Farewell Tunas

On Thursday I will have my final performance as a regular member of the Lazy Blue Tunas. This will be our sixth annual Christmas show at the One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids.

After thinking and worrying about what to do about the Tunas for well over six months (more like 12 months) I finally came to the realization that my schedule was just too busy to allow me to keep up the pace that being in a band required. I have truly enjoyed playing in the Tunas and these guys are more than just bandmates, they are also among my best friends so leaving the band is something that I don’t do lightly. Plus, there is a real thrill in playing music that I love with guys I like for people who enjoy it. We had our last rehearsal together this weekend and it was filled with good music and laughter, like they almost always have been.

So our show on Thursday night will be bittersweet for me. I intend to relish it and enjoy it as much as possible. The Tunas hope to carry on without me but I’m not sure exactly how their plans are shaping up yet. I know that going to hear them play without me will be tough but I’m looking forward to hearing what they will come up with.

But this week, I am still a Tuna and I’m gearing up for a show that pulls out all the stops. Expect to hear some Tuna classics like “Change the World,” “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End” and “You Better Think Twice” as well as some Motown favorites, the theme from Zorro and a healthy does of Christmas cheer including our second attempt at the Hallelujah Chorus. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Especially me.

Lazy Blue Tunas at GRAM 10/27

The Lazy Blue Tunas, the band of which I have been a founding member for almost six years, will play a show this Friday 10/27/06 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. We play from 6:15 to 8:15 PM.

This will likely be my second-to-last show as a Tuna. Life has just gotten too hectic to keep everything going so I must bid farewell to the Tunas. My last show will be Dec 21 at the One Trick Pony so there aren’t many opportunities left to experience the original Tunas!

The class of 1976 – Blue Sky reunited

Yesterday was the 30^th reunion of the Calvin College class of 1976. I had a great time meeting old friends and thinking about things that happened over thirty years ago. But more importantly to me was that Blue Sky reunited for the first time in at least 30 years – I’m thinking it has been slightly more than 31 years since we played together.

Blue Sky was a band made up of me, Pete Bardolph and Ken Winters. We were more than a band - we were also best friends. Pete and I continue to play together in the Lazy Blue Tunas (which we formed almost six years ago) and we’ve kept in touch pretty regularly in the intervening years, even when I lived in Colorado. But I lost touch with Ken completely. About a year ago I got Ken’s email address from our alumni association and asked Ken if he’s be interested in getting together to play a few songs for the reunion. Ken agreed, even though it meant a trip up from his home in Memphis, and we’ve been in occasional contact ever since. Then, Thursday, Ken arrived on campus and he and I got to hang out for a couple of hours and it was absolutely delightful. We practiced together on Thursday evening and last night we performed three songs together as Blue Sky (with the help of our classmate, friend and part-time Blue Sky and Lazy Blue Tuna member John Gelderlos) in the middle of a six-song Lazy Blue Tunas set.

I had an amazing time. First of all, something has happened over the past thirty years – the standard tunings must have gone up because all the songs were a lot higher than they used to be. But aside from that, Ken was in fine voice (although he didn’t play guitar even though he used to) and we sang three songs from the Eagles first album. More importantly, though, I got to connect with one of my best friends from both high school and college and discovered that the years melted away almost instantly and that we still have a great time together. Laura and I got to meet his wife Stacy and truly enjoyed that too. There was lots of laughter and fun and the great feeling that a part of my past that had been lost had been found again. It was a great two days. Thanks for coming, Ken!

Lazy Blue Tunas tonight at the GRAM

In my haste to put up the picture and link the the GR Press article I failed to mention that the Tunas are playing TONIGHT at 6:30 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum! Come on by! A good time is practically guaranteed!

EDIT: Find the setlist here!

Lazy Blue Tunas in Grand Rapids Press!

Today's Grand Rapids Press has an article about my band! Check it out!

Read it here - Lazy Blue Tunas no folk act

The Lazy Blue Tunas 5th Annual Chritmas Show

The Lazy Blue Tunas 5th Annual Christmas Show at the One Trick Pony on December 22 was a smashing success. The house was packed and people were unfortunately turned away. We’re sorry some of our friends were unable to hear the show because the place was so full but those who got inside heard the following songs:

Set I:
Good Lovin’
This World is Not My Home
Jingle Bells
I Feel Fine
Snoopy’s Christmas
Pleasant Valley Sunday
It’s All Been Done
O Holy Night
Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End
Istanbul
Hallelujah

Set II:
Chipmunks Christmas
Change the World
No Matter What
You Were On My Mind
We Three Kings
I Want You Back
Hotel California
Go Tell
Handle With Care
Some Of My Lies Are True
Zorro

Got You on My Mind

Lazy Blue Tunas - setlist 7/19/05

The Tunas played at a private party in Ada, MI 7/19/05. It was a warm night and we played outside where we got heated up and a little bug-bit but it was a good show (although, typical party, it seemed like we were playing only to the bugs until it was all done and people raved.

Here is the setlist:
I'll Be Back
Handle With Care
Some Of My Lies Are True
Look Thru Any Window
I Feel Fine
New Kid In Town
Better Man
It’s Gonna Be Alright
Change The World
Good Lovin’
Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End
Zorro

It’s All Been Done
Hotel California
Don’t Let Go
Your Mother Should Know
Friday On My Mind
You Were On My Mind
Part Of The Plan
Istanbul
I Want You Back
Got You On My Mind

Another Tuna show

The Lazy Blue Tunas have another show tonight - a private party in Ada. We'll be playing pretty much the same set we played at the Museum last week - here is the setlist from the Grand Rapids Art Museum 7/15/05:
Handle With Care
Some Of My Lies Are True
Look Thru Any Window
I Feel Fine
New Kid In Town
Better Man
It’s Gonna Be Alright
Change The World
Good Lovin’
Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End

It’s All Been Done
Hotel California
Don’t Let Go
Your Mother Should Know
Friday On My Mind
You Were On My Mind
Part Of The Plan
Istanbul
I Want You Back
Got You On My Mind
Zorro

Of course, what we actually play may be quite different but it looks like a beautiful night and we're looking forward to a great time.

Tunas at GRAM

My band, the Lazy Blue Tunas will be playing at the Grand Rapids Art Museum this Friday at 6:30! Come on out!