For those yet unable to attend, we’ll try to bring the Watchfire Music Listening Room to you through the wondrous pictures taken this past concert by friend and follower, John Johnson, photographer extraordinaire – an evening of Inspirational music both inspiring to the ear and eye.

With its graceful arches and most expressive lighting, the two-story space was home this past Friday night to both Chieli Minucci, world-class guitarist and Jenny Burton, a chanteuse of heart-stopping abilities, and their devoted fans.

Located at Park Avenue and 63^rd Street, NYC, even the outside of this gorgeous building promises a rare experience of visual and aural delights.

As the concert begins, the first thing one notices is that they’re not barraged by waiters serving drinks or food, but instead sit in comfortable seats with excess legroom and not a bad seat in the intimate, but packed space.  The ever-changing atmospheric colors of the evening reflect the multifarious moods of the music as light and sound coordinate to present a concentrated music listening experience.

The evening is emceed by yours truly who announces that besides the visual and aural experience, tonight we will add a most elegant gastronomic experience – that of Krista Hannesson’s hand rolled chocolate truffles.  It turns out that Ms Hannesson studied the art of bombarding the senses in chocolate fashion at Le Cordon Bleu in London.  They are free, but sadly, one to a customer.  Some customers are seen to defy the rules and sneak more.

At intermission the crowd overwhelms the snackbar — Ms Hannesson’s gifts to all, a roaring success.

But I get ahead of myself.  Back to our stage…

And to the fabulous flying fingers of Chieli Minucci.

Chieli plays a half hour set of 4 gorgeous instrumental compositions rattling our senses and expanding our musical minds with his amazing technique, but ultimately, what we’re left with is the deep soul of a profound musician at the height of his art.  This man and his guitar are one in music.  The experience is not to be described and must instead be experienced by listening.

We’re bringing him back Friday, May 27^th at 8:00 for a repeat performance.  He promises even more.  I’m ready for that.

And so, after intermission, it’s back to our seats and total immersion into the wondrous world of Jenny Burton.

Her strength, her mastery of the medium are evident in each musical offering whether inspiring ballad or room-rocking gospel celebration.

After the show any number of crowd comments are overheard, many covering the same issue: “She’s back and better than ever.”  “Gone five years, but never missed a beat…”  “I saw her with JBX in the late 90’s and became a huge fan, but now she’s even better, smarter, somehow deeper…” “When does she sing again?  I wanna make reservations now.”

At the end of her 8 song set, Chieli joins her for her last two songs.  Expected standing ovations follow and the audience hollers for more.  We’re bring them back together in May for the last concert of Series II.  In the meantime, Julia Wade and Jimmy Roberts will uplift you and turn your life around Friday, May 13^th at 8:00.  Be there.  Be part of these magical evenings.

The Watchfire Music Listening Room awaits your presence.

Thanks for taking the tour.