Sunday was my day to almost meet some Maryland politicians.
Around noon, I went to this rather empty event at Pimlico Middle School in Baltimore called the "International/Diversity Celebration Music Festival". I got there early to check out the first band and left as the 2nd was playing. (Can't have been more than 50 attendees when I left. Only about 10 when I got there.)
The list of co-sponsors was as long as your arm, and included the Mayor's office. O'Malley was supposed to show up sometime after leaving the Ravens football game. Don't know if he did.
I decided that I wouldn't hang around to find out and headed downtown to my next event. It was a talk and service at Old St. Paul's Church (SE corner of Charles St. and Saratoga). The event was to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner. Baltimore, as most of you know, has special dibs on the Nat'l. Anthem. And OSP church had some connections to the writer, Francis Scott Key. (Or "Frank" as he was known to family, said one of the researchers who spoke about him.)
Before we got to hear about Frank, his life, the anthem, and his involvement with churches, a representative from the governor walked up to front and told the congregation that Ehrlich would've been there, but his schedule wouldn't allow it. I thought to myself, that's the second time today that I might've had a chance to see a political leader in person. (I must confess I wasn't very disappointed to have missed seeing either fellow.)
The last part of the event was the singing of the anthem. I think I sang smoothly and with sonority, until I reached the highest note ("...land of the FRE~E..."). Then I think my voice quavered or cracked. Couldn't tell too well, because it was masked by the others singing and the organ playing in that echo-y church.
Perhaps, one could say that Governor Ehrlich made a wise decision in avoiding the event. But I must confess, it was fun to sing the anthem, especially since we sang an additional stanza.
Posted by raacluse at September 14, 2004 12:33 AM