Just hangin' around!
A Magical Autumn In Washington Park
The early Autumn of 2001 was, to me, unusually cool. But, despite 12 years of living in Chicago, I never quite understood what to expect from the weather in that time of year. I got home early one Friday evening, put on some fuzzy, cozy pjs, grabbed a bottle of wine and snuggled into bed for “video night.” However, after a couple of hours, I realized that I was being distracted by continuous music coming from the park. I wondered: was a radio station sponsoring an old school party in the park? I’d hear a DJ talking, music would blare and people would cheer like mad!
Finally, at about 10pm, curiosity got the better of me and I started making calls. First, my cousin Brian: “Cuz – what’s goin’ on in the park?” He didn’t know. Neither did the next three people I called. So, I got out of bed, changed into some jeans, a teeshirt, a turtleneck, a sweater, a jacket, scarf and hat! With my cell phone in hand – I headed out. I called my girl Chrystal and told her: “if you don’t hear from me in an hour, tell the police that I was headed into the park.” With that, I walked toward the music.
The first thing that struck me was the weather. It was as if the night belonged to a different day! What was a very cool early evening had transformed into an incredibly balmy night. Combined with the bottle of cabernet fresh in my system, it all felt quite surreal. A Michael Jackson song began to play as I was simultaneously sucked into the darkness while moving closer to the light. I saw that I was nearing a structure and as my eyes moved upward, they fell upon the words “UniverSoul Circus!!!”
Not exactly the vision I saw, but it sure would have been magical!
With childlike glee (for real, no joke) and a huge grin spread across my face (those who know me know how I can get), I moved closer to the entrance and the mammoth tent that transformed an ordinary parking lot and ball field into a place of magic and excitement! I caught the eye of a security guy – me, this tall, radiant (let me tell ya, the sun was shining brightly on this particular night!) black woman, emerging from the misty darkness and grinning like a kid! He generously ushered me ringside to catch the end of the show. As MJ climbed toward a passionate crescendo, I watched with sheer delight as an 8-9 year-old boy and girl strength/contortionist combo finished an amazing performance!
I ask you – where else but Chicago?!?! Man, I love this city!
Stephanie!
Soleil’s To-Dos
www.so-LAZE.com
Me, Godkids and Cousins
October 6, 2011 at 2:23 am |
[...] Park through October 16th. It’s a crowd-pleaser every year, but I’ll never forget my magical introduction to the UniverSoul Circus . . . Trust me, there’s still so much more To-Do!! (In fact, I’m probably going to [...]