These images are from Norfolk, Connecticut. We had a wonderful time in Infinity Hall. The sound in this theater from 1883 was marvelous, even luxurious, and the audience supportive and enthusiastic. The whole band smiled from ear to ear. A nice backstage area and good meal with wine also helped.
Upon leaving both Alan and I mused whether the theater would be merely run of the mill three years from now… after the usual cost-cutting and profit-maximizing. (((less advertising, no repair or upgrading of the sound equipment, no longer feeding the musicians well and so on)))
We will hope that Infinity Hall, the discovery of this tour, remains as is and look forward to returning.
Here is what I wrote last week:
Saturday we woke up in Norfolk. Infinity Hall turned out to be a wonderful old theater built in 1883 and Mark Twain once stood on its stage, we were told. Recently restored to its old glory, while preserving 75% of the old wood, the place charmed us all immediately and we fanned out to take photographs. Since Rusty uses analog film cameras I had gifted him my old Asahi Pentax ESII when he arrived for rehearsals – I bought the camera when I was 15 or 16 years old. So, we all took photos of the beautiful building.
After soundcheck we discovered a nearby waterfall, which caused further photographic exploration. Here is a photo I took, and the photo Stevo took of me taking the photo:
The performance was greatly enjoyed by the band as the acoustics were lovely and the audience enthusiastic.
Link to Stephens post regarding Norfolk.
Sunday we were in Westhampton Beach on Long Island. It was a sunny day, but a bitter wind cut to the bone. We all thought the first set was excellent and Alan confirmed that it had been recorded.
We arrived in Manhattan by bus and were dropped off at our hotel around 11:30.
I saw the show in Norfolk at the Infinity Music Hall and can only describe it as pure magic. Every note soared and rose to the beautiful vaulted ceiling with the early evening sun streaming through the stained glass panels to mingle and play with the incredible sounds. You could feel the tangible energy and pure joy that filled the theater.
A perfect night was ended by Ottmar signing CDs which made my already owned Barcelona Nights and my new Scent of Light even more precious to me. Please return again to this wonderful theater which needs to be filled once again with joy and magic!
P.S. The performance was so special that I also saw the show at the Blue Note on the following Saturday night-wonderful music and magic again but a different club atmosphere than the Norfolk vibe.