John Lennon Tribute

I'd like to thank everyone that came out to the John Lennon tribute. For many Reasons it was a raging success. First, for me it was wonderful, because for years I have wanted to tribute a man, who I never met, but who irrevocably changed my life. I have dreamed of having a night that paid homage to the music and the man. I was pleased enough by actually following thru when the signs pointed me towards it. This was completely DWARFED by the OVERWHELMING turnout! Heading in that night, I was hoping to be able to pay the soundman, Cullen (who did a marvelous job, thank you). We had low expectations, figuring it to be musicians playing for musicians. I don't know where everyone came from, but Bless your Souls, you filled the place. I have not seen the Union so full in a long time, if ever. All this during Break! Amazing. Better still, this was a group of people drawn together by the music of John Lennon. A music so prolific and pervasive, hardly a person in this society goes untouched. I was warmed again and again by overheard snatches of conversation, different people relating which song, or what moment they were touched by the music. Brilliant. Next was the music itself, as played by the people that night. Biester was excellent. Becoming what he is to this town, the Workingman's Hero. A slew of beautiful, and some not so beautiful moments, hacked out by some of the best this town has to offer: Jeff Henry, Geraldine, Catfish, Bryan Gibson, Johnny Marathon, the Wingnuts, Abraham Dreamgirl, Ken O'Dell, Nick (I don't remember your last name), Chris Biester, Then comes the Johnny B Fund. This was a little late in the overall planning of the event. $$$$ is not often on my mind, but I got to thinkin' we should give it away, Christmastime and all, and I remembered this fund that Dave Baer set up to honor our fallen brother Johnny B. I checked to make sure that the fund still existed, it does and it was as simple as that. Not many people knew it was a benefit. I wrote a little sign and set it by the door, and I would betcha, if not for that little sign explaining the Cause, many people would have gone on down the street. But seeing what it was for, I feel that all that entered, gladly paid. For this I thank all of you. We raised $440 dollars, all told. This amount alone will pay for a young musician to attend the Fur Peace Ranch for one of their extended sessions. The Fur Peace Ranch has a special dispensation for the Johnny B Fund sponsored musicians.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to have worked with some of the most wonderful, giving people I have ever met. I would like to thank the following: Matt Toledo, Ring Leader at the AMN, put my little cattle call front and center on the AMN, so that every person visiting got a look at my mug, and was confronted with my scheme. I firmly believe that without this bit of advertising, few would have known about it. Scott Winland, sleazy concert promoter at the Union, was absolutely indispensable for this Tomfoolery to have worked. He booked us into the Union when our original location failed, he put his many talents to bear to spread the word, and work out many of the physical details, that otherwise would have crushed me. That, and his band, Geraldine kicked major butt. Yer Blues, indeed. Catfish, with his vast knowledge of Beatles tunes, and infinite patience with me while we waddled thru various versions of tunes that we never even played that night, but had rudimentarily prepared, in the event no one else showed to play. Without this Psychic Buffer, I would have worried my self too much. Bryan Gibson, who knows the drum parts to every single song ever written, and has the skills to play them, waddled too with the fish and I. Bryan not only donated his drums for the night, and played them almost all night, but, when our traditional advertising fell thru, was able to pull a few strings and help the show to be advertised on the radio. His calm during my crisis was awesome, and his ability to get the job done, coupled with his smooth efficiency, is a blessing much larger than I could have hoped. Terry Smith, who received a nasty letter from me when I felt I had been wronged, and forgave me after I realized what an ass I had been. Terry helps me (and the entire Athens music scene) out at no cost on a week to week basis. His service and dedication to the music scene is a boon to which we should all be grateful. Dave Baer, for his unending enthusiasm, and local lawyering, on the behalf of many local musicians. He offered to loan gear for the event, and he helped create the fund to honor our fallen brother Johnny B. He is the administrator of the fund, and I look forward to working with him on the next phase of the project. Roman Warmke, bass player extaordinaire, and Fur Peace Ranch liason, helps to administer a similar fund at the Fur Peace Ranch, and will aid in getting our young musician properly oriented into the ways of the Ranch. A wonderful man in a wonderful position.

And then, lastly, for me an a very personal level, this event was transformational. it was typical of anything I might attempt in my life, and I hope I will learn my lessons well. Things that go from idea to Actuality have a life of their own. There is the ideal, then there is the Real, and never the twain shall meet, whatever that means. I learned that no matter how I think something should go, most likely, it will go nothing like that. I learned that each "failed" opportunity creates other opportunities before unthunk. Just because I think it will happen this way, doesn't mean it will. I learned how to let things flow and grow. Each bump in the road, each perceived difficulty, led the way to an even better opportunity. Quite amazing. I thank you all, and will see you next year! Check Our Upcoming Events Home Email:junebug@frognet.net © Circle5 2001.