Article Contributed on: 7/24/2008 5:22:57 PM
Growing up in the midwest along side of Lake Michigan, I guess I never realized musically how lucky I was. Nowadays, a concert costs an arm and a leg, but I grew up going to Summerfest for a few bucks. Those $5-6 bucks bought you some of the best headliners across the country: the Doors minus Jim Morrision, Jose Feliciano, Judi Collins and George Carlin to name a few. It's always hot and muggy near the lake in the summer. The main stage was so close to the lake that the breezes kept us cool. We arrived early and marked out our seats on the grass with blankets. I was still under age, but it was back in the day when 18 year olds could drink without impunity and adults often shared with you. People smoked pot out in the open back then and you could smell it waft through the air. I guess the authorities were more concerned with the bad trips on LSD than marijuana. You see the war in Vietnam was winding down and peace, love and getting high were the youthful priorities. The band started early. This day was the closest thing to Woodstock that you could experience in the midwest. The typical summer storm blew in and doused everyone with a warm refreshing respit from the heat. Don't know why, but there is something fiercely romantic about being kissed in the rain. Soaking wet, we ran for cover or held shirts high above our heads. The bands had to stop, as there was the danger of shorting out the sound system or electrocution. Guys reached for girls that they had never met before and kissed them as rain coursed down their cheeks and eyelashes.Maybe, it was the wet t-shirts that enticed them or just maybe, it was the electricity created by the summer rain. Possibly, it was the effects of the beer or the pot, but somehow romanced filled the air. It's thirty-five years later and I still remember that kiss and the ones that followed. Rain poured down our faces. Salty and warm it mingled with our kisses.My tie dyed t-shirt cling tightly to my body as we hugged each other ever so closely. The band resumed and we wrapped our arms around each others waists looping our thumbs into the belt loops, holding each other close. And again we kissed. Our bodies swayed gently to the music of the Doors. Funny how the mood ended when the drenching rain stopped as the heat of the sun dried our bodies. Suddenly, it was as if we were strangers again. We pulled apart in embarrassment. Emotions, never to be reclaimed or revisited, left us. Somehow, the magic of the moment was gone forever. Certainly, it was years ago, but just watch for me. Look for the girl with the sweet smile on her face and the faraway look in her eyes. Catch me alone on a hot summer night, send in the warm rain and the soft music, and let me feel those passionate kisses on my face and lips just one more time.