The Day We Danced in the Rain

This concert takes place on a small outdoor stage under a sky thick with rain clouds. The crowd is huddled together in folding chairs and rain jackets. Hoods up and shoulders scrunched, as we watch the band set up. As the lights flash on, a man takes the stage with a suit and a saxophone and begins to unravel us. DOTSERO, is a Colorado jazz gem with a name that means, “Something Unique.” As the raindrops start to fall the music shines through the crowd. People begin to slip off their shoes and clear a space for dancing. The leader of the brand Steve Watts, plays stronger and louder as the community builds. We embrace the rain with the music, letting it all flow over us with each song. Old couples are dancing slow and smooth, while children splash in puddles and laugh. I pull at the hand of my non-dancing sister and we begin to sway and rock to the beat that is reserved just for jazz music. As sunset turns into moonlight, and the slow rain drizzle has left the crowd feeling wet and cold, DOTSERO still had one last surprise in store. For the final song, Steve Watts takes to the saxophone. The sound comes out like a jet of life, loud and rich through the night air. Everyone is suddenly aware and watching as Watts steps off the stage and through the crowd. He plays and walks until he reaches a large water feature glowing with yellow lights. Braking formalities in the name of music, he steps into the fountain. He is still playing, the saxophone buzzing and humming along with the drums and piano still performing nearby on stage. Watts starts to the kick and splash in the lit water, drenching his tuxedo. This brings the crowd to their feet, clapping, shouting, and cheering. The dark damp mood replaced by this musical surprise. The show ends with a last scream from the saxophone and a huge cheer from the crowd. That night I learned that it is never too late to learn how to dance in the rain.