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We Helped Feed Our Neighbors
Last Saturday musical history took place in Plattsburgh and people are still talking about it. It was night combining great musical talent, hundreds of music lovers, people helping people, and the return of some music legends.
I'm talking about the "Help Feed Your Neighbor" Music Night at Olive Ridley's on Court Street. Local musicians volunteered their time to entertain, and customers donated food items for North Country food pantries, such as JCEO, the Saranac Methodist Church Food Shelf and the Interfaith Food Shelf.
Anyone who attended had to be happy with the results and, judging from the overflow crowd, especially of people in my age bracket, and their smiling faces and rocking bodies, a good time was had by all.
I was lucky enough to be invited to serve as emcee for the event, and my job was easy. I arrived at 5pm and the place was abuzz with musicians carrying equipment and stringing cables from one side of the stage to the other. Little did I realize the outstanding musicians I would get to meet.
The opening act around 6pm was Craig Hurwitz, who didn't want me to introduce him as "Doc." Doctor by day and entertainer by night, Craig Hurwitz' acoustic guitar and rocking voice got the crowd into the event early. Then Chicago-raised vocalist Natalie Ward and guitarist Rod Riddle continued to raise the temperature as the crowd size increased.
Soloist Josh Cramoy, a native of Lake Placid, played without his usual band members, and the crowd loved his contemporary sound. The Josh Cramoy Band has been touring colleges in the eastern United States. Josh also may have had one of the most beautiful assistants of the night, although she listened quietly from off-stage.
As I tried to mingle through the crowd of a few hundred, I kept getting the same question. Everyone was asking what time a particular group was scheduled to go on stage. I tried not to show my hand, instead listing the lineup in order of appearance, but leaving out the times.
Around 9pm the Unrelated Uncles took to the stage. I wasn't familiar with the name of the band, but I sure knew the faces. Pete Mack, Michael DelSignore, Greg Fiske, who had a very busy night, and Bob Newton took to the stage and raised the intensity up a notch. Olive Ridley's new back room started shaking as dancers moved to the dance floor in front of the stage. Billed as "the best-looking band of the night," they got top ratings as musicians also.
The popular Natalie Ward Band was next and, the temperature kept getting higher. Wow, did they rock the place, which by now was jam-packed. Natalie's strong vocals were backed by the aforementioned Greg Fiske on sax, Bob Newton on drums and Ron Riddle on guitar. Throw in Dale Derusha on bass guitar and Rich Davies on trombone and you've got the makings for a musical extravaganza.
It should be mentioned that Dale Derusha spent about 18 hours at Olive Ridley's working on the sound system and trouble-shooting problems. He arrived early Saturday morning and left early Sunday morning. That's dedication!
By now it was around 11:30pm and the place was buzzing. The crowd was loud and crammed elbow-to-elbow, ready for the next performers. It was time for the return of the legendary Blind Pig Blues Band. It's been seven years since they have performed together, and, in the minds of North Country music fans, this was a momentous occasion.
With the K-Man, Ken Kesterman, Mike Maddix, Pat Maddix and, of course, George Wurster on stage the audience started shouting, howling, jumping, reading for the first beat, the first note, the first harmonica riff. And, let me tell you, the guys didn't let the crowd down! It was like riding a bicycle! It was as if they had never stopped playing. They didn't miss a beat. And the crowd was sending their love onto the stage. The panties started flying up on stage before the first song was over.
The band also had special guests Greg Fiske, yes, again on stage playing the sax, and Lowell Wurster, George's son, on the bongo drums. Or are they conga drums? Or can you say either name for those things? Lowell was obviously thrilled to be backing up his dad's vocals, and stated into his microphone more than once, "That's my dad!"
The band played for over an hour and the crowd could have listened for hours more. But there was one more act. At 1am the local band Lucid went into action. The group, comprised of Kevin Sabourin, Jamie Armstrong, Nick Sauvie, Ryan Trumbell, Andy Deller and, back for more, Lowell Wurster, kept the younger crowd rocking, while some of us oldsters had to call it a night, already several hours past our usual bedtimes. The early morning hours belong to the young, I felt.
It was a musical happening like nothing else ever experienced in Plattsburgh. Great musical entertainment all night and all for a great cause. George Wurster spoke to the crowd about people in our country being hungry and needing food. "This should not be happening in the United States," he said.
It seems to me that George, Natalie Ward and Patricia Fox were the driving forces behind the "Help Feed Your Neighbor" concert. Their friends quickly jumped on board. Robin Caudell wrote a great article in the January 18th edition of the Press-Republican, which did much to promote the event.
