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Greetings Everyone. I returned from NYC Sunday but have been busy with work and classes and have not been able to post my feelings about the Beacon show. I am still overwhelmed with the emotions that all of you have so eloquently described about the concert. I don't think that I could add anything more. Just "Oh my God, how wonderful it was", worth every penny that I spent for the show, airfare, hotel, etc.

The only thing different that I have to offer is the incredible experience I had Saturday Feb. 21, forever tatooed in my mind. My sister in law and I were leaving our room to go out for breakfast. I pressed the button for the elevator. Three doors. The middle door opened. I stepped on and there standing in the corner was Leonard Cohen. Gray pinstripe suit and fedora. All by himself. He smiled and nodded. I stepped in. The door closed and I turned to him and said "Good morning Leonard". He looked at me, a little surprised and said "good morning". I continued by telling him about my journey to NYC to see him Thursday night and how truly incredible and magical the show was. He thanked me. I shuffled over next to him. I had to touch him, touch him to be sure that it was real. It all felt so surreal. My sister in law, who couldn't afford to go to the show, asked if she could take pictures. He said "certainly, I am here for you". He was so kind. So humble. Such a gentleman with this soft voice that I will never forget. He hugged me and gave me an autograph also, "To Lori, with love, Leonard Cohen, New York 2009". I thanked him for the music, the poetry, the art, for everything.

All I could say for hours after this encounter was "Oh my God". I still cry whenever I think about it. It took me weeks to pick a hotel, never once thinking about where he would stay. Fate. Fate is what it was. All the cards stacked up in the right order. I will never forget this trip. It was beautiful.

Lori, It was meant to be. You said to Leonard Cohen what we all want to tell him- "Thank you for the music, the poetry, the art for everything." Thank you for that. It was perfectly beautiful. Pam

For you, Lori, I am so happy !! And with Leonard's tribute to the elevator, who could possibly have asked for more?? I love all these Leonard stories... even if your hotel name remains a mystery .
As you said... fate... the kindness of fate. And it sounds like you handled your situation with aplomb. Good on you, Lori, and what a great picture, with the elevator buttons behind his right shoulder and all.


~ Lizzy

What a fabulous post, and your picture is sublime.
Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
I couldn't be happier for you - what a magical experience.

Lori amazing put me in mind of Janis Joplin

What good fortune.

Lori,
Fate was truly kind to you!!!! On top of that, what a lovely picture!!!!!

Oh my heavens Lori, what an beautiful encounter! You did indeed express to Leonard the very words that so many of us would like to express if we had the opportunity. The photo of the two of you is fabulous and you both look gorgeous!

What serendipity!

All the best,
Diana

ps..is this Lori whose calls I missed? If so I am so so sorry we didn't connect but perhaps at another concert. Especially since you seem to blessed with running into certain people

And here I was a bit daunted at having rode the subway back to Times Square with Tim Robbins after the show. OK, you win.

Tim Robbins took the subway and not a cab

Yeah, he and his son took the subway. One other guy seemed to realize who he was, but no one mentioned anything to him about it. Robbins talked to the few of us around him on the train about the show, though. Nice guy.

Diana, Yes, I am the Lori that tried calling you at the preshow. It was so loud in there that I knew that you would never hear your phone ring. As you said maybe another show. I do feel as though I have the midas touch. I met Leo Kottke in a hotel after one of his shows as well. And danced with Robin Williams at a show in a resort in SW PA, to Huey Lewis and the News. I have been very lucky. But Leonard tops both of these. Lori

I met Huey Lewis (sans the News) after one of his concerts. That guy was funny. Or drunk. Or a combination of both.

A few years ago I had an unfortunate accident-a private affair- and I realised that in our relatively short lives positive experiences
are the ones that enrich.
I read this thread and I was so pleased that this concert brought so much joy to everyone.

Ive been to a few of Leonards concerts but this one seems to have touched new heights.

Its a real pleasure to view the excellent videos of the concert and I have managed to get the audio link to the concert working as I speak
so I have a recording in my CD bank.

Great stuff.

Hi,
I have uploaded some photographs I took during the Beacon Theatre concert.
Enjoy: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1 ... 92&l=c5e5d

Maarten

These are lovely photos Maarten, thanks for posting.

Marie