Did this really happen?
Or is it just a moment in celebrating the Studs Terkel Archive opening its digital doors to all today. Celebrating 45 years of Studs Terkel in conversation with the world.
Did this really happen?
Alongside the rolled silver steel splash of a bandstand in Millennium Park Chicago at lunchtime today. Or maybe it was long ago. Warm wild breezes blowing like Louis Armstrong laughing. Looking down on the stage, I catch this one silver sliver of a memory.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra dressed in rehearsal jeans, shorts, summewear and just taken a break. The couple at center stage were holding hands. Laughing. He was silver haired and a red checked shirt. She had a smile that even from 200 yards away could make spring shine even brighter. I had no idea what they were rehearsing. Then, the orchestra still on break, a trumpet pipes up with this story:
Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper “I love you”
Birds singing in a sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me
That couple turns towards each other, he might have even done a little bow, and they begin a soft, swaying dance of spring.
Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I’m longing to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this.
From 1931. Andre, Schwandt and Kahn’s “Dream a Little Dream for Me” delivered in solo golden brass joy.
Just a tiny passing instant. Still there. From all those years ago.
That time I was out on a lunch hour walk, and suddenly stumbled dreaming on Studs Terkel and Renee Fleming dancing.
Just like today.
The Studs Terkel Archive. Take a listen. It’s everybody’s story.
https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/
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Photo Credit: arhiva.dalie.com