This particular fall Saturday afternoon was fortunately sunny and warm. The green hills in this countryside setting were alive with music coming from cowbells dangling around the necks of these docile animals scattered across the hillside where they happily grazed. One by one cars started angling down the winding gravel road into this country hamlet and found their way to a temporary home in a nearby field.  People showed up with two items, a folding chair and a dish prepared at home to share afterwards with everyone who would come.

What is happening in the hills at an altitude of 1100 meters, 45 minutes above Verona?

A . A chess tournament?

B. A jazz concert?

C.  Watching a football match together on large screen TV?

If you guessed “jazz concert” you would be right. A close friend told me recently that in dark times the best response is to “light a candle.” From most any perspective or angle one observes it can be easily argued that we are living in troubled times. This jazz concert was an opportunity to “light a candle.” The two professional musicians blended the trumpet and guitar for over an hour. The 60 plus people who showed up were treated to quality jazz.  Then we hung out together around a couple of tables outside.  Everyone had participated in providing the “stuff of the table” which is something Italians are VERY GOOD at.  As we shared in the music, enjoyed the meal, and chatted with friends we all had a sense that this time was very well spent.

The hills were alive with the sound of music.  Maybe some of that music and afternoon spent together contributed some light and hope in the lives of our friends in our dark world.

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