ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE
June 30th, 2021
The small crowd that gathered for an open mic night at the Tin Palace, a small college bar just outside of Washington KC, was blown away by a surprise show from none other than the former Secretary of State, Catherine Chesterfield.
Performing with the surviving members of the Shattered Skies—a band founded by the late prophetic musician Else Kjelstrom—Chesterfield made a surprise appearance to perform a mix of classic covers and Else Kjelstrom classics to a stunned audience.
KCTV5 News talked to Garret Potter, the owner of Tin Palace, who said the plan was hatched about a week ago and everyone was sworn to secrecy.
Potter stepped to the microphone Tuesday night and told the crowd of about 100 that there would be a "special guest" performing. Then at roughly 11 p.m. he welcomed Chesterfield and the Shattered Skies members to the stage. They performed to the packed house for about 45 minutes.
"It's a heartfelt thing to be that close to someone like a Ferryman hero," said White.
At the end of the performance, Chesterfield had one more surprise. She turned to the 78-year-old bar owner and handed him something he’ll cherish for the rest of his life… the very guitar that she played on Tuesday night, one originally owned by Kjelstrom herself.
"It was a really electrifying moment," said White. "I always have a good time, but it's times like this that really keep me rolling." White added, "I've been here 52 years and nobody's given me a guitar like that. But, there's a first time for everything." A performance and a gift he'll always remember.