an evening with Dar Williams

It's dark. The room is not quite full, 150 or so. There are 4 women, 4 guitars and an array of melodies. 4 distinct styles, although all encased under the umbrella of 'folk' music. It was so beautiful- to sit anonymously and be swept up into the 4 world's inviting us to share in their experiences and heartbreaks and notions. I was aware of the audience; of the ambience we shared and our individuality.

But for that one night we were a collective, each drawn from our own worlds into the fusion of melodies, sweetened by lyrics which were poignant, moving and real. It struck me as I sat in the dark, that despite the beauty and insight each artist displayed, they had each missed the crucial element that really makes life worth living. I came away a little wistful, a little thoughtful and a little more drawn to Dar.


l -->r: dave, debs, dar, naomi, me