August 7th, 2006
This entry was posted on August 7, 2006 2:34 PM and is filed under Band.
August 7th, 2006
We just returned from our little weekend tour. Last Thursday we performed at St. Zachary's "Augustfest" in Des Plaines, Illinois and Friday night we performed at the "Pig's in the Pine's" Ribfest in St. Germain, Wisconsin.
Tom Repedny did an awesome job, especially for his first time on stage with us. The crowd at "Augustfest" seemed to like us and played along with some of our stage antic's. I have always loved performing at "Augustfest."
Keith Grant and Robbie Storto were great as our opening act. I would pay money to see them anywhere, anytime. I loved their song selection.
Friday morning was like the "good ol' days." We all met for breakfast at 7:00 AM at "Denny's" in Arlington Heights, then we hit the road. We rented a 15 seat van and a cargo van. Jack and his lovely lady Kirsten were our drivers so the band got to rest a bit during the 6-hour haul to the Great North Woods of Northern Wisconsin.
I have to say that if you don't have an I-Pass in the State of Illinois, you are really screwed. With an I-Pass you fly through the toll booths at the posted speed limit (wink, wink.) Without an I-Pass you'll probably lose about twenty-minutes in time, PER-TOLL BOOTH!!!!!!, you'll wait in long traffic lines and pay double the posted toll. We lost about an hour in time going to and coming home from Wisconsin.
Once we got up to Northern Wisconsin, it was absolutely breathtaking. The rivers, streams and lakes were all highlighted by the massive pine forests. The smell of Christmas filled the air, and the air was so fresh and clear it was noticeable. The folks in the St. Germain area, especially from the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce, could not have been nicer and more accommodating to everyone in our entourage.
We stayed at the Whitetail Lodge courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. The folks at the Whitetail were so kind and made sure we had everything and anything we needed to make our short stay comfortable.
The concert seemed to go over very well and we were invited back to perform next year as soon as we walked off the stage. We performed for about 3-hours and we "rocked." It was great to see all the U.S. Veterans at our show. The Chamber folks allowed all veterans, with I.D., into the event for free. Our buddy Ryan and his beautiful wife Carla from Milwaukee, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with us. Ryan and Carla helped with the "FDNY "Gear-Up Foundation" Chopper Ride" through Wisconsin two weeks ago. It was great to see them again.
After the show; Mike Shlifka, Tom R., Mike Gorman and I went out on the town and ended up at a bar named "Legends." After everyone had a few beverages, I was coaxed (it didn't take much,) to go on stage with a guitar and entertain the small crowd that was left, while Mike G. and Tom played pool. Mike S. and his crew were yelling up song suggestions and other things I can't print, while the rest of the bar was just laughing.
The next morning we were treated to the most fabulous breakfast I have ever had. It was prepared by two former classmates from Oak Park and River Forest High School. Larry and Kathy Hanley and their entire family went completely overboard in the kitchen and invited us to their beautiful summer cottage about four miles from our hotel. We dined outside by their scenic lake pier. Larry and Kath informed us that three bald eagle fish their lake every morning. The morning menu included everything from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sausage to pancakes, donuts, waffles and toast. The juice was cold, the coffee was hot, the company was fantastic and we were in "North Woods Heaven." Thanks Larry and Kath.
All in all, ... it was a very successful weekend and we look forward to St. Germain and Augustfest next year.
We just returned from our little weekend tour. Last Thursday we performed at St. Zachary's "Augustfest" in Des Plaines, Illinois and Friday night we performed at the "Pig's in the Pine's" Ribfest in St. Germain, Wisconsin.
Tom Repedny did an awesome job, especially for his first time on stage with us. The crowd at "Augustfest" seemed to like us and played along with some of our stage antic's. I have always loved performing at "Augustfest."
Keith Grant and Robbie Storto were great as our opening act. I would pay money to see them anywhere, anytime. I loved their song selection.
Friday morning was like the "good ol' days." We all met for breakfast at 7:00 AM at "Denny's" in Arlington Heights, then we hit the road. We rented a 15 seat van and a cargo van. Jack and his lovely lady Kirsten were our drivers so the band got to rest a bit during the 6-hour haul to the Great North Woods of Northern Wisconsin.
I have to say that if you don't have an I-Pass in the State of Illinois, you are really screwed. With an I-Pass you fly through the toll booths at the posted speed limit (wink, wink.) Without an I-Pass you'll probably lose about twenty-minutes in time, PER-TOLL BOOTH!!!!!!, you'll wait in long traffic lines and pay double the posted toll. We lost about an hour in time going to and coming home from Wisconsin.
Once we got up to Northern Wisconsin, it was absolutely breathtaking. The rivers, streams and lakes were all highlighted by the massive pine forests. The smell of Christmas filled the air, and the air was so fresh and clear it was noticeable. The folks in the St. Germain area, especially from the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce, could not have been nicer and more accommodating to everyone in our entourage.
We stayed at the Whitetail Lodge courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. The folks at the Whitetail were so kind and made sure we had everything and anything we needed to make our short stay comfortable.
The concert seemed to go over very well and we were invited back to perform next year as soon as we walked off the stage. We performed for about 3-hours and we "rocked." It was great to see all the U.S. Veterans at our show. The Chamber folks allowed all veterans, with I.D., into the event for free. Our buddy Ryan and his beautiful wife Carla from Milwaukee, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with us. Ryan and Carla helped with the "FDNY "Gear-Up Foundation" Chopper Ride" through Wisconsin two weeks ago. It was great to see them again.
After the show; Mike Shlifka, Tom R., Mike Gorman and I went out on the town and ended up at a bar named "Legends." After everyone had a few beverages, I was coaxed (it didn't take much,) to go on stage with a guitar and entertain the small crowd that was left, while Mike G. and Tom played pool. Mike S. and his crew were yelling up song suggestions and other things I can't print, while the rest of the bar was just laughing.
The next morning we were treated to the most fabulous breakfast I have ever had. It was prepared by two former classmates from Oak Park and River Forest High School. Larry and Kathy Hanley and their entire family went completely overboard in the kitchen and invited us to their beautiful summer cottage about four miles from our hotel. We dined outside by their scenic lake pier. Larry and Kath informed us that three bald eagle fish their lake every morning. The morning menu included everything from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and sausage to pancakes, donuts, waffles and toast. The juice was cold, the coffee was hot, the company was fantastic and we were in "North Woods Heaven." Thanks Larry and Kath.
All in all, ... it was a very successful weekend and we look forward to St. Germain and Augustfest next year.
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August 14, 2006 5:57 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote:
Hey Joe, Just read your post here, and was glad to see that the event in Florida went well. Thank you so much for helping Vinny and The Gear-up Foundation with their efforts. We both know that the cause is great. Please pass on my Thanks to the rest of your band for their efforts as well. Keep me posted on the event in Chicago. Take care my friend.
Your brother,
Ryan
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