The musicians had to be exhausted by the time Sunday rolled around, and probably some of the dancers were exhaused as well. I saw dance moves last Saturday night that I never knew were possible. One girl in particular danced up a storm, not stopping until the last song. She had moves so amazing, that had I tried them, I'd have ended up in traction by Sunday afternoon!
I say, let's do it again. Maybe Matt Spiegel, Olive's Ridley's proprietor, can get this rolling at the Naked Turtle next summer, and then back to Olive Ridley's next winter. Maybe even have a cover charge so that the musicians can be paid at least a trifle for their talents.
Regardless, those of us who were there, experienced some North Country music history, and we all owe the dedicated musicians a standing ovation! Thanks to all of those who did "Help Feed Your Neighbor."
Comments
The event was great and the music was amazing but what I had noticed was the false information concerning the long hours Dale Derusha had spent setting up sound and trouble shooting the sound problems. What I saw was the effort, time, trouble shooting, and equipment put forth by a couple members of Lucid. I think you should check into this more and give credit where it is due. Other wise great article! We love you Foxy!
(Foxy's note: Thanks for making the point about Lucid. Yes, indeed, those young guys were scurrying around all night. The info about Dale was from Dale, who told me he had started there at 10 in the morning. I saw him working on sound problems during the evening. I am also happy that I have some video footage that has been rescued from that night and will be showing it on public-access television sometime in February.)
Posted by: Anonymous | February 5, 2007 1:41 PM
North Country food panties??????
(Foxy's note: Great catch, Ross! Many people read the blog and I read it and re-read it several times and never caught the blooper! I have now corrected it, but thanks for the laugh!)
Posted by: Ross O'Loughlin | January 31, 2007 10:41 PM
that was a great night i tell you what. I love the wursters. Finally hearing the blind pigs made me all giddy inside like a dance crazy school girl!
Posted by: Leta | January 31, 2007 5:40 PM
hey foxy, I saw Chris Kelly at the Bobrun during the Nat championships and Bodine race, he was hanging with Tim the Knuckleballer Singer, you might be able to contact him through JFM Sports, I did not have the chance to talk to either of those guys that day since i was in the competition! Kman have a great day!
Posted by: ken kesterman | January 31, 2007 10:38 AM
Hey foxy. Sounds like a good time. Had I known about it i would have been there. If you ever have an event like that again, let me know. I would love to lend my talent on the drums. That is if i am not too old. lol. Catch you around Kevin Shatraw
Posted by: Kevin Shatraw | January 30, 2007 7:53 PM
Foxy: thank you for your kind comments! It takes hard work! .and a love for what we do! You have done well for yourself and are far more legendary. Still it makes me smile and feel proud of the things that i have worked very hard to accomplish. I won three medals bobsledding - two silvers last season in the Empire State Championships and Masters Championships and a bronze in this season's international America's cup. All of these represent a major effort from Myself and my Teammate Mike Hagadorn! yet We were overlooked in the sports pages? To be considered legendary by you is quite a compliment! These were from the mile start of what is considered to be one of the three the most difficult Bobsled tracks in the world! Thanks again for your acknowledgment! I've never been one for sitting on the sidelines but I know someday I must! and that is what keeps me young! That and my two stepdaughters Sarah and Kristy who run me ragged, and my Grandchildren Cal and Lauren and my Son Jason who still eggs me on! from warmer climates. My deal with you foxy is to keep doing what we are doing! you are as young as you feel and I hope you feel great always! K-Man
Posted by: kman | January 30, 2007 2:42 PM
Hey Foxy: Has it been that long? The pigs snuck in a wedding gig last summer. I was personally warmed on a frigid north country evening. The outpouring of well wishers who endured the crowd and waited patiently for us to take the stage was overhelming! It was a "good cause" It was indeed as you say a musical "happening" and sorry we did not get to play "Caldonia" for you!I guess you could say it got a little hectic and we had to cruise through the set list quickly and we will get you next time.
The very busy sax player Greg Fiske was a welcome addition. We have played with him before and he is very talented laying down sweet sax lines. The others Lowell and the guys from Lucid were just as tickled as I was and I could see the smiles on the stage! Our fans might like to know that Pat and Mike are integral members of the PSUC Gospel choir! its a must see for R&B lovers! and that I have been playing for several years as "Hot Rod Lincoln" with a few guys who shared the pigs limelight over the years. as well as the super talented Ray Ruffin on drums. Big George has been known to show up and we always jam when he does! So special thanks to Mat and natalie for including us in the "Gig" and to all those who braved the frigid below zero temps and wind chill to make it a success!
