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March 22, 2006
Post - Placid updates from the couch.
Well, we all did it, didn't we? Braved St. Patty's Day ( an annual rite of passage ) and some of us trekked all the way to the frozen North of Lake Placid, New York to fall down snowy hills and boogie Olympic - style.......
St. Patrick's Day also happens to be the Anniversary of Skip ( Tour Manager to the Stars ( and us )) joining moe. on the road & keeping us on the straight n' narrow. Thanks, Mr. Richman!
The slopes of Whiteface were challenging, but a great ride. My runs were a little shy of the former indestructible glory of being 16 and nuts, but the views, thrills & frozen face were brilliant. Equally brilliant was the drive up through the Adirondack Park. I grew up spending my Summers running up and down the mountains, swimming & canoeing the lakes and rivers - getting lost there. Always fun and highly recommended. That spirit was evident in everybody I ran into: Skiers, Canadians, Flatlanders of all sorts!
The music was a mix of downhome & Rock, groove, R & B......
Our set outdoors ( that's right, outdoors on a ski slope in 10 - 15 degree weather....whew..) was brisk and inspired by hot coffee & a touch of whiskey. The gloves that I cut up to "protect" my hands from the cold ended up looking like something from Pat Benetar's 80's video wardrobe when I was done making field alterations onstage to accommodate playing with my slide........hmmmmm. A bad sign, usually, but a crowd of 2,000+ made it their business not to budge the whole time. Kudos all around! Completely worth it - especially if you get to ski right up to yer workplace!!
At night, Everything Orchestra captivated with spontaneous turns and audience participation that reminded me of the surreal rock orchestration of "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" at times & the modal cool of Miles Davis at others. Nice. Our friends from AOD played a great set, then Nate sat in on keys with Gordon Stone on Steel guitar,- Reid Genauer also joining to sing "Deal" with us. Some stranger took over Vin's drumkit & made it hurt. Times was good.
Not only that, but the Bobsled run was killin'. At first I thought..."bush league tourist ride", until the third turn when we got mad high on the banked walls of the Olympic course. Wicked pissa.
Now I am sitting at home on my couch enjoying the snowstorm that just hit Cincinnati. Happy Spring!!!
Thanks to everyone who came, skied, danced, skated and otherwise soaked up what should be the first of many snoe.downs. We are going to take a short breather before the real Spring/Summer madness cranks up again.
Cheers, y'all!
Sláinte!
chuck.
Amy & I go for a hike on the way into town, The sleds, Cass & B suit up.
Amy, Frank, Cass & B on deck!
Me on the planks, Whiteface far and near......
Posted by chuck at March 22, 2006 03:23 PM