One of the greatest blessings of our workamping lifestyle is discovering hidden gems in the communities we temporarily call home. On May 27th, Mark and I enjoyed one of those special experiences when we attended a free performance by the Chris Petty Quintet at the historic Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah.
The evening was a tribute to jazz legends Stan Getz and Gary Burton, and while we arrived expecting great music, we left having learned something new and with an even greater appreciation for the arts.
Discovering the Vibraphone
One of the highlights of the evening was learning about an instrument neither of us had ever experienced in a live performance before—the vibraphone.
To be completely honest, before that night I had never even heard the term "vibraphonist." Watching the musician perform was fascinating. The instrument produced a rich, smooth sound that added an entirely different dimension to the music. It was one of those moments that reminded me why it's important to try new experiences and step outside of your comfort zone.
That's one of the beautiful things about community events—you never know what you'll discover.
A Voice We Could Have Listened to All Night
As impressive as the musicians were, the female vocalist absolutely stole the show for us.
Her voice was warm, effortless, and captivating. Both Mark and I agreed afterward that we could have listened to her sing for hours. She brought so much emotion and personality to every song that it felt like each performance was telling a story.
There are some performers who simply have that special gift of making time stand still for a little while, and she certainly had that gift.
Why Free Community Events Matter to RV Travelers
As full-time RVers and workampers, we have learned to appreciate the value of community-sponsored events more than ever before.
While many people assume RV travelers are constantly on vacation, the reality is that many of us work while traveling. Whether it's managing campgrounds, remote work, seasonal employment, or running our own businesses, we still have budgets to manage and responsibilities to fulfill.
Free events like those offered by Peery's Egyptian Theater provide opportunities that are invaluable to RV travelers.
They Help Stretch the Travel Budget
Entertainment costs can add up quickly when you're on the road. Free concerts, festivals, lectures, and community performances allow travelers to enjoy memorable experiences without straining their budget.
They Create Date Nights Without Breaking the Bank
Mark and I always look for affordable ways to spend quality time together. Community events give couples an opportunity to enjoy a night out while still being financially responsible.
They Help Travelers Connect With Local Culture
One of the best parts of RV living is experiencing different communities. Free events introduce travelers to local artists, musicians, traditions, and history that they might otherwise miss.
They Provide a Mental Reset
Workamping can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Taking a few hours to enjoy live music, laugh together, and simply be present helps recharge our batteries and reminds us why we chose this lifestyle in the first place.
They Build Community
Many RVers spend time far from family and longtime friends. Community events create opportunities to meet people, feel connected, and become part of the local community, even if only temporarily.
Giving Back When We Can
Although the event was free, we always make it a point to support venues whenever possible. Whether it's purchasing snacks, drinks, or other goodies, we believe in giving back to organizations that make these experiences available to the public.
Communities thrive when people support the places that enrich them.
Looking Ahead
One thing this evening reminded us is how important it is to seek out local events wherever we travel. When we eventually hit the road full-time again, we'll continue searching for theaters, community centers, libraries, parks, and local venues that offer affordable entertainment and cultural experiences.
Sometimes the best memories aren't the expensive attractions or tourist hotspots. Sometimes they're found sitting beside your spouse in a historic theater, listening to incredible music, learning something new, and simply enjoying a night together.
The Chris Petty Quintet gave us one of those nights.
It was a wonderful date night, a much-needed break from workamping responsibilities, and a reminder that some of life's greatest experiences come from saying yes to something you know very little about.
And thanks to Peery's Egyptian Theater, it became a memory we'll be talking about for years to come.
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