Let’s begin this week’s Blog by thanking an old friend and fellow drummer, Gary Dotterweich for organizing a quarterly musician luncheon! The purpose is to connect and re-connect Pittsburgh Musicians to get together, reminisce, tell stories and rekindle old friendships. Yesterday, was our luncheon held at the Rochester Inn … the photo above are musicians who have worked together over the years and continue a musical relationship that has lasted well over 50 years. Left to right: Pete Hewlett (Sweet Lightning, Novo Combo, Billy Joel), Fred Delu (Sweet Lightning, Ignitors), Jack Hunt (Johnny Angel & the Halos, Harombee, Cordells) and Bob “Bubs” McKeg (Ignitors, Harombee) as we talk about old gigs, current ventures and hoping to get together soon to jam. There was so much Pittsburgh musical talent in that room yesterday and more stories about each other than one could imagine. As we all went table to table to reminisce there was something in common about each one of us … conversations usually began with where you are working now and eventually went to what medications are you on and what ailments do you have. The true beauty of the luncheon is the comradery and respect that everyone has for each other. One could go around and pick three or four musicians in that audience and create a mega band. Every time I leave one of these luncheons I come away with a musical high, and an appreciation for the music we have all contributed. It’s also amazing to me that just about everyone there has contributed to helping others, to coming to the aid of those in need through music and helping to raise money for those who are in need. Although the days of us all working together again are growing shorter, we all live for the days of making others happy through our music. Thanks again to Gary for the efforts to bring us all together … and God Bless our Musical Family!