December Birthdays 
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Caution - long, rambling post.
I think I'm going to split this into days.
Friday. Flew in from Denver to LAX. NEVER AGAIN! I hate that airport and they confirmed it. Cheap tickets are no bargain when you get to ride two busses to ground transport. (that's the only negative the whole day, BTW)
Lyft ride to Dons Turf Motel. we pull up, and as I'm getting out, who should be standing there? Now other that Bob Berryhill for the Surfari's! I jump out and stick out my hand and say "my name is Chris, it's a please to meet you Mr. Berryhill! Which, looking back, might have seemed kinda stalker. But he shook my hand, and we talked for a about a minute. Then, the rest of the family/band came out and I got to meet Devin, Joel, and Jane Barryhill! I've seen the other incarnation of this band, Jim Fuller's version, and meet all those guys, but never Bob. I tried to not take too much time from him and said goodbye. Checked in and went to my room.
Ordered a Lyft to go to The Golden Sails for a meet and greet. As I was standing there, who should be in the office checking in but Richard Hawes, (Richard here on SG101 I believe). We have known each other for quite a long time, and played in a band together (twice) at SG101 and Instro-Summit,(thanks Eddie KAtcher!)and hung out at an event or two. Richard couldn't share my ride, but we promised to meet later. (more on that in a bit)
Lyft driver quizzed me on the weekend, he'd heard The Surfaris were playing.
Arrived at the venue. Walked in, and saw Duff Paulson (drummer for a 100 bands) and Marty Tippens. Shook hands and as always, Duff treated me like a long lost friend. We chatted for quite a while, and several more times throughout the weekend. He's always super happy to see me, I think because played is Torquay song "Tide Pool Q" in The Aquasonics. I like Marty and we've met several times, but he's more reserved.
went into the venue and saw BTD who was more frazzled than I thought he should be. I asked why and felt bad when he said too many people were texting him because I texted him earlier about what time things start.
Saw Ran Mosessco. Introduced myself again and he said "I know who you are." Helped Ran set up an amp. Got in the way. Stepped off the stage.
At some point Richard Hawes arrived. He was hanging out with Sticks Sketchin and Jet Powers, Drummer and supported for The Penetrators. I'd met Elliott "Sticks" before, but never Dan "Jet". Very cool guys whom I would hang and mooch rides the rest of the weekend after Friday........
I was sitting at my table eating a burger, and Padraig "Patrick" came up and introduced himself. He recognized me from Youtube. We chatted for a few minutes, and first bumped a few time after that. Very nice guy who looked like he was having the time of his life.
Huge shout out to Ran for the backline - It's AWESOME! Early Blond Showmen's and vintage tanks thru one or 2 15" cabinets. The sound was perfect. I was a little worried it might be too loud, but the venue is set up for music, and you could find your comfort level. Up front, loud, but not painful, in the back, quieter, but still present. Perfect!
Friday Night Bands:
The Manakoorahs - The perfect start to the weekend. Cool Exotic vibe with just enough reverb to keep the surf dudes happy. Lap steel, Bass VI, percussion, made this set stand out over the weekend. It also didn't hurt that I'd met most of these guys over the years. Jeremy DeHart, Elliott, and Gary Allen. I got to meet the rest of the band over the course of the weekend. I really liked it. More about this band later.
Insect Surfers - what can you say about Dave and the band? Really fun, and I think this was my favorite performance from them of the 5-6 I've seen. I always have fun watching them, and Dave Arnson was as animated as ever, and played great. Really liked the newer guitar player too, who, as it turns out isn't that new. I just haven't seen them in about 7 years.Shout out to JonPaul Balak for his first of 6 (?) gigs that weekend!
The Mermen - never seen them live, always wanted to. it was crazy cool. Distortion and feedback substituted for reverb. Tons of echo. Jim Thomas is the master at riding the feedback. It was awesome! And, it was 3 hours. They played one set, and then another. I started to fade, and thought I should head back so I could be fresh for the next day. Caught a Lyft and went to bad.
How can day 2 be better? Just wait!
—"You can't tell where you're going if you don't know where you've been"
Last edited: Jul 31, 2024 19:49:25
I've met Tim Fitzpatrick several times before, such a gentleman. JohnPaul led the question and answers, and did a great job. Willy is a great storyteller, and Tim such a nice guy. Hard to believe, but they both said this was the first time they have met. 
