Friday Night Dance Party 10/21/2012
A few weeks ago a close friend’s daughter turned 9. The theme of her birthday party was “the 80’s”. There is little that can make you feel old so quickly like your teen years being the inspiration for a retro event. In preparation for the big occasion I was asked for some CDs (yes that ages me too) of 80’s music. I am a bit of an 80’s music snob I think is how best to put it.
To me “80’s” music is not Heart and Bon Jovi. 80’s (good 80’s as I lovingly refer back) is the Smiths, New Order, Erasure, the Eurythmics and many other awesome Brit inspired (or recorded by) dance songs with coming of age and love all over the place. I never got into the big hair bands or for that matter, any of the groups from New Jersey (no offense).
In trolling through my CD collection I pulled out a variety of music that I thought would reflect the best of the decade and hopefully would be something the girls now would like. I was asked specifically for Madonna – whom sadly I have her first 9 CDs – so it was easy to fill the request. There was some comfort I guess in knowing there was least one artist that day they had actually heard of. By all reports the party was a success and the music was a hit. My music ego remained intact despite my age.
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After the party the CDs were returned I was given the opportunity to look through the selection and visit again with songs that were among my favorites. On a Friday evening when my husband was out I loaded up the CDs and began a Friday night dance party with my boys. Both boys seem to really like music – I think most kids do.My older son I know especially loves music; he gave me a hint of his future coolness about a month or so ago when he pulled out the drums while the White Stripes were playing on the radio and started to bang along.
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This evening was no exception. We jammed to a series of good 80’s that brought me back to my many (many) nights at City Limits and Tuxedo Junction. I think after CL closed I was (for a clip) going to Tuxedo Junction 5 – 6 times a week. I don’t know how my liver survived. I guess the constant dancing helped to keep me healthy.
It’s funny how music can instantly transform you to another time or place. It never surprises me how just a few notes can reconnect you with a past love, loss, or group of forever friends (most of whom you no longer keep in touch with). In mixing it up with the boys we really got our groove’s on. We added our own drum beats, shook our rain sticks, and made up some funky new moves.
I especially enjoyed how the little guy at seven months was already so skilled at shaking a tambourine – (watch out Jonas Brothers – they are only a decade or so away from being the new “it” boy-brother band). I must admit there were moments they probably thought I was crazy, but a good old song can be an inspiration for greatness. |
So I let myself be a little kid for a while and rocked it out with my home grown boy band. I hope my example will continue to instill a love of music in them, because that is a love which should never leave our souls. We were rock starts that night no question about it. I doubt, however, we will be on tour or headlining any stage anytime soon. The night was one I will never forget, and I hope the joy we shared will stay with them for years to come.
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Copyright 2012 Motherhood Uncorked
Please do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Links are just fine, though.
Please do not copy or reproduce without permission.
Links are just fine, though.