Last night was one of those rare evenings where everything exceeds expectations.

We set out from our mountain house for an evening with some of our favorite people.

It started with dinner at The Water Oak Restaurant in little Rutherfordton, North Carolina.   I knew I would like this place when I saw this message on the menu:

“Whenever possible The Water Oak uses local, sustainable, all natural, hormone/preservative/antibiotic free proteins, fruits, & vegetables. ”

The Water Oak offers several vegetarian options.  After a delicious beet and goat cheese salad and an incredible vegetable plate entrée, I was perfectly satisfied, but not overly full.

We were then off to the second part of our evening.  About eight months ago, I saw that Don Williams was touring again after five years of retirement and was going to appear at the Isothermal Community College, in Spindale, North Carolina.  I was waiting on line when tickets went on sale and quickly scooped them up.

Don Williams, known as the Gentle Giant in country music, has always been a favorite of mine.  If I Needed You, with Emmylou Harris, is a hauntingly beautiful song.  I Believe in You was also a big hit for Don.

After dinner, we head over to the concert and take our seats, which were in the front row center.  Best. concert. seats. ever.

Don’s band takes the stage and introduces Don, who then comes out and takes his seat – right in front of me.   (As an aside, I had checked ahead of time about taking pictures and it was permitted, so long as it was without the flash.  I was so close to Don, I still felt a little uncomfortable taking pictures as I was afraid it was rude to him – so I just took a few.)

Don started with my favorite song, Good Old Boys Like Me.  Don does not talk much between songs, but his personality came through – he seems like a kind and humble man.  He truly seemed overwhelmed by the crowd’s enthusiasm for him – and we were all very enthusiastic.

I love seeing live music and have been to many concerts.  Sometimes I leave disappointed.  Many performers just don’t sound the same live.  Well …  that didn’t happen here.  Don’s voice was strong and deep.  His voice sounded even better to me live than on the recordings I have been listening to in preparation for the concert.  His band was wonderful too – and the rapport between them all was palpable.

A magical evening in Western North Carolina.