New Year's eve was lots of fun in Cotati, but last night at the Hopmonk in Sebastopol felt like the "real" start for 2013. At the end of the night, Drew got on the sound system and declared, "This is the year -2013 - this is the time to make it happen..." That's not really a direct quote - he said it so much better, and it was an important message from our youngest Thug. Earlier, we wondered if anyone would be there. On the way through Guerneville, we heard Wayne on KGGV 95.1 talk about the show on the radio - wow. It started to look like a great night. Sure enough, the fans arrived - in high spirits too. We even had many new folks - some were there without any idea of what we did or who we were. I hope they had a nice surprise. I felt the love coming from the dance floor all night.
We did many original tunes, and they went well. I know folks are enjoying them, and our fans are beginning to recognize songs like "The Other Side," "Master of the Highway," and "I Like the Outside." We have been bringing back new versions of old originals like "Raggedy Ann," and "Sunlight's On the Water" - they seem to have new life. But whenever we do a Dead tune, the crowd always perks up - the energy behind that music brings us all together. It's always like "coming home" when we do a Dead tune, and the crowd sings along.
The big event last night was the film crew! Spencer Campbell, Mike's son, is a talented photographer/filmmaker, and he brought his crew to Sebastopol to help us out. We did a few "head shots" outside before the show, then the cameras rolled the whole evening as we played. We're doing all we can to put faces to the band's name. "The Thugz" still sounds ominous to some - even the "tribal hippie underground zone" is hard to grasp - but, once they see our pictures, they'll have to believe we're "brave, courageous and true." Our river fans have always been supportive, and now we hope to spread a little love around a wider perimeter. Watch out - the hippies are coming!
Last night was so much fun. Craig got to talk to many new fans and sold a few CD's. He was beaming when it was all over - proof positive that we did a good job. Driving home, Mike was upbeat and happy about our efforts - the stars were brilliant over the ocean, and the sun is lighting up the world today. Thank you, thank you.
Take care. Love, Sylvia