Dream Moments – "Is there a Christine Robinson here?"

I’m reposting this little story for the purpose of updating what’s happened since, and to once again promote the musician love of my life, John Grant.  (And he doesn’t even know I’m alive!)

Originally posted on May 27, 2010…

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Last Friday I drove from my home here in Rochester, New York to downtown Toronto for two reasons:

1)  To see the vocalist love of my life, John Grant.
2)  To meet a fellow blogger, Channy, who happens to be a living organ donor like myself.

Both encounters were pretty sweet, but one story at a time.

I discovered John Grant about five years ago when I heard the song “Paint the Moon” on a college radio station. Back then he was the lead vocalist of The Czars, an alternative band from Colorado.  I was mesmerized by his vocal range and perfect pitch, and immediately purchased every CD I could get my hands on.

So moved have I been by John’s voice that I was grief-stricken to learn The Czars had broken up and, as far as I knew, John was no longer performing.  But a few months ago I discovered that he’d not only released a new CD, Queen of Denmark (which I purchased immediately), but he was also scheduled to come through New York and Ontario to promote it.  So I bought the tickets, of course.

Toronto… The Mod Club… 7pm, Friday, May 21st.

And I asked Channy, who I’d never met in person, to join me.

A few weeks before the concert, I mailed a signed copy of my book, BESIDE THE QUIET VOICES, to Bella Union in London where John’s records are produced.  I pointed him to the page on which I mention his name (declaring him my all-time favorite vocalist), and gave him permission to record any one (or all) of my poetry pieces.

So Friday night, Channy and I arrived a few minutes before the concert.  John was the opening act for Midlake, and not wanting to miss a moment, I decided to hit the ladies room posthaste.  The moment I returned, John was walking onto the stage.  He introduced himself and then said, “Is there a Christine Robinson here?”

I nearly fainted.  I couldn’t believe my ears!  In fact, I was sure I hadn’t heard the question properly.  He asked again.  ”Christine Robinson?”

“I’m Christine Robinson,” I said breathlessly, nearly unconscious.

“I’d like to dedicate this song to you.”  And at that proclamation, there was a collective “aw” in the audience.

My mind was racing!  I swear that if he’d played one of my poems, I would have gasped, had a heart attack, died and shot straight to heaven before he finished the first verse.  Sadly, he didn’t.  But he DID play the bonus track from the new CD.  It’s called “Fireflies.”

When the song was over, I walked up to the stage and thanked him, beaming like a kid …or a completely enraptured fan.  Or both.

After he finished his set, he came out to the audience area to watch Midlake.  And so I had a chance to talk with him for a few minutes.  He was so nice, very genuine!  He signed my journal.  I asked a lot of questions and did a bit of awkward, demure shrugging and grinning.  And best of all, he hugged me when we parted ways.  John Grant HUGGED me!!

I learned that he had NOT yet received my book… which begs the question, “Why did he dedicate his first song to me?”  The answer:  Channy had run into John moments before the show started (while I was in the ladies room), had explained to John that I’d come up from Rochester.  ”And we’re both organ donors!”  (A declaration meant to boost our credibility.  Thanks, Chan-man!)

So there you have it.  The first of several dream moments from my Toronto excursion.

And if you, too, fall in love with John Grant’s voice, his CDs can be purchased from the Bella Union store.  (Click the link.)

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Update:  Since our May 21 meeting, Channy and I have become very close.  That is, I’m madly in love with him.  And he with me.  Cool, huh?

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