Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

Shells and I went to see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra last night. As someone who was raised on classical music ( I met Andrea Bocelli when I was 8), I have been trying to persuade my other half of the merits of such an outing for quite some time. It wasn't until she was listening to NPR and heard Jane Lynch was singing with them that this became a true option.

"You would love this show," Shells started. "It's gonna be, you know, old-timey music," as she snapped her fingers a la jazz singers.

My response: "Jane Lynch sings?!"

I have been a fan of hers since my sister and I saw her in "Role Models," and Shells and I enjoy her weekly on "Hollywood Game Night." Admittedly, I am also a fan of the schmaltzy jazz music-- who doesn't love a little Ella or Nat King Cole?

Entering the always lavishly decadent Heinz Hall, we took our seats in anticipation (after showing Shelley the downstairs area for women, full of mirrors and long benches in case you faint from your own beauty or something). Jane Lynch emerged from stage left in a blue suit (who owns more suits-- her or Hillary???) singing "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer." I was thoroughly amused by this, and Shelley leaned over and asked "Do you still love me?" while trying not to laugh as well.

Pale people problems...but so close!

Lynch can sing, and her accompaniment by Brad Ellis and the PSO only enhanced her tour through the Great American songbook, crooning Cole Porter and Irving Berlin before moving over to Joni Mitchell (!). Ellis compiled a medley of Mitchell songs for Lynch, and she introduced it as "This is his gift to me... and you........and us" as the music began. I emitted a loud laugh at her humor, and was entirely alone in this (which I found more hilarious (tugboat)).

One of my favorite parts of the show was how Lynch was able to come out and sing these songs to connect to a whole array of people (many of whom were over the age of 60). There was no discussion of her being a famous lesbian or anything like that. She was just a person, entertaining, and it was great.

Since the show, "Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" has been in my head on repeat. I sang it this morning while Shells was making breakfast and she yelled, "Babe c'mon! I just got rid of it!" and I later heard her singing it under her breath.

For the show, we got a little dressed up (it is Heinz Hall, after all). I wore this little white ruffle dress I have been waiting to break out since the everlong spring that is standard Western Pennsylvania fare. It's from J&J Petite Boutique, which specializes in clothes for girls 5'4" and under. My 5'1" self is grateful for the opportunity to wear a dress in a flattering length instead of looking like a kid playing dress-up! Fellow short girls, check them out!

Hope you're all enjoying your lazy, hazy, crazy July!