Well, friends. Sometimes, you have an idea and you think it could be something good, and you want to do some good in the world, and what’s the worst that could happen? It’s probably going to be fun, anyway, right?
And then it turns into something so insanely good, so incredibly much fun, that there are almost no words to describe it.
That’s what happened at The Ramble at Radio Radio Friday night, a recreation of The Band’s The Last Waltz to benefit Down Syndrome Indiana.
So I’ll add just a few words to these photos shot by Scott Rudicel, the nicest asshole of a stage manager ever. First and foremost among them (the words) to Matt Mays, who has the misfortune of being one of those guys who is capable of Being In Charge. And all The Haters: Tad Armstrong, Dave England, Wade Parish, and Matt Wilson, for being awesome in a sense that word was intended to convey back when we didn’t say things like “this salad is awesome.” And Honey Boy Bill Mallers, and the horn section: Josh Silbert, Eric Evans, and Charlie Krone, for working their asses off all night long and making everyone else who took that stage look like a genius.
And thank you, Jeff Grantham. That was one hell of an idea.
I knew after rehearsal Thursday night that this was going to be a killer show. The band was tight and the energy was loose and happy. I was so excited Friday that I had a hard time working. Left to right, that's Dave England, Jon Martin, Tad Armstrong, Wade Parish, Matt Wilson, and Stasia Demos Mills at rehearsal.
The green room, 15 minutes before the show. See how glamorous show biz is?
The Haters get down.
If you were in the back of the room, you didn't notice Gary Wasson's authentic Neil Young cocaine booger.
The Fabulous Jones Sisters did the Staples Singers proud.
Mike Wiltrout was Neil Diamond. Matt Wilson was amused.
We are only assuming that Brian Deer still has fingers.
What that rehearsal shot looked like the night of the event.
Bill Mallers, the Night Tripper. Bill's hat is nice, but Eric Evans had the best hat of the night. Unless Joel Henderson did.
Matt Mays as Van Morrison. Was this the performance of the night? Hard to pick one, but...perhaps.
Yep. Joel's Bob Dylan hat was pretty good.
Pingback: Tonic Ball: a Guide to an Amish Barn Raising