Young At Heart

Greetings Stuntfans - For those of you who have purchased the latest Drunk Stuntmen album State Fair, you probably have noticed the dedication inside the cover. It is dedicated to some departed Drunk Stuntmen family members, Judith Ann Johnson, Michael Brandon, Freddy's mother and J. Scott Brandon's father. My father, Garry Brown, was surveying the State Fair cover and admiring what a professional and eye appealing package it is. A few days earlier, I had watched an advance copy of Young@Heart, with my parents. They were truly touched by the movie, especially the scene depicting the reaction of the inmates at the Hampshire Co. House of corrections, after the Chorus had performed for them.

As, Dad sat there reading the cover and listening to the disc, I began to think about his current situation and how blessed I am that he is not only still in my life, but truly Young at Heart.

Dad is 76 years old. He is still working full time, as a Sports journalist for the Springfield Republican, a job he has held for 56 years. He covered the Red Sox trying to break the curse in '67, 75, 86, and finally witnessed a victorious Boston team in 2004. I was sure he was going to retire after that, but no. He keeps going.

He was listening to State Fair, from what I gathered his favorite songs on the disc are Halcyon Days, Silver City and the title track. I am constantly amazed at how he keeps going, probably because he is Young at Heart. He can be seen often playing the sports he loves to cover for the newspaper, in the basement or out in the front yard with his four grandchildren. He is also a music lover. His grandson, Conlan a 13-year-old jazz pianist, violin player and all around musician is going to teach grandpa how to play the drums, and Grandpa is going to be a willing student.

My dad never ceases to amaze me as far as how hip he really can be. He knew who Young@Heart drummer Billy Arnold is before I had to tell him. His latest musical acquisition other than his copy of State Fair, is in his CD player right now ... Arthur - The Decline and Fall of the British Empire by the Kinks. I mean how cool is that? I can't wait to hear him play the drums...

Anyone who was at the Rt. 63 Roadhouse show on Saturday night, Thank You! What a show. The audience was great. Congratulations to Carole and Jamie on their 5th anniversary. Many great performances were witness by the ever dancing crowd. The highlight of the show was a cover of Mr. Rock and Roll, a Rob Skelton tune from the album Rasputin.

This weekend the Stuntmen head to the Big Apple for the NYC CD release party at the Rodeo Bar and Grill Friday night April 4. Show time is 9:30 and the Price is right...Free admission.

Saturday night, April 5th, Steve, Bow Bow and Fearless Freddy Freedom will perform at the Benefit for Nico, at the Elevens in Northampton. Come early, they are the first band on the bill. 8PM show time.

Scott Hall and Bruce Mandaro will be performing at the Hyland Brewery Tap room Sunday April 13.

We will follow up next week with tour updates and where and when you can see two of your favorite Stuntmen on Ellen and Jay Leno and Today and Nightline.

Don't Keep this Band a secret. Bring a new friend to every gig you attend. But most of all...

Do your Own Stunts!

Pablo