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ONCE IN A
LIFETIME
January 2005
Over the years,
I have been blessed to be a part of numerous once in a lifetime
musical experiences, moments that remain with me to this day. Tales
of these experiences could easily fill an entire book, yet some
stand out above others.
- The afternoon
I answered the phone and heard Dave Schools on the other end saying,
"We're playing in an abandon cooper mine in the mountains
tonight, Fred, and I'm pretty sure you want to be there."
Later that evening, on the banks of river in North Georgia, I
stood in awe of Widespread Panic's historic debut in "The
Cave."
- The incredible
feeling watching the Allman Brothers Band, during the best show
I've ever seen them perform, led the crowd through the "Tomahawk
Chop" in October 1991, as the Braves were in the midst of
Atlanta's first-ever World Series.
- The evening
at The Point in Atlanta when Follow For Now performed, dressed
in drag, as The Black Hos, opening and closing the show with a
pair of Black Crowes' covers.
- Closing out
2002 on both coasts, first standing front row center for Gov't
Mule in New York on December 30, followed by Hot Tuna and The
Dead, from the comforts of a luxury suite, on December 31 in Oakland.
A trip that was capped off by a quick stop in New Orleans to watch
the Georgia Bulldogs pummel FSU in the Sugar Bowl.
- Spending
my 35th birthday, sitting on my couch, as Bloodkin's Danny Hutchins
and Eric Carter performed in my living room.
- And, most recently,
ending my honeymoon with a private party at Smith's Olde Bar, joined by a mere
handful of friends, as Tishamingo performed, much to the surprise of my lovely
bride. Can it really get much better than your favorite band asking you to write
down the songs you want them to play for you?
While
these were moments I never expected, I've come to learn that there is one day
each year, at a special event known as Christmas Jam, when you can always count
on witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event. This
year, with no advance notice, the Jam's magical moment came early in the evening,
as Warren Haynes introduced Jorma Kaukonen and Friends. The lineup included some
of my favorites, Dave Schools, Matt Abts, Todd Nance, and Yonrico Scott, as well
as a pair of seasoned veterans I'd never had the opportunity to see - Barry Minderoff
and Charlie Musselwhite. The rest of the evening was filled with stellar performances,
but this set was one to tell your grandchildren about. So,
once again, I pass my sincere thanks to Warren, Hard Head Management, and everyone
involved in putting together this wonderful event. While the performers come on
an invitation only basis (those who ask to play are given a polite "no thanks"),
Christmas Jam stands as one place, one time, that anyone is welcome to join in
my series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. |