Reunions: June 2021

Graphic by Christian Ortmann

By Christian Ortmann

Emily and I haphazardly reunited at a Center City pub last weekend. It was a moment so serendipitous and pure that I almost didn’t mind being vacuum-sealed in an alley between sweaty dudes and a bar adorned with pictures of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The last minute decision to go, the buzzing of friends on the move, and a clear night were the things that I missed the most about the city of Philadelphia. All of this was lovely and only made me that much more excited to move here eventually. For once, it was nice to gush over upcoming shows, life, and the future in a way that wasn’t profoundly cynical. There we were, in our own time capsule of sorts, really living in gratitude. 

Naturally, I came down with a cold, one that still lingers as I type this. I wondered how a place like that didn’t kill me three years ago when I was surviving on milkshakes and Frito twists. So going forward I think I am going to keep my mask on in places. Getting drunk at your friend's place is more fun and cost-effective anyways. 

Oh yeah, the playlist. This month is a fun one. A little more diverse than May in my opinion. New music that I enjoy and continue to look forward to seems to be coming faster and faster these days. There are also a couple “XM 70’s on 7” gems in there, a psychedelic 60’s classic, and some assorted tunes that I forget about but am bringing to the forefront of my mind by storing them here. My birthday is at the end of July, letting you know now.