Ilona Cole, Guest Author, Story 166

Jamaika Blue Mountain (and the Seattle Opera House)

For Christmas this year, two of my dearest friends gave me “Jamaika Blue Mountain” coffee, for a most wonderful Christmas present, my favorite and the most fragrant and tasty coffee there is.

As I am enjoying this precious cup and seeing the label every day, it awakened a beautiful, full filling story in me.

It was after Seattle had the World’s Fair and due to that, this great gift to our city, a most beautiful Opera house. Such beauty, such sophistication and pride it brought to Seattle. A lot of interesting and enjoyable menus were offered, but the one that caught my interest was “Harry Belafonte” is coming to the Seattle Opera house. Oh, how I loved his voice, his songs and yes, I would love to get tickets. My dear sister Friedl was planning to visit this year and we could combine her visit with an evening at the Seattle Opera with this charming man, Harry Belafonte. My Hal and I would be so proud to show my sister how our Seattle has grown and what a beautiful Opera house we now have. And the guests!

My sister Friedl knows all about Harry Belafonte. When I visited my sister and family the first time after I had left Germany, I purchased a record, a vinal, “My Island in the sun” sung by Harry Belafonte. A beautiful song by a beautiful man. It brought tears to my eyes every time we played it.

It’s here! This so special evening with my Hal, my dearest sister and Harry Belafonte!

We were walking across the street from the parking garage to the new Opera house, through the beautiful, appointed lobby and found our seats all the way in front and got settled. We were very happy and anticipated an evening that was special and maybe a one-time opportunity to be gifted such an evening. My dearest sister Friedl, dressed in a black velvet suit looked stunning and my Hal, dressed in black tuxedo trousers with a white silk shirt with fine pleats, tie and a grey velvet jacket looked so handsome. I wore a brown velvet suit with a fitted jacket and a cream color silk blouse, buttoned in front and ending with a big bow tied by the neck.

Harry Belafonte came on stage and an unforgettable evening began. The next two hours were mystifying, awe-inspiring, touching and one would not want it to end. He also presented us with this lovely rendition of “My Island in the Sun.”

On our way out we decided to find a great place for something light to eat and enjoy a bottle of great champagne, to celebrate and toast this beautiful artist Harry Belafonte and the Seattle Opera house! An unforgettable evening to cherish and remember for years to come.