I am not a music buff by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, almost everyone who knows me makes fun of me for my limited amount of music knowledge (especially my daughter!). I know which songs sound good to me and which ones I like. I do not know who most of the artists are. In fact, I could probably list all of the ones I know on one hand — maybe two, maybe!

However, there is one artist I enjoy listening to. Every time he comes to the Philadelphia area, my wife surprises me and takes me. For one, it is usually in the summertime, near my birthday, but the real reason I think she treats me is because she loves music, and she knows it is probably the only concert she can get me to go to without a lot of complaining on my end.

We have seen him four–five times now. If you ask me how many music concerts I have been to, the answer is five–six. I kid you not. The artist is none other than James Taylor. Yes, we are usually on the younger end of the audience, but we always have a good time. We always see him at The Mann Center for Performing Arts in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.

For those of you not familiar, The Mann Center is an outdoor music venue that can accommodate up to 14,000 guests. It is an open-air amphitheater and picnic lawn. The first couple of times we saw James Taylor, we took advantage of the lower cost lawn seats, which was fun. We brought a blanket or some beach chairs and relaxed as we listened and watched him perform. The last couple of times we decided it was better for our backs to upgrade to the “real” seats. What a difference it makes! Apparently, James Taylor has performed at The Mann more than any other artist: 21 times. The first time was during its inaugural season in 1976.

On this particular evening, my wife surprised me that we became members of The Mann Center. Deep down, I think it is my wife’s way of getting me to go to more concerts. We’ll see about that. At any rate, this particular night was members’ appreciation night. We were able to avoid lines to get into the venue as there was a special entrance and a welcome reception in a little secluded area. They served appetizers, and we were entitled to a free drink from the bars in that area. During intermission they served fresh-baked cookies.

The place was packed, we found our seat and settled in. The concert was great. He played two sets, and we recognized almost all of the songs. He had his All-Star Band. In between the songs, he would introduce one of the musicians on the stage with him. Turns out one of the backup singers was his son. At the end of the concert, he always does one encore of a couple more songs. The very last song he sang was just him and his son.

We had a great evening; it was so much fun listening to the music and spending the evening with my wife, which, believe it or not, we very rarely get to do … until the next time James Taylor comes to town.

— Eli R. Shapiro, director of sales