Every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. from now through the summer, there’s free music on Taos Plaza. Tonight was Robert Mirabal, and he did not disappoint.
Man, does he know how to put on a show
I always put in an appearance for Robert. The last time I heard him play on the plaza, the back of the bandstand was filled with grandmothers (looked like) from the Pueblo. I don’t think the extended family was there tonight, but a whole lot of other people were. At the start of the show, he took out a stunning hand-carved Native flute (he and his brother Patrick make them) and said he was giving it away:
“I’m going to give this away. I want to give it to a young man, aged 18 to 25. The stipulation is you have to learn to play it. It can change your life. It can save your life.”
It took about an hour and another entreaty before someone stepped forward to pick up the flute. He bowed respectfully to Robert, and the crowd clapped. Later on Robert tossed T-shirts and CDs into the audience.
That physical generosity reflects the spiritual, which is why I really dig Robert. It’s not the music for me, although that’s often really good. It’s who he is, and the things he has to say, often right there on the spot — some of the best lyrics are improvised during performance. He’s hilarious, too, and refreshingly subversive. (Oh man, it’s been so goddamned long…) The last thing he yelled out at the close of the last number was:
“Goodnight, everybody! GROW CORN!! Grow ANYTHING YOU WANT! It’ll set you free!”
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I AM SOOOOOOOO ENVIOUS !!!!
I have been a fan of Robert’s for over a decade. The last time I was able to see him live was at JazzFest in New Orleans. I just received his latest cd in the mail yesterday. Not only is he a fantastic musician, but he is a wonderful human being. I have been fortunate many times to be able to sit and talk not only with him, but his family and the members of his group….and it’s been a blast every time. Jon, you got it right with all you wrote about him. You see him in the way he is meant to be seen….musically, humanist and spiritually.
and I’m still SOOOOOOOO ENVIOUS !!!
OH YEA….ONE MORE COMMENT.
more pics of Robert, please.
thanks
Wished I could have been there, what a bummer!. He and Jimmy Stadler are worth the effort. Oh well I be there for the Solar Fest. LOL start saving up the sheckels. gasoline up here in Denver, 3.21 to 3.35 regular unleaded. I hope Eske’s brew pub still has Green Chile beer on tap…..Peace and Understand.
I don’t know about Green Chile beer, but gasoline here is $3.45. No kidding about them shekels.
John,
Thanks for the additional pic of Robert and his brother, Patrick.
You’re quite welcome, and now there’s another.