1.”Standing up to an enemy is tough. Standing up to your friends is tougher.”
Facebook: Facebook really did seem like a good idea at the time. Sometimes with technology coming at us at like a comet folks seem to get caught up on all the great things that can happen and pshaw to all the negatives.They decide to grab the comet by the tail and want desperately to benefit in the new technology. Having said that an realizing “to each his own” I am quite comfortable within my luddite skin.
Spring campout coming up! Put away the cell phones, the laptops, the pagers,and pick up your chosen instrument of desire. Get ready for a week on great weather, longtime friends, new folks to meet, and songs to sing. Yes spring campout 2018 in my own back yard in beautiful downtown Turlock home of the Dust Bowl Brewery, Medic Alert, countless three star restaurants and friendly citizens all around.
CBA campers will also be within yards of the state favorite Turlock Certified Farmers Market. On Saturday you can take a stroll from 8-1 get your fill of food, drink, farm fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables and homemade goods, etc. You might even bring your instrument and get an opportunity to play for your lunch.
Speaking of the Spring Camp Out. “Hey Doghouse, when are you and your band going to get back together?” I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked that by faithful fans over the past few years.
The time has come. The ever popular band once known as,The Well Strung String Band, The Brothers Merkin and Sister Kate, and Goats for Sale, will be reuniting the week-end of the Spring Camp Out to play, swap stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Yes, the FOG VALLEY DRIFTERS will be gathering among the RV’s, tents, and pick up trucks at the Turlock Fair Grounds to play some of their dearly beloved most requested tunes.
Unfortunately this will not be a “public event”. After serious consideration and much debate the members of the band felt that in the interests of safety we would not announce our location during our one day reunion. We know this will disappoint our legion of loyal fans but sometimes common sense has to give way to what the majority wants.The Drifters will be visible on the fairgrounds and if you are lucky enough to spot them you are welcome to join in the fun but please keep a low profile.
As usual the Bluegrass attire that helped make the group so beloved by their fans will be worn in all its splendor. Yes, you remember it. Hurachee sandals,multi-colored Lederhosen, black and yellow polka dot kilts, original Rick Cornish tie dyed tank tops, and to top everything off our original John B. Stetson ten gallon creamy white hats.( Bolo ties if needed) My mouth is watering.
A quick reminder of just who the band members are:
Chuck Hurd, newly voted in CBA board member,retired colonel from the U.S. Army,vice.- principal of a major high school in Monterey, graduate of UC Berkeley and quite an established banjo player. Colonel Chuck got the reunion ball rolling by contacting all the members to set up this once in a life time event.
Rachel Bennet, retired school teacher, women of the cloth (Rachel kindly performed the marriage for my youngest daughter Rhiannon and son-in-law Mark. Rachel sings like an angel and is an outstanding mandolin player.
Al Tsacle aka “Lefty.” Cal Berkeley graduate, retired CSUS professor
Fiddler. Al taught Mario Savio how to play “Old Joe Clark.” at his first sit in.
Ross Redding: Cal Berkeley graduate ,singer,guitarist,song writer,practical joke pro, and the glue that holds everything together. When Ross wears his sandals you must really check out hit his painted toes. The man is a walking fashion statement.
Cory Welch: stand up bass/dobro player all around good guy. Stepped in when needed. Made the band that much better.
Brooks Judd,”AKA “ Doghouse “
Fans from around the world have written and e-mailed asking the question, “Doghouse, why did you leave the band at the height of its popularity?” Well to be completely honest the band actually became MORE popular after I departed in 2008. It wasn’t a matter of friction or “creative differences” that I left.I was just too much of a homebody, stick in the mud ,who really didn’t enjoy the frequent trips to Monterey to practice. I was still working, sometimes two jobs and the time spent away from the home front just left me feeling on edge, uncomfortable, and out of sorts.
Also, I was the weak link in the band. Unlike my extremely talented band mates I am not a “qualified musician” as such. I can keep a beat and pluck fairly well but that is the extent of my musical abilities. Even though I would frequently hold the band back not once did my band mates roll their eyes when I had troubles learning a new song that varied from a I IV V progression. They treated me with respect and dignity
even when I did not deserve it. Thank you mates.
I do not possess any short term memory skills and learning new songs are hard for me and take considerable time. I watch as my mates easily pick up on a new song and they respond, “Hey I have just the right break for this!” and then play something snazzy and fresh. I could only watch and wish I possessed some of that wonderful talent my band mates had.
The band flourished with Cory on bass and dobro. I was a bit jealous at first but then realized that for eight joyous years I had been part of the DNA that eventually became The Fog Valley Drifters. I was a better person for it.
I have recently spoken to Mr. Cornish about our non event / event. He realizes the mad rush for information that will undoubtedly explode when the CBA audience hears about this much anticipated reunion. Rick is aware he owes me many, many favors and has assured me he will help facilitate this undertaking. You may reach MR. Cornish through the CBA,his land line phone, his cell phone, face book, twitter, or as a last result through CREEP (Committee to Re-Elect the President.)
In fairness to all the CBA members no one will be given exclusive information on where the reunion will actually take place. We have conveyed this same information to Del and Doyle. Like the true super stars they are they did not complain at all. If you locate us drop on in and say hello. We would love to chat with you.
Until Friday May 4: Read a book, hug a child,pet a dog, stroke a cat, eat a bar of chocolate and remember….. “Those that were dancing were thought to be crazy by those who could not hear the music.”
Brooks