ANGELIC APPEARANCE IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
A weekend trip to the warm and sunny beaches in the state of Florida may well be considered a little bit of heaven, if you are a resident of the north during a harsh and icy January winter. However, my primary motivation to tread the dark, back roads of northern Virginia en route to Dulles International airport was to attend the long awaited concert by the angel of voice--John Royce Mathis--nee Johnny Mathis--at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. Arriving in Tampa, I was greeted by unseasonably chilly weather for this area. Nevertheless, it was sunny and resplendent at the beachfront hotel where I stayed for an unbelievable bargain rate through my AARP membership. I arrived the morning of the concert and rushed to get a rental car, then visited the shrine of the image of Our Lady (on Drew Street and Hwy 19) sponsored by the Shepherds of Christ. It is a most magnificent miracle and can be viewed live at their website WWW.Shephards-of-Christ.org Then on to my hotel to get ready for my Seraphim's appearance in the evening. Johnny's concert was held just down the street from the Shrine. After hours of preparation, I headed for the theatre. With the help of a chivalrous ticket agent, I was able to exchange my last row, corner seat ticket for a seat in the 11th row, center. Then Johnny appeared...walking humbly onto the stage (while the audience cheered) wearing crisp white pants and shoes, and a silvery-white pullover sweater. He looked mar-ve-lous. Sharp as a pin. During the second half Johnny wore a dark blue tux with a blue shirt (no tie), that showed off his wonderful build. Most of the songs in the program were from Johnny's usual repertoire, but he also introduced a new tune in honor of the BEEGEES "Morning of my Life..." and a few other upbeat tunes. I really liked the "Morning of my Life." Such an inspirational tune---and fits right into MY life. Johnny's standards were delivered with the smoothness that we have come to expect from him. I am so amazed that his voice has maintained such an unwavering quality over these years. Johnny announced that he was going to sing five of his favorites---the fifth he couldn't remember right away---but would remember when he got to it. There were three tunes from the musical, KISMET, Sands of Time; Bauble, Bangles, and Beads; Stranger in Paradise; then Secret Love---and I forgot the fifth song that he forgot then remembered. For the finale, Johnny, again, sang one of my absolute favorites "Long Ago and Far Away". During the intermission, I picked up a wonderful souvenir book of past Mathis pics. What a heavenly evening!!!! Yes,Johnny " All I've longed for long ago" was YOU
