Dave Bennett-One of the Greats

         We were sorry to learn that Dave Bennett passed over the last weekend.

The last time I called he was too weak to take a call but his beloved Judy was the communication link. 

        After a long struggle and failing health, Dave is free from the suffering but his legion of friends and fans will miss him.

        Dave was an extraordinary guitar player. Our paths crossed back when we were young men. Lana went to high school with Dave and even then he evinced his talent.

        He played for years in a great band, toured the country, made albums, gathered a following who loved the music. But he and his bandmates who approached greatness, never got that show biz break to emerge as the kind of international superstars that would have made them famous and wealthy. They deserved that. They were more talented than some who played higher on the bill, but it's not just about talent. Like most things in life, it takes luck and politics.

        So after a time music became something he did for love and fun because like the other guys there were professions and jobs to pay the bills and provide for the family.

        Our sympathy goes to Judy, daughters Kelli, Amy and son Tyler. And to his mates including Dave, Carl, Mark, Gary, Alan, Pat, Jon, Teddy, John, Dan, Dane, Brent, Gracie and others I've probably forgotten. 

        A few years ago Dave flirted with the idea of a move to California and we were excited that we might even be neighbors. His roots were in central Indiana where today there are a lot of aching hearts. He was mellow, a cool and good guy.

        I can't count the number of nights I saw Dave on stage. A few years ago I told him the all time number 1 on my CD play list was his solo album Out of the Bleu.

Dinner parties, cocktail gatherings, or just me wanting to hear some virtuoso playing  it has filled our home. If you can, try to find a copy and you'll understand why those of us who heard him call him extraordinary. I'm grateful for all of the music he leaves, that way we can still enjoy him at his best, doing what he did so well and what he loved.

        RIP.

        See you down the trail. 

The Live Oak Way

  

        Singer songwriter Hattie Craven told the fans she had grown up at Live Oak. Her talented father Joe has been the poet emcee for most of the 35 years of the central California music festival.

        People do grow up, grow old and grow together in Live Oak nation.

 

      Live Oak has been a June delight for us since our move to the west coast 17 years ago. The music is extraordinary and so are the "Live Oakies." Peace and love mean something to these people.

       The music, food, California summer light, mood, and color make it a paradise for a people watcher.

      Some folks camp or glamp for the weekend. Others take it by they day and it's a benefit for KCBX, public radio for the central coast. And, it's all good.

        See you down the trail.