TrolleyBUZZHolidayBlowout

Oh, yes. A year of over achieving for The Acoustic Revival, I think it's time for a little "Wallowing In Success". Goal number one for this thing was that we had to be good earners for our beloved home, The Trolley Stop. CHECK. Big check. Then we wanted to include every Player who wanted to come out and support our scene. You've all made that happen. Checkerino. And in some more poetic way one of my personal goals was to make a case for the concept of the noble nature of the musician. That, though it may read as somewhat flowery, true musicians are held together by the special experience of what we do. And that bond is real, and worthy of repect, and something to be valued. I confess that was more of a theory than a reality, at least before The Revival. Then you meet the sort of Player that has lived some life and realizes that there are gifts for those who extend a hand and have an open heart. You meet a few people like Greg Biltz and Marishah Paddock (they understood right off). I always mention those two because they were there from the very first, and they are very different people who have seen completely different lives, but they were united by their respect of music and musicians. When this thing of ours was an infant they were at the sides of the crib. No matter what happens, no matter how it all unfolds, in our lives we have all seen what few behold - proof. Real tangible proof. Proof that, however unlikely and absurd, that music can bring together the most diverse elements of the human fold.
I am proud of everyone involved, and I am gratified to be a part of
The Acoustic Revival Family.

Not going to get into a lot of the usual butt smooching (sincere though it is) that I usually lean to here. Most of these Players are on the big CD project, some are folks who stopped out to play and had a fine time. All of them made a contribution to The Acoustic Revival. You take a good look, and remember the names and the times we've had this year. And count among these faces those that are friends you didn't know until we got this thing going. And most of all remember that next week there's going to be some new people at the show, and that you got a warm welcome when you made the scene. So you be sure and say hello and shake a hand.

The Corndaddies
These boys stopped out TORE IT UP. They are frequently at The Trolley on Monday nights (this week - Dec 23 2002 - for instance). Oh, brother's and sisters you NEED to see these Players. You all know Mark Babb from his great sets at The Revival, and together these gents do lay down some tangy song. So check them out! And now, all we gotta' do?
Get Them Corndaddies Back To The Revival Again!

Here are four generations of Revival Player. First we've got one of the OG's, a relative old timer in Revival terms, Marishah Paddock. She is one of the people who defined the spirit of the event from the git go, and remains ever-cool - one of the most compelling performers we've ever seen. Old Billy Donth is also in this group. Then the second generation, Kevin Serey. This guy walked into the Revival world when it was already happening pretty good, and just scared the hell out of everybody. Took it to the next level. Mr. Jim Hiller is also representing along these lines. And then the third generation, Darren Jones, Emily Strand, Thomas Brim , and Jonathan Price. All four are very different performers, but all have broadened the foundation first established, and then strengthened, by the Players that came before them. They are examples of the diverse nature of our scene, and the third generation of Revival Player. Now we look to the recent additions to our crew. Guys like Mark Babb, Casey McClain, Doug Williams, and Nick Rarick. Again, very different people and very different musical styles. But all are welcome and all make The Revival viable and alive. All are welcome. Can't wait to see who's next. Maybe...
YOU.

What will the next year hold? Several things are in the works, including more recording projects, and more opportunities for the Players who attend and support The Acoustic Revival. Hopefully KC and I will be able to improve some of the gear we use at the show (big thanks to Jay "House" Elliot for donating the speaker and the compressor). That's going to depend on un-romantic things like money and budget, but we're going to try.

Now I've got some favors to ask. First off, we got lucky (seriously) with finding The Trolley Stop. I was looking into two other options - buying a bar, or moving back to L.A. So the favor is that you treat the place and the people right, show respect and patronize this fine establishment. Robin, Chris, Marty, and everyone who works there are part of our crew and if you've ever had a great night at a Revival recognize that they are a big reason why. Another favor is that if you're Player that you reach out a bit to the other Players. Shake hands and say howdy and when they play, LISTEN. Try (I know some of you guys have to go to work) to hang out and be part of the crew besides just getting your stage time. Don't be a lowlife POACHER, your presence is an important part of our night. The last favor, and most important - Bring Other Players and People to the Show. Get creative! THINK. Who can you call? Who can you get to make the scene? Who hasn't made it out to play yet? Get them to come to The Revival. Oh, wait, one more favor - take a moment to really grasp what this is, and that you're a part of it. We are all a part of it.
Happy Holidays, Players.

Occasionally, in spite of a complete and total ignorance of photography, I produce a cool picture. But enough of this.
There is a bunch of pictures (not as good) of people at The Acoustic Revival behaving terribly on the next and final page of this,
The TrolleyBUZZ Holiday Blowout 2002.
So CLICK HERE to witness this
chronicle of dispair and foul action.