Connections with John Mayer and the Govenaires

I had gotten permission from John to go ahead and tape anything I wanted to on the 4^th of July and had about a day to cogitate over a plan.  I decided to take my bike for the excursion.  I figured the bike would provide a faster means of transportation.

I swiftly assembled the articles I would need for this venture and set out with camera slung around neck taking off on my trusty Canondale.  As I got closer to the parade route so were cars that were trying to find a parking place.  I quickly got on the parade route and proceeded to the beginning of the parade. 

I found out where the Govenaires were in the line-up and road over to where the group assembled for the parade.  John was still getting ready and as I introduced myself I also mentioned that we were connected through our Mothers and their work in St. Peter’s Catholic Church Senior Choir.  He has his memories of the choir as well but I think that’s a different story.

After chit chatting for a bit I got on my bike and headed toward Gorman Park where I waited for the group.  The people along Washington Avenue were anxiously awaiting the parade as well.

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As they came by they played, “Grand Old Flag”.  I got what shots I could and hopped back on the bike and road ahead toward the end of the parade route where I was able to park my bike at a friend’s home.  I quickly spied my niece and their family and got some snaps of their family before the Govies appeared.

Again, they played, “Grand Old Flag”.  So, this clip you are about to see is a combination of the same song in two different locations.

Afterward, I headed to the park and taped their performance.  And while I would love to show you that whole performance time and limitations with my equipment will not dictate that video at this time but I would like to recap another clip that gave me the inspiration to present this story in the first place.

When I was finished I headed back home and stopped at a couple friends on my way.  As I was peddling, my Mom’s jingle for the Grain Belt Commercial popped into my head.  And that is my transition into the next feature story for the month of August.

Mom and I collaborated on the Grainbelt commercial contest back in 2005.  We didn’t win but the Govenaires are in this for a brief moment.

I’m taking the weekend off from writing but I’ll be back on board next week.  Till then, as Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss, and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” 

Have a Great Weekend!