I just saw a fantastic show on Link TV all about the tragic loss of British pubs. Developers are buying pubs and putting in expensive housing - especially in pricey London. Neighborhoods, and sometimes entire villages, are losing their gathering places, their social hubs. Pubs aren't just for drinking, as we all know. Luckily, we have the Blue Heron in Duncans Mills. As far as I know, there's no plan to sell it to a big city developer. We still have our funky, knotty pine watering-hole-on-the-river, and the place seems to have the same powerful impact on the community as a British pub does in some London suburb full of working-class row houses. The Thugz first played at the Blue Heron more than 10 years ago (I'm terrible about exact dates). Contrary to popular myth the band did not start out there but had been playing all over northern California for a couple of years prior. We played in the same corner while Dave held down the bar, and many of the same fans came out to do their tribal thing. Chris played in the hallway (sort of) once again, and this time we had Ian drumming across from where "Doug the Thug" once set up his gear. Mike told me we hadn't come "full circle" - but more like a "full tetrahedron!" We played lots of Dead tunes like the old days, and I had a true flashback when Mike started "Playin' In the Band." I remember so clearly hearing that song for the first time, right in that spot - I was so confused by the 10/4 time signature and intimidated by the improvisational section. My, how I've grown - thanks, Mike! When we gathered last night, I felt like the Blue Heron had earned its reputation as a true neighborhood pub. It felt so good to come home to the familiar place, packed with the folks I love so much. What a great night. Take care. Love, Sylvia