August 11, 2026

This evening, the Band plays in the Land of Oz. Chittenango Village Park specifically. It’s a great setting on what looks like is going to be very pleasant weatherwise. I love playing outdoors. Free shows in a park are the best. Bring the whole family: grandparents, kids, grandkids. Some lawn chairs and cold drinks and get ready to rock.

We played one this past Saturday in B’ville. There was a giant fireworks display, great food and drink, kids running around and dancing everywhere. Summertime in America!

On August 2nd, I returned to my hometown to play with my band from that era. I believe we may have pounded out our first notes in 1962. Of the many players who joined me back “in the day,” three were with me that Sunday afternoon. Doug Johnson is in Florida but wrote in. Gerry Youngman had a gig and couldn’t make it. And our drummer, Randy Wheat passed away a number of years ago. (Alcohol and drugs. Many of my classmates succumbed thusly. Damn, those 60s.)

CJ Saft has been planning this for months. He organized everything. Rented the pavilion behind the Creekside Inn in Rush, NY. He traveled from Boston for rehearsals and the gig. He is truly a remarkable human. I am blessed to call him friend. We go back all the way as far as the eye can see and the brain can remember. And we’ve stayed in touch all these years. He’s still got the charm and grace of a band leader. And he’s taken up gigging again!

Steve Less brought John, his bandmate from “Stay Off My Grass.” They play around Rochester quite often. Both are seasoned pros and can play pretty much anything. We had a blast.

Of note, we were flying without our drummer, but Randy’s sister stepped up for a song and joined us on tambourine. It was a moment.

I do have so much to share as we approach the end of summer. Lots of gigs these weeks, but I feel like writing again. Songs and notes to my pals.

Thanks for staying in touch. You mean the world to me.