: The Sound of Silence
Last month I posted a little “6 degrees of separation” item and asked for folks to submit the names of famous people they knew – which I would then anonymously list this month. So what did I get? JS reminded me that I should have included the legendary jazz bass player Stanley Clarke. So noted JS. But otherwise? Nada. I guess we’re all a bunch of nobodies out here. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I enjoy anonymity. The last thing I need in my life is a bunch of paparazzi taking my picture as I bring the garbage cans out.
Jerry Lazar – In memory
“[he was] a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy”
Members and fans of Lunatic Fringe were saddened by the sudden death of our fellow co-conspirator and friend Jerry Lazar. While Jerry never bore me on his back, he certainly could have. Jerry was one of the funniest, cleverest people I have ever known. For those of you out there who have never seen a Lunatic Fringe show, my job is mostly to play interlude music in between skits. Sometimes Jerry would make me laugh so hard that I would forget where I was. The skit would be over, the lights would go out, and all of a sudden I would hear a loud stage whisper from our director Deb – “Eric! Eric! Music!” And then I would realize, oh yeah, I’m here on stage, I better get cracking.
Jerry’s mind was amazing – his ability to make obscure connections, the puns, the wit – being with him was like being part of a perpetual real time improvisation show without an audience. But besides all this, Jerry was a warm, caring, gentle bear who always made you feel comfortable.
There’s a very large Jerry sized hole in my world
All of which raises an interesting question that Jerry would have enjoyed discussing. How old does a person have to be before you do NOT say, “He died before his time”? What is the right age to die? Discuss amongst yourselves.
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April 13, Friday, 10:00PM-1:00AM – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
VD King recently wrote a new batch of clever rocking songs and last month we fooled the St. Patrick’s day crowd into thinking we actually knew them. But this month our audience is going to be wise to our tricks, so we better nail them. Jes’ kidding. It looks like we’re gonna have good weather tomorrow so the parking lot at the Great Notch is likely to be biker heaven. But don’t let that discourage all you aging boomers out there from driving in your hybrid SUVs or Priuses and stopping over.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm/
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
April 14, Saturday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Rob Signorile, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
We’re having a second helping of Rob’s soulfu/subtle singing and guitar playing this Saturday Night at Ruthie’s. Rob’s got a neat think going the way he cuts his singing against the grain of the rhythm. And speaking of grain, you haven’t lived until you’ve had Ruthie’s pizza. BYOB.
http://www.ruthiesbbq.com/
April 28, Saturday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Arne Englund, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
Arthur Neilson was orginally on the bill for this evening, but he is going to be in Norway playing with Shemekia Copeland. I hate those Norse, always spoiling everything. Fortunately, a rescuer has appeared on the horizon. Arne Englund is a fine guitarist/singer who hails from western Jersey – and he is going to make the long trek over to the suburbs. Please stop by and make him feel welcome in the land of sidewalks.
http://www.ruthiesbbq.com/
http://www.shufflejumpandmoan.com