Having for sure witnessed the last of the BND shows a few weeks ago in Vegas, I didn't think I'd get to see Sting again so soon, but Andrea and I got a nice treat this weekend. We had noticed Christian McBride was playing at the Iridium in New York and were lucky to get last minute reservations. When we got there at midnight, the 10:30 show was still going on. We were let in, and amongst a small crowd, I spotted a pair of thick hands clapping with fingers spread, in an almost monkey-like fashion! It was the clap that I recognized, not his face! Sting and Trudie were sitting alone in the middle of the audience... Christian McBride thanked the audience, and Sting... It was obvious he had sung during the show, but we missed it :-( (We later learned he sang My Funny Valentine).
We were seated two tables away from Sting and Trudie, who stayed for another 20 minutes after the show. Sting and Christian seem to be very good friends. No one seemed to pay much attention to the fact that Sting was standing a few feet away, but a couple of people went up for autographs, and Sting kindly obliged. As Sting was leaving, we grabbed his attention and I said "Sting, I don't know if you remember us - we sang with you a few months ago..." His face lit up with a huge smile, he grabbed my hand and gave us a huge hug and said "Of COURSE I remember you guys!" We thanked him for the opportunity, and he answered "My lawyers have been looking for you to get you your checks!" :-) We both initially thought he was going to mention a restraining order when he commented on the lawyers, but it turns out he was joking about paying us! ;-)
He and Trudie then both left, leaving their table empty. Since their table offered a better view of the stage, I sat where Sting was sitting, and Andrea sat on Trudie's side! Our waitress asked us if we switched because Sting had been sitting there. I said no, I had a better view at that table. She replied "Well I would have sat there just 'cause Sting was sitting there! These are their drinks, you want to keep them?" So we enjoyed Christian McBride's set as Sting and Trudie had a few minutes prior, smirking the entire time! Oh, and Christian McBride is phenomenal. A true virtuoso on the bass. I predict he and Sting will be working together again in the future...
Happy New Year everyone!
Take care,
Fred
