CLASSIC NASH Wednesday May 28th, 2003 All photos and review by Fran © THANK YOU FRAN!!! Liza Grossman & Graham Nash Classical Nash I attended the Classical Nash show performed by the Contemporary Youth Orchestra with Graham Nash at Waetjen Auditorium in Cleveland State University. Let me begin by saying it was indeed a very fine evening just as Graham had promised. The Contemporary Youth Orchestra's performance under the direction of Liza Grossman (who is an absolute sweetheart) was fantastic and brought chills at times. All of the kids were dressed in long sleeved T-Shirts that were designed in the same artwork as the posters and programs and said Nash (I WANT one of those shirts!) The evening began with Terry Stuart, (the Rock Hall's Director), introducing Graham Nash. Graham came out, dressed all in black, (looking very handsome and very debonair, ok, had to throw that one in for all the lady Nash fans). He talked about what a thrill it was for him to be there with the youth orchestra and how important music is in schools.He said he himself did not write all of the songs they were going to perform and said that some were written with David Crosby and Craig Doerge (who is from Cleveland) and Joe Vitale. He then introduced Joe Vitale, who was in the audience with his family, saying he was from the Canton area and Joe stood up. Graham stated that other than the song he had rehearsed with the orchestra that afternoon, he had not heard one note of any of the other songs the orchestra would be playing. He dedicated the evening to his wife, Susan, his children, Jackson,Will and Nile. He pointed out his sonWill who was also in the audience with his girlfriend, Megan. Graham then introduced Liza Grossman, the Orchestra's director. Graham left the stage and took his seat mid-section in the audience. They opened with a chilling version of "Critical Mass/Wind on the Water" Here is the rest of the setlist:: Soldiers of Peace-This one sounded unbelievable. Our House-Also, orchestrated very well. Out of the Darkness Marrakesh Express-The kids were having fun playing this one. Teach Your Children-Performed with Graham singing and playing guitar-A very touching rendition. The crowd gave a standing ovation for this one and Graham came back on stage and took another bow. Cathedral-They ended the evening with their haunting version, it was very moving and a wonderful close to the show It was obvious that Liza Grossman was having fun and truly enjoyed conducting these kids.When the show ended, she had tears in her eyes, it was a very touching evening.It had to be a proud moment for all involved Now for the high points of the evening for me. I actually got to speak with Graham and finally meet Joe Vitale. I live near the Canton area and had always wanted to meet Joe. My first encounter with Graham was while we were standing in line waiting to get into the auditorium. I turned toward the main entrance and saw Graham walking into the Music Building. He looked at me, then looked again and said hello. After the show, he was making his way through the crowd, so I decided to go over and tell him what a wonderful evening it was. Honestly, I'm not sure I even got those words out of my mouth. He says hello to me and then says, 'how are you doing Fran?' I have met Graham before and I had previously spoken to him about the Classical Nash show. Totally stunned that he actually knew me by name, I said (I think in a complete sentence), 'you remember me?' He laughs, grabs my face and gives me a hug as if to say, of course I do. Now, what a way to end an evening!! Alone at the microphone