After the quick wedding of KC Cali and Bob Szafranski in the back room at Elixir (9 W Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801), the wedding party moved up into the bar area. There the order of business was socializing and Country music. Giddy Up Go began to perform on the small stage at the front of the room. Most guests kept their distance and shouted above the music. I talked to the artists that KC had invited. Then I walked into the bar to survey the scene. I’m recently separated, I should work the room and try and meet some new people. I never quite feel comfortable in loud shouting matches at bars. Instead, I nestled up close to the band, leaned against a pillar and sketched. Any stress melted away.
Kelly and Courtney Jean Canova arrived during the reception, and began to shoot wedding photos. The large group family photos were shot just to my left. I had to watch my feet to avoid tripping anyone up. Two women at the end of the bar were loving the music. They shouted and whooped. I was surprised no one danced while I was working on the sketch. I tapped my toes the whole time. There is something reassuring about Old time country music. You don’t have to think too hard.
Giddy Up Go’s music hearkens back to the style of country that was played in smokey
ol’ honky tonk bars for patrons tryin’ to forget their troubles. From
Waylon to Willie, from Buck Owens to Hank Williams, they travel back
down that “lonesome highway”.
I had to rush off to Hamburger Mary’s to meet and sketch a survivor of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. It was a whirlwind day of celebration and reflection of unity, love, and loss.