Very sad news today The Berkshire Blues Cafe in Lee MA. was destroyed
in an early morning fire today. The cause is still under investigation.
This was a very special place to me and many Berkshire musicians.
It was the catalyst that got me playing my guitar again and the scene
of many Jams where I met a played with many wonderful musicians.
I made friends there and became reacquainted with some old ones.
We held a fund raiser for The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
mourned the lose of some good friends with music and song and saw
the genesis of some great new acts.
Glen and Shelly always made you feel at home.
This was also where I met one David Hodge and was invited to take part
in Riverside Jam '04 which took place there. Once again making many
new friends and finding my way to Guitar Noise.
So I will take some time to mourn (because it feels like I lost a good friend)
and be thankful that nobody was injured.
Tomorrow I will be helping with a clean up work detail and life will go
on but somewhat less full.
John
wow that bites.
Send my best to everyone.
That's me in the blue in the picture and david just behind in the hat.
That's a sad loss to the community, and by the sound of it, to a good many GN people as well. My sympathies John (and other patrons) - it's always poignant when one of those places that's a bit special to you disappears.
:( :( :(
Vic
"Sometimes the beauty of music can help us all find strength to deal with all the curves life can throw us." (D. Hodge.)
...and as I remember John wasn't that where we played possibly the best cover of "the thrill is gone" known to mankind?
That is very sad to hear John
My thoughts are with you and for Glen and Shelly along with every kid who entered the joint , old or young ..
Take Care
Here is to you as good as you are
And here is to me as bad as I am
As good as you are and as bad as I am
I'm as good as you are as bad as I am
Bummer, glad to hear no one was hurt.
#4491....
Really sad to hear. Hope the insurance will cover everything. Maybe once its rebuilt, you can have another jam there...
Thanks everybody.
...and as I remember John wasn't that where we played possibly the best cover of "the thrill is gone" known to mankind?
Yes Nick you are correct. Maybe that would make a fitting tribute at
this years Jam.
that really is a tragedy. i didn't even know there was a Berkshire Bues Cafe in Lee.
John,
really sorry to hear that news.
It was the catalyst that got me playing my guitar again I am glad that you have been inspired to pick up the guitar again and especially glad that you are writing again, we've missed over there in SSG.
cheers
Paul
wow that bites.
Send my best to everyone.
That's me in the blue in the picture and david just behind in the hat.
Yes, that sucks big time. We'll have to do a benefit Jam sometime. I wonder if the Tanglewood singers would participate.
To complete the picture (left to right):
Karen, Nick, David, Tony (Chicago), John/Celt, Pete on bass (Chicago), Keith and Julie, and the guy who goes to Kathy's gigs in Chicago (another Tony? John? sorry :? ).
My best guess is they're playing "Angel from Montgomery" as both Keith and Julie are singing.
Dan,
My wife Karen and I have been talking about a benefit but it's still
too soon to tell what will be happening (If they will rebuild or not)
Right now there is a large group of volunteers helping clean up the
mess and find out what can be salvaged.
My best guess is they're playing "Angel from Montgomery" as both Keith and Julie are singing.
I'm pretty sure it was The Weight. The capo on the second fret is a
give away. I thought the name you're looking for was Jim but could
be wrong.
What a tragedy! I remember RJ2K4 at the Berkshire Blues well! That was the absolute best cover of Thrill is Gone, as well as many many other great songs that night. It stands out as one of my favorite Riverside Jams. I'm so sad to hear that the place is gone. Dinner that night was pretty good too, as I recall...
My best to Glen and Shelley and as Laz said; anything we can do to help.
Laura
My best guess is they're playing "Angel from Montgomery" as both Keith and Julie are singing.
I'm pretty sure it was The Weight. The capo on the second fret is a
give away.
That would explain why Nick is laughing - "Crazy Chester"!
The mystery man is none other than Mike Roberto, veteran of Riverside Jams Five, Six and Seven. He has, as Dan mentioned, written a couple of reviews for Guitar Noise, including one on Kathy Reichert's Border's Bookstore concert in May.
That was one incredible evening...
We'll definitely have to dedicate a song or two to Glenn, Shelly and the Berkshire Blues Cafe at Riverside Jam Eight in a couple of weeks.
Peace
