The Sound of Summer
In the cult film, “Brother from Another Planet,” an escaped extraterrestrial slave played by Joe Morton has the ability to make a drug dealer see through his eyes the havoc that substance abuse inflicts on people. It’s a scene that has been burned into my memory ever since I saw the low-budget 1984 sci-fi film.
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have that power. But I would use it to transfer visions of joyful experiences. That’s an odd way to wade into a column about the wonders of summer, but I can’t be held responsible for the strange turns my mind takes. (Besides, “Brother,” directed by John Sayles, is hilarious in stretches.)
In just one week in late June, I packed in nearly a season’s worth of fun and adventure. That music was at the heart of it, with a sizzling soundtrack at every turn, should surprise no one who knows me.
Sunday: My wife, Jeannie, and I expected the big highlight of our day would be a birthday party for our 6-year-old granddaughter. The theme for Vivian’s party was the film and musical “Wicked,” which prompted me to say “wicked awesome!” a few times too many. That night, we found ourselves gently swaying with 12,500 other humans in Manchester during the final night of Phish’s three-day stand at SNHU Arena, thanks to a last-minute decision to snag tickets with my stepdaughter, Lauren, and her husband, AJ (who also attended the Saturday night jam band show with their friends.)
Tuesday: For the second time, I went “over the edge” with the United Way of Greater Nashua, rappelling down the south side of the 24-story Brady Sullivan Plaza — in 95-degree heat — to raise money for local nonprofits, and for bragging rights for conquering the tallest building in the state. (OK, maybe that kind of adrenaline rush might be too intense an emotion to inject into someone else.)
Wednesday: After spending a couple of hours setting up tables for New Hampshire Magazine’s Best of NH Party with my co-workers at Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee, my older brother, Steve, and I took in the Prescott Park Arts Festival, headlined by Fantastic Negrito, a dynamic performer who conjures the spirit of Sly Stone, Prince and James Brown. (New Hampshire Magazine is a sponsor of the summer concert series in Portsmouth).
Thursday: Prior to the arrival of guests at the Best of NH Party, I spent two hours driving a golf cart to and from a parking lot, shuttling food and drink vendors as well as the leader of our featured band. Mica’s Groove Train entertained guests with their high-energy R&B, blues, funk and soul from inside the big tent so they could be sheltered from the rain (which thankfully relented.) In honor of singer and keyboard player Yamica Peterson,
I christened my golf cart “The Groove Train.”
Saturday: Jeannie and I dined in downtown Manchester and then headed to the Rex Theatre to catch a show by the Scott Spradling Band. Spradling, a WMUR news veteran who now works as a media consultant, led his big band through a collection of hits culled from the movies. Everything sounds better with a horn section.
End note: One of my fellow “edgers” at Brady Sullivan Plaza on June 24 was Heidi Cloutier, director of Collegiate Recovery at the University System of New Hampshire. The program she oversees helps college students make informed choices about alcohol and other drugs at college campuses in Durham, Manchester, Plymouth and Concord.
Cloutier was raising money for food and engagement activities that her university funding doesn’t provide.
We suggest a movie night featuring “Brother from Another Planet.”
