January 17: Blues Monday

The radio host announces that it is Blue Monday. Apparently, today’s collective mood is at a nadir today. I have no time to be blue.

I dash off to get my haircut at Vidal Sassoon. I have an affinity for London 60’s mod look. Along with miniskirts, boots, and lava lamps, I like the geometric cuts that Vidal Sassoon invented, updated to look current in 2011. My stylist, Karen, mentions that I have been visiting the salon for a long time. How long? Eighteen years, 13 of them as one of the demo models! In fact, I have sat next to my stylist in the past as we modeled together. Now she cuts my hair. She tells me that when she finished her biochemistry degree, she decided what she really wanted was to cut hair. She signed up for Vidal Sassoon’s rigorous training program and moved through the ranks. She is now an instructor, teaching the VS techniques to other stylists.

An idea: how about going to the Maple Blues Awards night? I had heard about this event on the radio this morning. Besides, it is in the year old Koerner Hall, a gorgeous intimate auditorium with its undulating caramel hued woodwork. I attend concerts here, just as an excuse to visit.

I am lucky. The show is almost sold out. There is a seat available for the show that starts in 50 minutes, and it is in row 6. Likely one of the nominees returned one of his alloted premium seats.

I hear some serious blues, played by some of the top blues musicians in Canada. I hear Shakura S’aida once again. Does this lady have a voice! A sweetness to round out the gritty blues vocals. I pick up her CD on the way out. Halfway out the door, I turned back to see if I can get my CD autographed. The lounge area is playing host to the after-party, filled with blues insiders and a few fans--pretty friendly bunch. I approached Shakura. She smiles and introduces herself. She even helps me peel off the plastic and walks around asking for a Sharpie to do the deed. I am happy. I walk out, then thought: I should have asked for a photo. It would have been a good souvenir: a photo of her on the night she wins female vocalist of the year.

It isn’t Blue Monday. It’s Blues Monday. Was there a typo?