Telling Details

Well, I had originally observed the Market Cafe on campus and had written my blog on that...but just found this scenario so much more interesting than people drinking coffee and studying.  What do you think?

As the strobe lights flash and the green lasers dance on the white tents at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, Adam Duritz, the lead singer of the Counting Crows, voice fills the arena.  He passionately emotes as the intensity of his songs rise and fall.  The smell of marijuana wafts through the air (or so I've been told; I of course, wouldn't know what pot smells like personally) as the crowd becomes entranced by the sound of the band and is lost in the power of music.  The masses of people on the lawn huddle together in their small groups to combat the sting of the cold air.  

The group in front of us has clearly been drinking and one of the women from the two couples playfully tosses herself on her partner.  They sit for awhile, laughing and joking together when something strange happens, the man from one couple lovingly and gently wraps up the women from the second couple in his blanket.  This women then snuggles up to her partner and rests her head on his shoulder.  Maybe this is normal.  Who knows, they could just be good friends. The people in my group jokingly suggest she is his sister... 

After awhile the gentlemen from the second couple awkwardly gets up and stumbles his way to his feet.  He stands behind the group to light a cigarette.  Just about the time the distinctive scent of cigarette smoke hits me, the lady from the first couple jumps to her feet to stand beside him.  As they stand there and talk casually, she playfully tickles the back of his forearm. He seems slightly uncomfortable with this and subtly shakes off her caresses.  While this is happening, the gentleman from the first couple slowly leans closer to the lady from the second couple and starts rubbing her back, comforting her in the cold. She leans in, accepting his touch. Eventually, they all sit back down and continue to enjoy the show.  

By this time, the show is winding down and Adam Duritz has begun singing Long December. All eyes are focused on the band as they begin to relay the powerful lyrics.  The crowd sways and sings along with the band as they sing about looking forward, hope and possibilities.    The crowd anxiously awaits the song Mr. Jones, but as the band says their final good-byes and the lights come up, we all realize it isn't going to happen.  The crowd begins to slowly stand as the cool air and lack of movement has made everyone stiff.  Blankets are folded and lawn chairs are laid flat; people begin gathering their things to make their way to the exit.  I glance over to see what is happening with the intriguing group in front of us, curious if any more partner switching has occurred.  The group is on their feet, but does not want to leave, hoping for an encore.  They linger as people shuffle by them, discussing the concert.  The woman from the first couple jumps up and down, pleading with the other three to stay and wait it out with her.  They grant her a few moments but eventually, they too pack up their things and leave holding hands with their respective partners, disappearing into the crowd.  

As to what was really going on, I have no idea, but it does make you wonder...swingers, affair, or just really close?  Who knows, but it sure was interesting to observe.