as we watched Michael wow us with his unique approach to a bowling lane! Dilana beat us all. I dub her the Queen of Strikes! I, myself, hadn't bowled since the days of keeping score with pencil and paper, so in addition to being a little concerned about my skill, I was amazed at the digitalization of the bowling alley. I held my own and came in close behind Queen Dilana. We had a drink, ate our food they gave us at the gig, laughed and laughed some more, and ended the day truly happy with another job well-done.

From where I sit, behind the wheel, all I gotta say is "Damn, that was one nice Wednesday!"
PS- Queen of the Holiday Bowl!