(Foxy's note: The legendary K-Man seems to get younger with age. I am very suspicious about about how he can keep getting younger while I age, age, age. Maybe I should have been a guitar player or bobsledder! Thanks for blogging in, K-Man!)
Posted by: Ken K-man Kesterman | January 29, 2007 7:58 AM
WOW, Foxy, wish I could have been there. It sounds like everyone had a great time. Where was Goose? Hate to disappoint the "carver" but the only instruments I played in the band was the cymbals and the triangle. I will admit to having "Natural Rhythm" on the dance floor. So Foxy, next time this type of hootenanny comes around let the bloggers know.
Bullet
Posted by: Bullet | January 28, 2007 7:26 PM
Sorry I missed your concert. Dale, Randy and I had a good time playing the north country in the mid-70's to '80 when I left town after hosting "On the Road Again." We put on 3 spectacular jazz shows at the Tijuana Jail on the back deck for various causes including the Karen Fleury Memorial Bike Path. We've talked about getting together this summer, love to do it. Dale and Randy are 2 of the most talented musicians I've ever worked with and includes nationwide stuff (The Classic IV) and in Europe. I would put Randy even above Tony Beard (you can look him up on the net) and Dale beyond Phil Upchurch on guitar and on bass. On vocals both of these guys are incredible! We spent a lot of time wowing out of towners at PAFB both at NCO & OClub. Had I had these guys when I was playing Montreal we'd be a household name today. Does anyone remember my old show "On the Road Again?" or the the Tijuana Jail Jazz Conerts?
Worked with tons of musicians out here as diverse as Pantera to the Circle Jerks drummer Keith Lehrer - great drummer beyond punk.
Best always, Gary Snow, Beverly Hills, CA
Posted by: Gary Snow | January 28, 2007 6:46 PM
As an old time friend and fan of the Blind Pig Blues Band, especially of George Wurster, I can only say I wish I had been there. I've brought in many a new year and danced many a night away with my wild women friends, Cathy Harrison Wurster being the wildest of all. What a great cause for them to come back out for and I"m glad their fans were there to greet them!!
Posted by: sheila devlin camfield | January 27, 2007 2:24 PM
Foxy, It's so heart warming to see everyday people unite for a worthwhile cause "Help To Feed Our Neighbors"! Hats off to you Foxy and everyone associated with making it a huge success! I bet you, the performers and helpers were exhausted yet happy to make a difference in needy people's lives! A little town, with big hearted people! Lenny
(Foxy's note: Lenny, word has it that you had great moves in the boxing ring and on the dance floor in your hey-days. Bet you would have been out on the dance floor last Saturday night!)
Posted by: lenny smallacombe | January 27, 2007 8:53 AM
Ahhhh, It does my heart good to hear a lot of my "Old" friends came out for another great cause! Over the years my old band "The Rock & Roll Doctors" had the pleasure of playing with many of them over the years. It didn't matter if we hadn't seen each other in years, it seems we always picked up where we left off. You can't but tickets to stuff' like that! Reminds me of a time the Doctors were playing at the Monopole and after the gig, I was downstairs getting a slice of pizza. A young guy and his gal were standing next to me and he says to her " Did you hear that band upstairs? For a bunch of "old" guys they were really good". When he realized he was standing next to the drummer the look on his face was priceless! At which point I said to him " That's what it takes to make great music - A bunch of old guys". We all had a great laugh.
I would like to personally thank all the musicians for their participation, They always come thru'. Wish I was there. Thanks for the report Foxy, another walk down memory lane. Randy
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Randy! You would have fit right in last Saturday night.)
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | January 27, 2007 8:49 AM
Hi Foxy, I've heard nothing but good things about the show, so sorry I missed it! ... lotta of familiar local names on your performance list and for a great cause .. sounds like a great time!
I'm quite surpised "Johnny Thunder " wasn't there??
haven't seen much of him lately although rumor has it that he was spotted in the Bailey Ave. School area and, let's face it, has anyone really ever seen "Johnny" and Elvis at the same time?... maybe this summer you can convince Jim Carr (founder of "the cars", with singer/guiter player coach Daugherty) to come out of retirement to join the fray along with "old timer" (Bob Seager) and the silver"BULLET" band ??
it's a thought...
Posted by: the carver | January 27, 2007 8:18 AM