Thank You for 40 Years!
We’re basking in the afterglow of two spectacular gatherings in Berkeley this past weekend!
The VIP reception at Comal was festive and relaxed, allowing for great conversation and attentive listening to the great sets performed by the Sam Grisman Project. The food and drinks that Comal is known for were abundant, satisfying our appetites and thoroughly enjoyed by all. By the end of the night, anticipation for what was to come at the Greek was at a fever pitch.
From the minute the doors opened at 4 pm, the energy was electric. The sounds of New Orleans, provided by the Ralph J. Gleason award-winning students from the Trombone Shorty Academy, began to float through the air. Soon after, Melvin Seals and JGB hit the stage and played a powerful set for the next hour that had everyone on their feet.
After Melvin’s set, a scene emerged from backstage, and the rhythm and horns combined the strains of a second-line parade, dedicated to Bill Walton. Led by the Trombone Shorty musicians, they were joined by the Bozos and many Rex board members in a parade that went through the crowd and wound up on stage to the often-performed Iko-Iko. Bill’s spirit and love for Rex radiated through the Greek at that moment.
Not to be outdone, Dark Star Orchestra delivered a masterful and heartfelt performance of July 13, 1984, forty years later. Many in the crowd would say they remember being there in ’84, but that was purely contextual, as it was the music of the moment that lifted us all to new heights. In an odd time continuum, we existed in the past and present in a state of auditory bliss. As the final notes were played, we took one last look at the Greek Theatre, a place near and dear, and ever so slowly made our way back to our cars with nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile…
Many people contributed to the success of this wonderful event, beginning with Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals and JGB, and the students from the Trombone Shorty Academy in New Orleans. We also want to thank Sherry Wasserman and her incredible staff at Another Planet Entertainment. John Paluska and the staff at Comal Restaurant. Tim Duncan, Kevin Duncan, and Scott Brittingham, thank you for bringing this event to fruition. And most of all we salute all the people in attendance for standing with Rex and being part of our vibrant community. You have made it possible to fulfill our mission of fostering positive and impactful social change.
THANK YOU!!
