Volume One… Number Eighteen
Contents:
Dedication: Jean Thomas, RHS 1960
Macky’s New York: The wind flies Mary
Fulton Lovin, RHS 1977: Horton Hotel
Jeff Neidig and Dan McNamara RHS 1979
Drummers Steve Tenney and Phil Reilly RHS 1976
Joanna Hunter, RHS 1977
Dedicating this issue to all the “Axmen” —those who play a guitar or saxophone, especially in a band or for hire, who have been silenced by the pandemic. They will be back in 2021.
Also to the percussionists. There are so many slang terms for drummers that I couldn’t decide what would be appropriate.
Sadly, we remember a friend Joanne Hunter Currey who left us too soon. Glad we have her music to remind us of the good times we had with her during the performances of the RHS Alumni All-Star Band.
There are plenty of musicians with roots in Ridgewood, too many to recall in a single Ezine. Most I have never met but would have liked to, for instance RHS graduate Jean Thomas. He played venues big and small though always called Ridgewood his home. The RHS Jamboree 2021 made a special point of honoring him this year in their first ever virtual performance.
Jean Thomas
Macky's New York on Instagram
December 26, 2020 - Washington Square
The wind flies Mary.
Sometimes looking like a rock star is half the battle although in this case...the guy could jam and as his friend rolls a cigarette and a guy sits peacefully on the bench enjoying his coffee in the brief afternoon sun...a dove offering the world peace takes flight in the cold December wind.
Shot looking north with arch.
Time 1pm.
The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge
Downtown Boone's first boutique hotel and rooftop lounge, offering 15 beautiful rooms, serving beverages and artisan snacks in our lobby and on our rooftop lounge, with 360 degree views of our beautiful high country.
Fulton Lovin, RHS 1977
Jeff Neidig and Dan McNamara RHS 1979. Guitarists and life long friends since Willard School days.
Drummers Steve Tenney and Phil Reilly RHS Class of 1976
Today would have been Joanne Hunter’s 62nd birthday. She was a key member of both the 2012 and 2017 RHS Alumni All-Star Band concerts. Watch for her flute solo. It gave both shows an added bit of pizazz. The band itself had a nice combination of RHS graduates from the 20th century. Plus, John Judge a 21st century man.
Jim Velordi is the leader of the band.
Leroy Klavis is the lead vocalist and sax player. April Schoenherr on the violin, Jeff Roberson strumming the guitar, John Judge on Keyboards, Chris DuFlocq and Phil Reilly on drums. Jeff Neidig, John Florance.
The 40th reunion appears in my mind now as a dream, an American Dream. The day was filled with all the late-in-life storms you would expect from a gathering of people mostly in their late 50s. There were moments of grief, shock, and then an awesome demonstration by the band of all that is good and true about this country.
By assembling as many as 12 musicians at one time on the stage and then for each to play with such care and consideration for one another, the RHS Alumni All-Stars showed us all that yes we can work in unison. We can answer the call. We can project an image of how Americans, when they decide to put aside their differences, can perform together as one and accomplish substantial feats of courage, civic-mindedness, and lofty idealism.
Most importantly, the band answered the question of why we hold reunions. We have reunions in order to remind one another that no matter what happens we are all in this life together. Therefore, it behooves us to accept this responsibility and act upon it with the greatest kindness and understanding that we can imagine. We can set an example for future generations to come.
Peace