If you read my last post, you'll know that I had a wonderful week, filled with lotsa music and fun, and a great surprise, but the crown of the week was definitely Sunday.
First, the Carpenter Ants sans Michael Lipton played a benefit for the family of our former band mate and brother Robert Shafer.
Rob's Sister, and Brother in law lost their home to a horrific fire, and if that wasn't bad enough, first, they had only lived there for 1 month, and in the fire they lost a puppy that the children had just received for Christmas when their prior one had died...that's a blow.
I have to say that when disaster strikes, West Virginians step up to the plate without giving it a second thought. Big or small, it doesn't matter, if they're needed they respond and this was no exeption.The music community showed up to play and to lift spirits, we hopefully raised a lot of money to help their family,and someone even donated a new puppy to fill the hearts of the kids.
In all it was just beautiful, the music and the vibe, and I was proud to be a part of it all. Robert Shafer is a stellar/ standup guy, and I'm glad that I could help bring a momentary smile to his family's faces, short of robbing a bank.
Next, it was time for our post Mountain Stage Jam at the Empty Glass, and 3 of the people who were on the show stopped by to hang out and join in the fun.
Teddy Thomas, Steve Shillings, and Gus Black, met today during the taping of Mountain Stage's radio broadast, but came over to the club afterward and had a blast hanging out here in Charleston.
The Carpenter Ants host this post M.S. Jam and it always fun, because it's not the same time trappings that they have to deal with at the show. It's just an intimate thing that we do, and for some of the folks who may not have made it to Mountain Stage, or some who were there it gives a club friendly vibe to some of the artists who were on the show. They get to meet some of their fans up close and personal.
The Empty Glass is the perfect spot for this sort of thing because of it's propensity toward music and merriment.
It seemed as though everyone was ready for an exciting night, and no one was disappointed.
Steve Ferguson simply astounded the crowd with his incredible guitar playing. Michael as always was on fire,as were Jupie and Ted.
Speaking of Jupie and Ted, they are this weeks choice for my "Shout Out" award.These 2 guys have been buddies since High school, and their playing reflects just that, their love for their instruments and each other...so playing music with them from my standpoint is a pure joy.
Our new Mountain Stage guests also felt the vibe and joined in the fun, as all 3 of them could not stop smiling.
I've said this before and it bears repeating...you know that you're in this game the right way when other musicians begin to remember what having fun is like.It's OK to strive for something, but don't lose sight of the fact that it can also be fun getting there. In other words, don't get so corporate that you forget how to have fun.
Groovin' Sunday is all well and good but definitely remember, that groove is in the heart.
Support Live music today tomorrow and always.
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