Guest Book

All "T's" crossed, all "i's" dotted, the 2004 Jam for Duane is a done deal. I would draw your attention to Bill Thames' article about Paul Hornsby on the home page. The article is dated May 5. Also the Rolling Stone article naming Duane as the #2 greatest guitar player of all time. To paraphrase that article, Duane would have been rated as high had there been no Allman Brothers Band due to his role enhancing the careers of others as a studio artist. In 1968 Duane's fame was established and growing throughout the industry. He had a good deal with Liberty. He could have done things like Liberty told him to do, continued his studio work, and lived comfortably financially. He made the decision to walk away from it all, follow his heart instead of his wallet, take his band through grueling tours playing gyms and armories, living on the road. And it has made all the difference. As a result of his decision, he died almost penniless. And as a result of his decision, we have had a lifetime of wonderful music for the soundtracks of our lives. As a result of his decision, all the current and former band members have been able to make a decent living in the business. The same is true of the offshoot bands and musicians, past and present. This October we will again gather together in my hometown of Gadsden, Ala. to honor the life and legacy of Duane Allman. Please join us. The itinerary for this year's celebration: Wed. Oct. 20: Skydogs, Chestnut Station, $2 cover. Thurs. Oct. 21: Derek Trucks Band, Gadsden Center for Cultural Arts, tickets $17. Fri. Oct. 22: the GB's own Lefty Collins (leftyblues) and the No Mercy Band from Chicago, Gadsden Cultural Arts, 8-10:30, $4 cover. Fri. Oct. 22: Jimmy Hall and the Prisoners of Love featuring Jack Pearson, Chestnut Station, 10:30 til--(no curfew), tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door, on-sale date Aug. 7. Sat. Oct. 23: The Jam for Duane, Gadsden Cultural Arts, 1PM-1AM. The event is free, a $5 donation to our childrens' museum requested. Players and fans welcome, Jimmy and Jack are expected, along with several others TBA. The Hampton Inn is host venue. Rooms are in tight supply due to a national fishing tournament here that weekend. I will post info on the forum, and out of respect for Lana and Rowland, be infrequent in posting here about this event, as it has commercial aspects. Please join us in honoring the life and legacy of Duane Allman. EAPFP