I went up to the Barking Spider tonight for an hour or so for a tribute jam for John. It was incredibly moving to see so many people who knew him and cared about him. I heard quite a few stories from friends and family. It was pretty amazing, but still I was waiting for him to show up with his horn to take part in the celebration. I’m still not having the best time processing the fact that my friend has passed. It’s just doesn’t feel real. There were some tears tonight, there was some dancing, and singing too. It was as much fun I think I could have had celebrating his life. I met some new people, and saw some old faces I hadn’t seen in years. I hugged his mom, and sister which helped comfort me. I hope it did the same for them.
I haven’t been to the Spider in years…seriously like at least 7. It hasn’t changed much. I just never get out that way to go really. Look at me reviewing the place. Stop, turn off the blog for a second. I wasn’t there to review anything. I was just there to be a part of something pretty special, and it truly was. I left the camera for one night at home. I was there to be a part of it, not capture it on film. I captured it where it counts this time.
Friday there will be a visitation in Westlake at McGorray-Hanna Funeral home from 4-7pm.
Saturday there will be a memorial service at St. Malachi Catholic Church in Cleveland at 10am.
Saturday afternoon there will be a Second Line Parade at the 10th Annual Waterloo Arts Festival. Time is TBD, but I read somewhere that’s going to go down at 3pm.
Sunday Halim El-Dabh is hosting an open memorial at Tannery Park in Kent at 2pm.
A big part of the various memorial services will, of course, be music. If you are a musician and you want to partake in the Second Line, church memorial service or the Kent service you are welcomed to bring your instruments.
One a side note thank you to everyone who has read my recent post. It’s amazing, over 2,000 have stopped by to read about John. Almost 300 have shared my eulogy to my old friend on social media sites. John was just that kind of guy to draw that kind of attention.
Oh, super cool blog on John can be found here. I loved this. http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/2012/06/uncle-johnny.html
Yes Jason, he was there and digging it. It was a wonderful tribute. You are right, there was a big hole – John’s sound was clearly very appropriately missing. I thank the musicians for such a fun healing evening for everyone. Hearing his arrangements brought to life was so good for me. Since I live in Germany, I only got to see John play a few times live in recent years. I am so glad John stuck with performance and composition despite the day job angst – it was so clear yesterday the fruit that was reaped and I am saddened at the thought of the music that was just coming out. Thanks again, Jason. The hug was good.