Otis. . .

Shelly got a brand new puppy for her birthday!!  I don't think he was even born yet on her birthday but she got to choose the one she wanted in June.  It took them a week or so to figure out what to call him but I think they chose the perfect name.  This is Otis. . .

And Ethan!!

Cherry Festival 2014 Highlights. . .

This was our 5th year (I think) at the Emmett Cherry Festival.  The organizers have become like family and, other than the set up and the tear down, it's pretty enjoyable.  It takes two days to set up and a long, long day to tear down but the in between stuff is good. 

The first day, Wednesday, Gloria and I had a half hour slot.  Rob played for us and we worked up five songs.  It went ok, all things considered. . .

One of the perks to owning the sound system is getting to use it.  Which, interestingly enough, doesn't happen much. . .

It was lovely getting to sing with Gloria.  She has a beautiful voice and can hear and sing harmonies really well.  I hope this is the first of many, many opportunities to sing together. . .

I love this picture of my two dads. . .

Our fan club was in the audience. . .

After we had our 30 minute slot, Dan Costello and The Fabulous Chancellors took their time slots.  I guess you could say we opened for them  :)  

Dan is one of my very favorite local artists.  He does a rendition of Blackbird that is amazing. 

I've gotten to know the Chancellors really well over the years and they have become friends.  This is Joe, Dave and Jamie. . .

 

Jamie. . .

 

Dave.  Cracks me up. . .



Randy, Ross and Jon. . .

The Fabulous Chancellors!!

Over the course of the week, there were many acts, bands and photos.  I'm just posting the ones that stand out to me.  I made an observation recently (not a judgment) that Rob and I approach events much differently.  I remember the hard work, the occasional tears, the people and the individual moments that strike me as good or not so good.  I think Rob remembers the great light show, the moments when a guitar tone sounded amazing through the speakers and the comments received that assure us over and over that we are professionals who do a great job.  When he looks at event pictures, he's hoping to see the speakers, the lights and the set up.  I'm much more likely to take photos of people. 

This is Mike from the Hoochie Coochie Men.  Great guitar player, very nice man. . . 

 

And this is Ken.  Good friend, plays in many bands, funny and odd (in a good way!) and one of the best musicians around.  I love this photo of him. It tells so much about who he is. . .

Another one of my favorite bands that we've worked with over the years:  The Hoochie Coochie Men!

And these are all of the reasons that I will remember The Cherry Festival fondly. . .

The sweet little dancers with their fancy costumes. . .

 

My sidekick, Staci!

 
My kids have both enjoyed hours of fun and carnival wristbands.  Megan has been with us for most of the years we've been on the event.  Love these girls. . .

And last, but certainly not least, this is Dian.  Chamber President, amazing festival organizer and dear, dear friend. 

The end. . .

Dick's Birthday Celebration. . .