The Ties that Bind: REM, the Entrepreneurial Spirit & Birthday Cards

Last Friday night we piled into my brother's Jeep. My nieces Jessica and Amanda, my brother Wade and me; and headed to Jamaica Flava, an hour or so away, to see the musical genius of the family. Katie and her band, Friday Knights, were 'bout to perform their first lounge gig. I think it is only their 4th or 5th live gig overall so this ain't bad for a pack of  11,12 an 13 year-old's. It was also an evening that my brother and his family were making a big deal about my resent birthday. So, it had all the makings of the perfect night!

On the ride down we discussed the upcoming tailgate season; the fact that the girl's grandfather was in an REM video and the things we would do if we had the money. Amanda would buy a surround sound system and a record player; Jessica would go to the spa and have her hair and makeup done and I would buy a Vintage Shasta Camper to take on my roadtrip this Fall. My brother just kept saying things like; oh yeah that would be cool, you could probably get a good deal on a sound system; uh, but Jess a surround system lasts several years, a haircut only lasts about a day and; is that safe to be camping alone. I know he has dreams of things he would purchase if he could but I think he didn't throw out anything because he is well aware he will be buying haircuts and textbooks for several more years to come. His purchases are their necessities at this stage of the game.

We were close to the half way point when someone realized Jessica's Tokyo Hotel music had been playing the whole time. She is obsessed with this band in a rather lonely capacity. Everyone else in the car chooses REM to replace TH; similarly to other car rides where everyone else chooses U2 or Mumford and Sons. Jessica doesn't care, she is going to be a model and marry Bill Kaulitz.

While listening to REM we reminisce about that time Grandpa was in that REM video and we talk about how we no longer have the video, for inexplicable reasons I can't bring myself to share, and begin to devise a plan to trace down another copy. We offer each other suggestions; as at this point we are not even sure we can remember the song. It turns out Amanda holds a wild card in that she has Michael Stipe's eye wear and could hold it hostage. Her job is working for the doctor who takes care of Stipe's eyes. Hell of a job diagnosing what that man sees!

Mr. Stipe has a reputation in this town as being someone who does not like attention thrown his way; as this is his home. Though I wonder how much of that is lore, after all, who sets out to be a member of one of the greatest band in history but doesn't want to be noticed.

I imagine back to that time when the REM crew came to St Mary's Hospital, where Dad worked security, to film their video footage and I see my Dad skipping his dialysis exchange so he could say yes to Micheal's people. 'Yeah, I'll do it; my son loves them. He talks about you all the time; I had to constantly tell him to turn down the crap.'

I pretend Michael saw it this way; he thinks Daddy is cool, and interesting and had a story of his own to tell. And Daddy thinking 'what the hell does Wade see in these knuckleheads'. Because of this connection I think I would break the Athens Cardinal Rule and speak to Michael Stipe and tell him how special he is to our family; even if all he wants is to be left alone to buy a vegan salad from Co-op Grocery.

When we arrived at the Jamaica Flava we were curious to say the least. There is no denying there is a lot of milk toast in our entourage. And this lounge was in a diverse neck of the woods to be sure. As usual the children will lead and we entered with our Friday Knights consisting of one mixed race drummer, one African American guitarist; one rockin' chick; and a few junior milk toasters. It was early so the place was empty. We all filled up on the Jamaica Food Flava side of things with Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Chicken Curry and Plantains and deceptive brown gravy.. REALLY GOOD FOOD! The night was off and running.

There were so many things going on in this tiny establishment. The Food; women set up selling jewelry; there was a bar, which for a Friday night was very sparse...some Gin, Vodka, Hennessy, Inglenook Wine and Corona or Heineken Beer; but not enough Cranberry Juice; oh and when you said 'yes, I would like lime in my Corona', they poured lime juice from a bottle.

Then, there was the talent side of the abode. Everyone behaved like family and each person appeared to shine in their moment or was at least cheered on as though they were surely going to be famous. A quite but confident MC assured everyone that their creativity would be embraced..

It was open MIC night and the Friday Knights were up first. They were to play two songs; kicking off was Katie with Heartbreaker by Pat Benetar:

Yeah...I know right; she is a firework! If you know her you well up with pride and it shows itself in tears and loud screams. If you don't know her; you want to and it shows in loud screams. It is pretty stunning to see this petite being that you adore belt out and capture a crowd of strangers with such ease; they hold her in their pocket like a lucky charm.

While hanging out at the Flava Lounge my loved ones celebrated me with a birthday bag full of items to take me into my new journey. I am so amazed at how they have embraced my pre-midlife crisis. When I open the card from the kids, I hesitated briefly enough to where no one noticed but long enough to realize; I have seen this card before....but where? Then in the second set; I got a shout out from the band – 'Happy Birthday to Aunt Sharyn; is Aunt Sharyn in the house? Whoooo!! I love how everyone calls me Aunt Sharyn as if that is my name; like Mary Beth or Sarah Anne. There is nothing old about the band giving you a shout out; even if they are 11, 12 and 13.

Throughout the evening my brother and I would exchange ideas on how we could make both our American Entrepreneurial dreams come true – the way it clearly was happening at the Jamaica Flava. We threw out ideas for reality TV; what the ultimate restaurant would look like; could he handle the band booking while I handle the menu; we went on and on. Mostly, we were inspired.

Jamaica Flava makes me want to be authentic and inspired...like the Oxtail, Plantains and the Heartbreaker.

After the show we loaded up and headed down HWY 20 with a little more hope and a little bigger dream then when we headed in. Amanda said 'Dad, #7 and crank it up'...

 

Back in Athens, we all part ways. I arrive home and go to the fridge for some good cold water and there on the door I see what I saw earlier. The birthday card. Only that one was from my sister's kids; Catherine, Nicholas and Victoria. My nieces and nephews from Athens to Canton love me. I hit the pillow and sleep well.

Recipes: Ask for the Brown Gravy at Jamaica Flava...and some H20.

Roadtrips: Jamaica Flava; I 20 exit 68 off Wesley Chapel RD; .03 miles on the right.

Renovations: ...go someplace out of your comfort zone and be inspired...