
Neal Conan’s birthday is November 26, perilously close to
Thanksgiving. This year we’ll be celebrating without him, or so I
thought. But a few weeks ago I realized that hidden away
somewhere, was a circa 2013 recording of a performance from the
legendary music venue, Freight and Salvage, where some of the
most wonderful sound engineers on the planet do their magic.
This isn’t a perfect performance. It was one night in Berkeley. But it
was a good night. It was a funny night. It was a go-out-for-drinks-
afterwards-and-sit-with-old-friends-and-tell-stories kind of night. When
I listen to this recording and hear his voice, and his love for the
words, and the meaning of the comma in the poem, I am reminded
that while the world is a quieter, lonelier place without Neal, he left us
with more than memories. He left real and tangible evidence of his
joy, his humor, and his intelligence. So in our thankful and grateful
place, we share this with you.
You can listen and download for free. I hope you laugh. I hope you are
reminded of the way that we can be transformed by our proximity to
real and abundant life. But most of all, I hope this brings you joy.
Carolyn Surrick
November 26, 2021
P.S. If you feel like making a donation, here’s the organization that
our work with Neal has supported in the past.
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Musicians:
Isaac Alderson, Uillean pipes, flutes and whistles
Ryan McKasson, fiddle
Jackie Moran, bodhran
Sue Richards, Celtic harp
Carolyn Surrick, viola da gamba
Ensemble Galilei with Neal Conan