La Grotta Ravinia Welcomes Sweetwater Junction and Friends

It's a good thing this band is so malleable.  On this night, I was sharing the stage with Brian Molin (the true constant, the Robert Fripp of SWJ), Andrew Black on vocals & guitar, Kevin "KT" Thomas (there are a lot of Kevin Thomases in this world, in case you were wondering - only one as musical as this guy) on keys, and Carlton Owens on drums.  We had never played together in this configuration, but you all know that ain't no biggie!  You just get up there and go for it.  It works particularly well when the bride requests a lot of Grateful Dead, CSNY, Rolling Stones, i.e. things that don't really need to be worked out as far as arrangements go.  We actually rehearsed Eyes of the World more than the official dances: These Arms of Mine, Forever Young, Teach Your Children.  Andrew sounded very comfortable on vocals and guitar.  He is relaxed and professional and even did his best to keep our volume in check.  Nice to have another guitar style in the band as well.  We blended on some of those CSN harmonies, which I thought was an important part of the sound.  Kevin ripped some nice "organic" solos from his Nord - a sweet keyboard that emulates any classic sound very well.  He fit in like he had been with us for years.  I met him through Randy Chapman, I'm certain, but I wish I could replay that historical date in my head!  Carlton was strong as well.  Our only real misstep was the Phish nugget Sample In a Jar, which we played just too fast.  Once it started, it couldn't slow down, for some reason.  Not sure if Carlton had ever played that one before.  Still, the party loved it and we gave them plenty of what they wanted - this after waiting through the dinner and speeches...  As KT put it, we're paid to haul our gear and spend the afternoon and night away from our families.

Patio View

KT's Keys

Brian's Rig

Brian & Andrew

Carlton & Kevin - maybe we all knew each other better than I thought...

I don't know, I just work here.

My rig, atop of Carlton's kick drum case.  Darkened foreground with Tobias & Stingray 5's.
Background with vista of scenic cocktail environs enjoyed by other wedding party.