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The Wednesday before this house concert, I received a call from KPBS radio. It went something like, "Lisa and Peggy are coming on the show before the house concert and we'd like to do a phone interview with you from your living room." The show is The Lounge and airs on KPBS 89.5 FM (in San Diego) for an hour and starts at 6:30 pm. The house concerts usually start at 8 pm. It might be a little rushed for them, but the fact that Lisa Sanders and Peggy Watson would be playing live on-air and the Meeting Grace house concert series would get a nod from the radio public was too much to pass up. So Thursday evening, as the always-delicious treats were being prepared and the chairs were being set up, I had the opportunity to share some air time with that night's performers, Lisa Sanders and Peggy Watson, and talk a little bit about this house concert thing we've got going. From that short hour on the air (and yes, it was live), we received multiple calls for more information and people who wanted to attend that very night. It was exciting and a great way to begin what would continue to be a very special night.
The gathering crowd didn't mind that Lisa and Peggy were a little late, especially when they knew the reason! What followed was an intimate performance by 2 of San Diego's and, indeed, the country's top singer-songwriters. One of the best things about this house concert series is each performance is a little different than the one before it. This night was no exception. For the first time, the artists who were performing that night shared the stage and traded songs back and forth. Seated in front of the living room crowd, Lisa Sanders and Peggy Watson told stories, shared secrets, played flawlessly, joked easily and of course sang clearly and freely into the room and into the ears of every guest. They both accompanied each other on songs and it was easy to see that these longtime friends and musicians were comfortable and enjoying their evening. Peggy Watson performed personal songs about old friends, sang humorous songs and even threw in a cover or two, one being written by a member of the audience, Joy Eden Harrison. With every note, Peggy's clear melodic voice was distinct and beautiful. Lisa Sanders played songs from her two albums and some special tunes, like "Pride and Joy," written for her daughter, that has not yet made it on to a record. A special treat was Lisa performing her song, "Lazy Days" with the audience providing the only music as they snapped their fingers in time. The fifth show in the Meeting Grace series was another memorable and special evening.
Thanks to Lisa and Peggy for keeping the light and the grace in this house.
