Guest Book

Hey now! :wave: A few random thoughts about our Beacon experience last weekend. I feel that it is a little bit too long after the fact for my traditional "play by play" account of the trip, so I'll just have to paint the picture whenever I see some summer shows. But I did want to share a few things... I just can't say enough about the fine folks that I've had the pleasure of meeting through this site. Of course, I've always known that y'all were the best, but what really made me see everyone in a new light was the delightful reception that was extended to my fiance Nicole. We met a few people together at the shows that we saw last summer, but this was the first time that she had really gotten a feel for the full-blown Peach Corps experience. No sooner had we walked into the lobby of the Hotel Beacon when we were greeted by Brent, Dino and Scotty. They all knew me, but wanted to meet "the little lady." Hugs all around. And that definitely set the tone for the whole weekend. I just can't thank everyone enough for making Nicole feel so welcome and special. As soon as we got back to Louisville, she told me, "I know you're going to get online as soon as you get home. PLEASE tell everyone that I had an awesome time, and thank them for being so kind to me." Consider it done. Nice to spend some quality time (and in some cases, it wasn't nearly enough quality time!) with so many great friends old and new. Y'all know who you are. Of course, the parties were phenomenal as always. Many thanks to the Hopitality Sweeties and the Leftcoasters and Big Men for all of their efforts. And the raffle was a stupendous idea! Over $2,000 raised for two very worthy causes...who knew that having fun could have such a positive impact? I also have to say that I (we) LOVE New York!!! What a wonderful place. Friday we went to the American Museum Of Natural History, and damned if we weren't there from open to close (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)! I absolutely can't recommend a trip there highly enough. And a bargain at $12, I might add. Now, on to the music... As so many others have said, The Allman Brothers Band has raised the bar yet again. They seem to be in "mid-season" form already, the result of what I assume has been more extensive than usual rehearsals prior to the run. From the passionate, graceful intro to "Mountain Jam" on opening night to the exhilarating ending to "One Way Out" on Saturday, the band was firing on all cylinders the entire weekend. And the new material...WOW!!! I loved all of it. I think "Can't Lose What You Never Had" needs a little refinement, but it sounded great considering it was the first time the band had attempted it in ages. "The Night The Drove Old Dixie Down" was a lot of fun, and the crowd seemed to love it. Maybe not my first choice for cover songs, but Gregg sure poured his heart into the tune. I'm sure it will grow on me. The standouts of the new material, for me at least, were "Key To The Highway" and "Need Your Love So Bad," both of which sounded phenomenal. I think "Key To The Highway" will become a staple, and the mid-tempo shuffle is just tailor made for the Allman Brothers sound. And "Need Your Love So Bad" was a perfect example of what Butch was talking about...a kind of quiet intensity (or intense quiet?) that just cut right to my soul. I thought that during the first few songs of the second night the band sounded a bit tentative, although they pulled it together with a bang to end the set. And "No One Left To Run With" the last night sounded disjointed and unfocused, to me at least. I also thought it was odd and maybe a little inappropriate to see images of Dickey on the screen (along with Woody and Duane) during this number, but again, that's just me. Otherwise, I was completely enthralled with every note that I heard. The band's dynamic range is simply astounding. They have completly mastered the art of deconstructing certain songs down to a hushed whisper, before building things back again to scintillating heights. They are a true ensemble--each part breathtaking in its own right, but as a whole...whew!! Bottom line is that the band is absolutely as good as I have ever heard them. There were times that I just about couldn't believe how much better they sounded than any other band I've ever heard perform live. With the increasing variety of setlists and the obvious committment from all involved to "leave it on the stage" every night, well...frankly, words fail me. It is like calling a sunset beautiful or the ocean massive or a roller coaster ride thrilling...how do I convey the sheer, unadulterated joy that I felt as I danced the night away all weekend? How can I make anyone else see what I saw and hear what I heard? Of course, I can't. Go see the band, and go see them OFTEN, and then you'll know. Like Leon said yesterday, thanks to anyone and everyone that had a hand in my adventure. I'll remember this weekend forever. EAPAP .