I turned onto Hwy 82 around sunset, circa 8:32 or so these days. Spent from a solid day of rock climbing – or attempted rock climbing – I felt a comfortable fatigue in my bones, the kind that comes from over-exertion and the promise of a good night’s sleep within the next 30 miles.
Time had flown, as it always does while clipping bolts, but I was hoping I could catch the tail end of the Sunday Soiree at WC3. I’d seen the lovely little invitation, promising an evening of musical entertainment, food and wine and a night on the patio.
WC3 comes up with these really festive, comforting and communal creative gatherings – from the cross-country ski dinner last winter, to the Mediterranean Cruise themed food and wine extravaganza for the armchair traveler, in between passport stamps – and the Sunday Soiree looked like another heart-warming way to pass an evening.
I pulled up to the patio, lit up by strands of white lights strewn across the back fence. Music poured out the front door while a few guests gathered outside the building to enjoy the calm night air. Inside, an intimate group was still passing some quality time, seated around the musicians and softly singing along to Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire.
The young musicians call themselves Abraham and the Booths and commanded attention at the piano, on the strings and across the crowded room with clear vocal harmonies. Chef Martin joined them periodically for his trumpet accompaniment; my ears stayed tuned for the next guest voice or musical interlude.
The desserts were arriving, part of the three-course prix fixe with appetizer, succulent WC3 entrée and an array of sweet treats, all for just $20. Some folks were simply enjoying a glass of wine or a truffle, taking it all in with a peaceful smile.
I missed dinner but arrived just in time to soak up the camaraderie. I sat with some frequent WC3 visitors, locals from just around the block and a dear old friend who’d been enjoying the evening for hours, sipping a cool glass of pinot grigio and laughing her glorious laugh. Her laugh sounded melodic tonight, in perfect key with the music and stillness bouncing off one another during this mid-summer night’s celebration.
Kris came out to greet us and proffered a dollop of the newly-arrived Apple Whiskey. Beer and wine was the standard fair but WC3 is now welcoming some tasty, zestier after-dinner drinks, for the adventurous of palette.
Sunday Soirees will continue every Sunday throughout August, to showcase the garden, the cuisine and the general spirit of community contained within that white picket fence.
It’s Membership Drive month at WC3 and the Sunday Soiree highlights the very reasons why WC3 is important. By becoming a member – just $35 a year – I’ll be directly contributing to the goodness, helping the music and the laughter spread through the garden, and out into the world.
For more info on membership, and Sunday Soirees, visit: www.woodyc3.org.
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