Just unpacking the van and I find myself thinking about the events of the weekend as though it was all some kind of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ dream. What happened and was it real? People on their honeymoon, people with triplets, people from other countries. Ex-Marines doing Tug-O-War with senior citizens and 4 year olds alike (not kidding). People laughing, “people” (read:me) crying. Did Chris Culos of OAR really do 2 minutes of stand up comedy during ‘Truth or Dare’? Did Eric Donnelly of The Alternate Routes really lead his team in a duck duck goose tournament? Did I really get to take folks (of their own volition) on an auto-biographical walking tour of the town where I became a professional musician?
And the music. Wow. When my steady band went away almost 3 years ago, I didn’t know if I’d ever get to make music that felt that good again. I love those boys and I’ll play with them anytime, anywhere, but after this weekend I’m not afraid of never hitting that mark again. I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest during “Milwaukee” and “Thanksgiving” with Miranda Mulholland on Violin, “Jetpack” Hommel on Steel, Seth Glier on Keys, Dennis Crommett on Guitar, Culos on Drums, Chalfant on bass. “Big Easy” was played the way it should have been recorded years ago. And hearing Eric Donnelly play through “Flower in Rain”, “Cradle of Family” and “Gravity”, it was like a sunrise in the middle of the night. Rob Griffith on drums didn’t miss a single beat and Dan Mills and Caravan of Thieves were both perfect compliments to the nights.
*Thanks to the volunteers.
*Thanks to Elmo Thamm for taking these pictures.
*Thanks to my sponsors: Pinnochio’s Pizza, Woodstar Cafe, BumDrums, WRSI, and Healy Guitars.
*Thanks to Chad O’Rourke who gave us his land and sweat equity.
*Thanks to my manager, Jessica K. Martin who is my partner in staging this event.
*Thanks to my wife and kids who pour themselves into this adventure. Sidenote: a somewhat cynical friend of mine often makes annoying comments to me like “kellogg you probably post pictures of your kids and stuff all over Instagram”. To which I say, “You’re damn right I do. Family, friends, fans. That’s what matters. Those little kiddies of mine get on stage and light it up. They light me up, and that’s what I’m interesting in sharing with you...the light.Thanks for sharing yours with me.
*Thanks to the incredible musicians who gave so much of themselves musically and otherwise.
*And thanks to all the fans who said “yup, I’m in” for the 5th Annual SK Family BBQ. There may be others, but this is the only time that what happened will happen exactly like it did. You filled every seat in the house and I thank you. While it feels like a dream, it wasn’t. It was real. It’s where my life intersects with your life. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.