Anytime DQ fans get together you know they'll have a good time. This time, we were coming from NewYork, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts to share food, fun and above all- friendship. Except for Sunday, we hadn't made definite plans, preferring to see what would evolve. We went to dinner, watched videos (mostly of the DQ variety) played word games and just chatted. The time went much too quickly, as it always does when you spend it with friends.
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Sunday, we had made brunch reservations at Contrast
Bistro in Dennis Village- a forty minute ride from where we were staying
in Mashpee. Jennifer Youngs who played "Ingrid" on DQMW was
performing there with her husband Ronny Champagne. A member of our
group had been in touch with her and when she heard about our weekend
she said how she would love to see us if we were able to come by. Excited
at thoughts of seeing Jen again, we made reservations for February
16th. Despite traffic and not being too familiar with the area, we
managed to find the bistro in time to make our reservation . Entering
through a back waiting/bar area, we were seated directly in front of
Jennifer and Ronny. They were into their first set and acknowledged
our arrival with big smiles. Coats removed and orders taken, we were
able to enjoy the music in an intimate setting.
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It was like they were giving a private concert just
for us. We were not the only patrons there but Jen and Ronnie made
us feel as though we were. The accoustic selections included "What
a Wonderful World", "Since I don't have You", and "Sweet
Baby James" as well as original songs from Jennifer's CDs- many
of which she and Ronny co-wrote.Their theme was one of peace, making
amends, working things out- influenced by current events.
Between sets Jen signed CDs, posed for photos and chatted. We talked
about her music, Chad Allen, DQ and of course "Ingrid". She
told us she only found out "days" before her character would
be killed off the show, mentioned favorite episodes and even did Ingrid's
accent for us. Her memories are good ones- like ours, and she was amazed
by how much we all still cared about DQ; telling us that we keep it alive.
We heard about her upcoming gigs in NY and LA and how she also played
in Provincetown at the end of Cape Cod. She was still interested in acting,
but right now music was her focus. Soon, it was back to work and Jennifer
asked if we had any requests- any of her songs we wanted to hear again.
We shouted them out and the couple gladly obliged. Time was winding down,
and after more photos, chatting and hugs, we said our goodbyes, hopeful
we'd meet again soon. It was a wonderful ending to our time together
on Cape Cod. Soon after, those traveling back to NY headed home in order
to beat out the blizzard of 2003!