Guest Book

Brothers, Sisters, Famuley, and Friends, Okay then...I guess it’s my turn to chime in on last night’s Mule show in Chicago. Well, for me, it turned out to be one of the best Mule shows I’ve ever attended. I’ll leave the technical reviews to the others, for me it was all about the groove. Prior to the show, I had the opportunity to hook up with my usual Chicago Suspects for a few soda pops on The Pier, and I also had an opportunity to meet a few of the fine folks from the ABB web page which included Sang, Lee, Brofan, Chicagofan, and a few others. I basically spent most of the evening hanging with Paco, Sterchelle, Scott-Tay, Izenstark, The Misty, Mountain, Mystical One, we know as Ceblina, and of course, The Colorado Bulldog himself, The Mayor...Chris Davis. I had such a blast, I even ran into the guy who helps at the Ace Hardware store in my home town. A good time was certainly had by all. I think the night was most special for my sister Debbie who was experiencing a, “Mule Ass Kicking,” for the first time. She started the evening at my house viewing and listening to choice selections from the Deepest End DVD, and upon leaving for the show, she was presented with the Deja Voodoo CD, and of course, a fourth row ticket to the show. She had a great time meeting the Chicago crew who generously welcomed her into their presence. Upon entering the theater, I bought her a Mule shirt, and a beer before I would allow for us to take our seats. She had no problems with the arrangements, and as you could imagine, The Mule kicked our asses. The high points of the show for me came during the second set. The band opened the set with “I’ll Be The One,” which was absolutely amazing. I was dancing it up, and I launched one of my silver rings into the universe on that one. I just hope who every picked it up appreciates it. Once it left my finger, I was giving it up as a gift. The only way to keep what ever it is that is yours, is to be willing to give it away. Cebelina was so sweet, at the end of the show she wanted to help me look for it, and I just said, “Let it go, someone now has an awesome ring as a party favor.” Thank you CB for your willingness to help me find the ring. Then it was onto, “Game Face,” that melted into, “Mountain Jam.” That was it for me, from that point on, my spirit was off and running, floating around the universe. Game Face reprise, Temporary Saint, and then into Sco-Mule with the guitar cat from Umphrey’s McGee, Brendon Bayliss. Man, this was just awesome, and the band really looked like they were enjoying the experience of having him jam with them. I was having such a great time. The encore brought the evening around for me in a big way. Better Be Home Soon and New World Blues...wow! Let’s just say, I can’t wait to get a copy of this show to experience Warren’s solo on New World Blues...it’s going to tear your heart out my friends. End of show...a great time was had by all. 🙂 As the band left the stage, I was handed one of Matt’s drum sticks, and a Day’s Schedule Sheet as my little party favors for the evening. When I see my sister again, I pass the Day’s Schedule Sheet her way, but I think I might have to hold onto the drum stick. Hold on...the evening’s not over yet. I drove Scott-Tay, CB, and Izenstark back to their hotels and car, and that was cool talking about the show and listening to The Allman Brothers Band, March 19, 2005 show from the Beacon Theater in New York City, which was the only full ABB Beacon show I was able to attend this year. It’s so great to listen to live shows with friends, most of the time I have to experience them by myself when there’s no one there for me to turn to and say, “Wow Man, did you hear that?” Well I do still turn and say that, but it’s just me trying to talk to myself about the show. We listened to Susan Tedeshi sing, “Don’t Think Twice,” with The Brothers, and the most awesome version of, “Liz Reed,” from that show. We took a short detour on the way to the hotel to show CB the Picasso, which she really appreciated, and then I kicked them out at the front door to the hotel. We all had a great time shared amongst friends....and I’m ready to do it all over again in three hours. 🙂 Peace Billy Hollems