Magic Moments

In my past couple of years in New York I've gotten to stand next to, and even chat with some pretty lovely artists and entertainers. It always makes me shy and somewhat giddy which, for a six foot 2 inch guy is kind of ridiculous, but nonetheless true.

I have a small part in my friend Leslie Carrara Rudolph's cabaret What Just Happened?...

This might be me on the left, with a guest of the show, Lolly Lardpop, and Leslie Carrara Rudolph

and because of it I've gotten to meet Chita Rivera (the sensation of hearing that iconic voice up close in my ear is etched in my memory banks), as well as a couple of other really terrific people.



Meeting Luis from Sesame Street was akin to meeting Santa Claus in person. Leslie had to ask him for the photo, because I was too nervous to bother him.  There's just a very special relationship that people have with him, because he helped to guide us (albeit remotely) and tell us about how the world works, and with such a gentle and understanding demeanor. I can't imagine how many people must reach out to him every day, and he handled my nerves with aplomb.  And getting the opportunity to chat with sound man Fred Newman? Forget about it.  I had his ZOUNDS! record and book when I was a kid (yes, I said record. In fact it was this thin floppy little record that came with the book. I must have spent hours trying to do a dog bark like his without the best results) and I'd seen him on multiple television shows as a kid.  When he took over as the effects guy for Prairie Home Companion it was an obvious match made in Heaven. Both of these men just overflowed with generosity, and it was really heartwarming and encouraging to see. Fred talked about his years growing up and the influence that the story tellers in Georgia had on his life, leading him into sound effects and to New York where he became friends with Andy Warhol and Jim Henson. I felt really lucky t have been in the right place at the right time.

Most of all though, I'm grateful for my friendship with Leslie Carrara Rudolph herself, her unique magic, her massive amounts of support, open hearted nature, and her whimsy. One of my best pals i this world, and it's been a blessing to have had her as a companion on this journey and to be her friend on hers. And who else could truly appreciate the magic of finding Clam Strips for $1?