By Michael B. Wright
I can only think of three specific holidays that take place in August for which I am fully qualified: International Left-Handers Day on August 13, National Relaxation Day on August 15, and National Senior Citizens Day — August 21st.
Other than that, I think of the brilliant American playwright August Wilson. For a year or two, the Joy of My Life and I were volunteers at American Stage in downtown St. Petersburg. She would serve adult beverages to theatergoers while I collected tickets and passed out playbills or ushered patrons to their seats.
It was a fun gig, plus we got to see many fantastic plays in their entirety at no cost. My favorites were those of August Wilson’s “Century Cycle.” American Stage was only one of 12 theaters worldwide to produce all ten plays of the series, roughly one performance per month, until the series was completed.
My second August memory is associated with Neil Diamond’s album “Hot August Night,” recorded live at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles.
My bride not only had every LP he ever recorded but when she was roughly 18 years old, she and a friend, both carrying cameras, got to meet Neil backstage by means of fake press passes. During that time, Neil gave her a kiss on the cheek. She immediately fainted but was caught before she hit the floor.
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The little con artist was also a thief (she stole my heart a few decades later). We were blessed to have been able to see Neil Diamond in concert together many times while he was still performing. These concerts were at the USF SunDome and the downtown venue formerly known as “The Ice Palace.” He never once mentioned her name from the stage during any of those performances.
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All of her Neil Diamond LPs were ultimately replaced by CDs which have also been replaced. We now just call out to Alexa for our song requests, and she usually obliges no matter how obscure the tune.
Your homework assignment for next month will be to write a review of the Robin Williams movie “August Rush.” Send your papers to micwrighthamo@gmail.com. I do not grade on a curve.
