Monday, August 17, 2009

Well hello all, Another week has come and gone. We continue to "chip away" at what is left of what we called "the summer of 2009". The summer thatalmost wasn't.We had many interesting events this week take place so let's get to it. Last Tuesday was the Chenango County Fair. Our department attends thisevent every year if we can. We usually bring a couple trucks along and we alwaysbring a sharp marching division. This year was no exception as we took a forth place.This was probably out of about 35 other Fire Departments within the county. Not bad huh? "Every judge is crazy bout a Sharp Dressed Man"So after the parade- I had to hit the entertainment tent. This years concert was none other than some old time favorites of mine- The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Now I can hear you all now - singin' Panama Red Panama Red-- and yes that was their mostcommercial claim to fame- that was the least 'song I was really interested in hearing.So I stood there in the big tent just taking a total step back in time. Gosh I was still in H.S. when I first seen these guys. 3 of the original members - now all close to 60 were just jammin' away much like they did thirty years earlier only older now. Not many people remember that the Riders were Jerry Garcia's practice band to keephim from having to travel so much back in the early days. Jerry was a pedal steel playerback then before the Europe 71 album was released and then moved to a lead guitar position - front stage and center. Ahh the good old days of Rock and Roll- The yearsbetween 1968 to 1972 will never ever be repeated again. But that's another story foraround the campfire for sure. Those were the best years of FM' radio rock and roll.Made me wonder - 30 years from now- who will still be listening to SCB c.d.s. Or If anyone ever knew we even existed. Deep huh? Will a mark be made in time or not.How about at least within' the Triple Cities area anyway.So enough with the trip back in time- Saturdays Show- {Harry's and Melissa's}40th anniversary of Woodstock was hot on table this weekend too- it was the buzz so to speak. We all arrived about 4:30 - set up -- and before we could even get going-A beautiful bottle of Jack- was placed at the bottom of the stage for us... Ourlegend is preceding us now. Gosh that was the biggest bottle of Jack I've ever seen.Oh and did I mention the stage- 12 x 18 all wood stage - and covered too -built just for the show.. Awesome.. We truly appreciate the little things that many bands absolutely love.. Those were two of them for us anyway. Thanks Guys....So for the next 5 hrs. we jammed out a ton of tunes for all. Again the band was in it'selement. We played till the cows came home-- or at least the sheep.. I think southernrock made them nervous. But DD kept his eye on them just the same. Never a threat.We also had some musical guests come up and play few tunes while we were on break-Nice Job Dylan and all your friends... It's all about the music. And finally like any other venue- it was over .. Oh and let me mention IT DID NOT RAIN-before - after- or during.. A summer's first. We also sold out all of our C.D.s , shirts, and whatever else the band had to give... The "Win the Band for free party' contest comes to a close very soon. Tentative winner drawing is labor day weekend - Sunday at the Hotel. More details to follow... GET YOUR TICKET....And finally- Saturday is Winterfest' my most favorite time of the year... and this year it'sup to the lake.. Can't wait for this gig.... Pickin' on the lake front- priceless my friends..So in closing--- I'll keep this week quite in the passing department.. We have lost a ton offriends this year... enough said... See you all soon- Get as much of this nice weather that you can - by this time next monthit will only be a memory... Peace, Mikee^^ Dee