RODRIGUEZ * JOYLAND

Rodriguez - Since we had just watched Searching for Sugarman a few weeks ago, I was surprised to see that Sixto Rodriguez was going to be in Chicago last Wednesday night.  I really wanted to go, but had no idea who I would talk into going with me, or whether I would go alone and brave the late night El ride home.  For the heck of it, I asked Steve if he'd want to see Rodriguez in concert in a couple of days, and I'm still incredulous that he said yes!  We bought some tickets from another former Detroiter on Craigslist, and arrived at the Chicago theater to find we had fabulous seats.  Then someone tall sat in front of Steve, so we moved over to the center section and up a few rows, and when Rodriguez came out, he was right in front of us!  The concert was wonderful - a fun crowd, a masterful performer, lovely songs and a three song encore.  If you ever get a chance to see him, especially in a smaller venue, it's a special concert.  Joyland by Stephen King -  Stephen King was one of my favorite authors for years, then there were a few too-long books and I lost track of him. With Joyland, he's back.  It's an easy reading coming of age mystery hosted by Devin, a college student who decides to take a summer job at a southern amusement park in 1973.  Devin is conversational and honest and finding himself, and something about the Carny atmosphere of Joyland speaks to him.  There is a little bit of magic, a little bit of sinister, and a lot of heart in this excellent story.