One year, when Bryan was two and still dancing in public, he and I went to a "Handy on the Plaza" event. Denise Thimes was the singer, along with a band (I'm sorry I cannot recall the name of the band).
You need a little of the backstory at this point: John has sung, "Summertime and the livin' is easy..." to the children when they were tiny. It's his song, his lullaby. So special.
The plaza was hot. People gathered to enjoy Ms. Thimes. There was a big piece of linoleum rolled out for a dance floor. Bryan (aged two, remember) and several senior citizens were dancing along to the lovely songs that Denise was singing.
Denise started up with, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," and took Bryan's hand and danced with him as she sang. Oh my! This mama was so happy.
Every year I've looked for Denise Thimes on the WC Handy event list. Every year that she's here, I've gone to listen to her.
Today she was scheduled to sing at 306 BBQ , so guess where I was for lunch? I took Luci and called John to see if he could join us (he could).
At intermission, Denise walked around and visited with folks. I dragged brought Luci to meet Ms. Thimes. I asked if she were going to sing "Summertime" and she said she could (yay!), and I got John to take a picture. I also embarrassed Luci totally by telling the lady of my memory of her singing "Summertime" and dancing with my little boy.
There I am, grinning like an idiot. I was so excited! Denise asked if I were a singer (no, I just pretend), because I looked familiar to her. She was sure she'd seen me somewhere. John says I just look like other people. 😕
Just for that, John, here's a pic of us on our big date today.
Here is Denise Thimes singing "Summertime!"
