Having a lawyer in the house means that from time to time, I’ll be a party to the more dressier events and such. One such event was a black tie event at the Marriott in downtown Indy last month.
This was oddly the same venue that my senior prom was in, but I didn’t leave early to go bowling with friends because it was lame (like I did my senior prom). Anyway… Another story for another time.
This event had a band to play after dinner and speeches. The band was The Impalas, which to my delight is fronted by Michael Wiltrout the former singer of Johnny Socko (a college favorite).
Johnny Socko Reunion 2010
They Impalas are a great cover band that’s easily the best of their specific kind in Indy that I know of for events such as these. Johnny Socko is a Ska band from (primarily) the 90′s that I saw many times in many places around Purdue, Indianapolis, and the Midwest. They’re EP “Oh, How I Do Love Roast Beef” is still a favorite of mine…
During their break, I made my way to the stage and introduced myself as well as producing an image on my phone to which I stated: “I’ll bet I’m the only one in here that’s got a picture of you in a banana suit on their phone.”
After a short chuckle and shaking of the hands, he asked my impressions of the show.
“I loved it!” was the quick, easy, and true response. What followed was not expected by me. He seemed to be a little lost for words for a second or two. Finally he said something to the effect that it was a lot of fun, and it took him back to a different time in his life.
I could tell it really meant something to him. I told him that it did the same for me as I had to have seen them at least a few times a year over a 4-5 year stretch.
Remembering that he was on break, I didn’t want to overstay my welcome. I told him thanks again, shook his hand once more and made my way back to my wife and friends.
It was just a really nice, chance encounter.