MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR

I’m posting my Monday blog on Tuesday because my birthday was Sunday.

Got that? Makes more sense when I tell you I was in Milwaukee overnight for a Jonathan Richman show in celebration of my birthday and our Rich(man) history.

I’ve been a fan since my then boyfriend, Dave, introduced me in 1985. Over the nearly four decades, we’ve seen Jonathan a dozen times. Most memorable, of course, was the post-show delivery of my son. After returning home at 3 a.m. from a Jonathan Richman concert at Mabel’s in Champaign, IL, I went into labor at about 5 a.m. Three weeks before my due date, Zachary David Christian Richman Blue* was born at 9:35 a.m. I sent Jonathan a letter written on Lamphere’s Furniture stationery sharing my adventure. He responded with a post card asking how I could possibly have had any fun at the show when I was hours from giving birth. It was postmarked Marysville, California. Then, a few years later, he starred** in the movie, There’s Something About Mary.

It doesn’t take a blind man to see a theme.

Me! I’m the theme!

Just kidding, of course, but at a later show at the Metro in Chicago, I got a chance to speak with him and I reminded him about the Mabel’s show story and he said he remembered that letter, he even recalled the furniture store letterhead.

We didn’t get to talk with him on my Birthday, but it was still an enjoyable evening. Jonathan on guitar (and occasionally on percussion) and drummer Tommy Larkins put on a terrific little show in the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall. Definitely too short but fun all the same. He covered a variety from his collection, riffing and mugging along the way. He sounded great and he’s still got the moves at 72.

I garnered a few chuckles and celebratory comments on my shirt. He didn’t sing the song, but seeing as they were all there for Jonathan, it was a crowd who appreciated my effort.

Actually, the theme of the evening seemed to be sharing kindness in a time of great need.
There’s definitely Something About That.

*The name I wanted to give him, but that he does not actually have.
**I believe Jonathan had a starring role. 🙂