August 21, 2007 - Tuesday
"Journey for Candye"



Candye Kane shot by Alan Mercer

My mother always says, "Jason, you're not sixteen anymore."

Sometimes mothers know and I believe on Sunday, August 13th I proved her right. After a weekend of diamond digging in the diamond fields of Arkansas, where dry counties are plentiful, Matthew, Kelly, Cody and myself decided to extend our trip by staying at the Lakeview Lodge on Broken Bow lake. We canoed down the river, had dinner, then ended up swimming and having cocktails at the lodge.

After a few drinks too many, Cody decides it would be fun to roll Kelly down the steep hill from the hotel to the lake, however being a lesbian to not trifle with, she stood her ground and wasn't about to budge. That's where the sixteen-year-old voice in my head chimed in. I eagerly volunteered myself and rolled down the steep grade at what seemed like a massive speed. Stopping myself with a tree at the bottom. Oh, the pain and sickness!

Making my intoxicated way back to the top of the hill, Kelly informs me that she wished she'd taken a photo of the event and being the trooper that I am, I offered to do it again. One more time I rolled down the hill, again hitting the tree. Oh, the pain and sickness! Isn't this enough abuse for a 33 year old slightly over-weight body? NO! I did it one more time for fun, this time missing the tree and having much trouble stopping my fall.

The week after our fun at Broken Bow Lake was spent in much pain, my ribs bruised or cracked, which I'm not sure, but whatever the problem, not a fun experience.

I digress. Matthew and I set out on the road again on Wednesday for Wichita, Kansas, where we had tickets to see the incredible, Queen of the Wrecking Ball, White Trash Girl, 200 lbs. of fun, Candye Kane!

We arrived in Wichita in the evening hours, found a room at The Days Inn and collected dinner from Taco Bell, after which we fell asleep with visions of Candye in our heads.

I awoke in the night with sever pain, my chest and side was much worse than I had felt all week and I was having trouble breathing. On top of all of that, I had an awful upset stomach, which, unfortunately involved vomiting. Ugh. Have you ever tried vomiting with bruised ribs? Not an easy task. My husband, being the great cowboy he is, got up and headed out in the Jeep to find me medications and a wrap for my ribs.

Long story short, I was so worried at that moment that we might miss Candye's show that night! After several hours of Matthew playing nurse, I started getting my strength back and was able to tolerate the pain from my rib area. The nausea and vomiting had thankfully disappeared.

That evening I dusted off my boots, yes, once again I cleaned them up to go see Candye Kane, and we found ourselves front row to see the concert.

Candye's band started up the music and our excitement mounted. Candye came out in a great, wild outfit with fringe and her black cowboy boots, the moment she came on stage my ribs were forgotten.

After a few numbers I was quite honored and surprised when she was about to sing the song "Back With My Old Friends" from her new album "Guitar'd And Feathered" (which you can buy from amazon.com). Candye said, 'I'd like to dedicate this next song to my friend Jason, who traveled up here from Oklahoma to see me' That was one of those moments I'll remember forever.

After the show and a few beers we hung around long enough to speak with Candye a few minutes and I have to say, she is one of the nicest folks you could ever meet. It's so wonderful when you idolize someone, then you later find out that they are also a great person, not just a great talent.

Thank you, Candye, for your voice and music that I fell in love with and thank you also for being so very nice to Matthew and me. We appreciate it and we appreciate the invite to your home in San Diego.. we just might take you up on that someday!

I encourage anyone reading this, if you get a chance, GO SEE CANDYE LIVE! You won't regret it.

That's that.

Jason Heath-Fitzgerald

For more info on Candye Kane visit:

www.CANDYEKANE.com

Candye Kane on Myspace