What do musicians do for fun when they're not playing? They jam with their friends! The Chamber Of Commerce grounds on Big Pine Key was the scene of the annual jam. It was a benefit for Habitat For Humanity, and everyone was there. There was a marvelous dinner with roast pig, deep fried turkey, all the veggies, biscuits and real butter, home made brownies, key Lime Pie, pizza, beer, wine, soft drinks, and it was all delicious, especially the corn on the cob.
Entertainment was provided by a multitude of players, led by banjo and guitar wizard Terry Cassidy. I was thrilled to play with some great musicians. We were out under the trees in the shade without amplification except for my battery powered keyboard and a tiny amp someone brought for his bass. Guitarists were numerous with mandolins, fiddles, harmonicas, and banjos to accompany voices, and there were lots of those. It was play along, sing along. The crowd loved it and we all had so much fun.
Schmigley started it off. Most of the tunes were old time country or bluegrass. Joe Mama played guitar and sang with Kathy Kennedy singing righteous harmony. Other guitarists included Tom Naylor,Gary Chase, M.T. Miller,Bobby White, Pat McCuen, Gary Blodgett, Larry Estridge, Bob Paul, Merrill Allen, Bobby Dee, Deborah Fergus, Bob Mason, Joe Britz, Steve Greene,and many others.
Mandolins were played by Chris McCuen, John Tindall, and others. Fiddlers included Ashe Reeder and Gary Zimmerman. Meri-lynn Britz brought her acoustic bass. There were drummers and percussionists like Odie, Big Pine bongo Buck, and washboard player Kangaroo. Joe Mama led us in a bunch of old time country songs. Schmigley did "King Of the Road", which reminded me of Roger Miller in his drugging days when he lived in his limo and ate all his meals at McDonald's. We all joined Joe for "Hey Good Looking".
Gary Chase sang "Rocky Top". Chris McCuen sang "Why You Been Gone So Long". Joe Mama got us into rock and roll with "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On". Our bass player was cooking on those. John Prine's presense was notable with "Muehlenberg County" (where Paradise lays) and "Illegal Smile".
Sound man Randy Perry came in with his wife and beautiful red headed daughter. I spotted `Big G' Gelinas and lots of my Big Pine `earth hippie' buddies. I enjoyed old home week with my darling friend Meri-lynn Britz, whom I loved playing with. Meri-lynn, Joe, and Terry Cassidy were founding members of the fabulous Key Lime Pie Band. They play at Coconuts fairly often ( as often as they want to, they own the club).
I did as much kissing and hugging as playing, with so many wonderful friends there. Every single person had a fine time. Jams are such fun. There's nothing formal. If you don't know the chords, you fake it. Nobody cares, it's all in fun. Will I be there next year? Just try to keep me away! Stay cool.