So what does it take to create a "quintessential Thugzday?" We had the proper ingredients last night. First of all, we never know what to expect. We arrived at a darkened theater on a cold, drippy night with no visible signs of life. Once we got in, we were greeted by Drew and our great new friends, Lee and Judy. The space heater was blasting away, so we started to set up. Bradley came to sit in for Ian (no new baby yet). It was typically a sparse but enthusiastic bunch when we began with John (our faithful friend) and dancin' Roger! Kathleen stepped in to set up merchandise since Craig has the evil bug. Slowly but surely Thugz fans trickled in, and we had a full house in no time. Stephanie showed up, fresh from her trip to Columbia (no, she wasn't kidnapped nor did anyone steal her organs!). She sang with gusto and attacked "Next Time You See Me" just like a super-pro! I would take up all my blog space if I made a complete list of our old friends who came out on a wet Thursday night to dance the night away. The cold, dark night we started with became a swirling ball of sparkling energy and love, thanks to our own, special, loyal movable "flash mob!" - no kidding! The "Thugzday" tradition started long ago - maybe even 10 years ago - way back at the Blue Heron. I think Barry Marris made up the term - always a poet. Drew summarized the saga very well last night when he said,"The Thugz's Thursday nights have moved from the Blue to the Pink (Elephant, of course), to the Green (Northwood) and into the NIGHT (Jerry Knight's River Theater!)...what a long, strange trip it's been..." (Speaking of Drew, he made several announcements about the upcoming 420 show at the River Theater. Drew is a super promoter, and that concert should be a knock-your-socks-off experience - a Saturday night to remember!) After all the whoopla and a great "Shakedown Street" encore, we started the dismantling of our "Thugzday" scene. It's always hard to leave after such a high-energy experience, but, after all, the next day's responsibilities hover over us. The skies had cleared as we drove home - Mike and I began thinking back to the Blue Heron. We played our first "Jerry Day" there with Melanie on flute back in 2002 - oh my. Looking ahead, we're already planning a Dylan Show in May and our 11th annual Jerry Day in August - can you believe it? It all started with "Thugzdays" on Thursdays - and on we go.
Take care. Love, Sylvia