Four years ago my wife and I were lovers "53" years. Have to post a love poem
were given free tickets to a concert at the Casino. I grew up collecting record
albums. My favorites fifties Rock and Roll, the Ventures Music. "Walk don't Run" "Pipeline"
"Telestar" Best known even today, "Hawaii 5.0". The Ventures were the feature act but
also, "The Northwest Wailers" "Louie Louie" The "Kingsmen" Tacoma fame. The Wailers once on
Ed Sullivan. I remember "The Kingsmen", "Death of an Angel" At the time banned. Friend
and I drove around he was able to put recording gear in trunk of his car. Kids knew we
were coming the banners were trying to catch us and played the song. loud at schools. Great song.
In the audience Marilee Rush, "Angel in the Morning". As we were finding our seats
saw a table out front. Selling Venture autographed guitars. $200 dollars for a autographed
Venture Guitar, Priceless? Being the man of the family I found my wife and asked permission to buy one.
But foolish me I left my Credit card on the table. When I returned it was gone. This nice young
man stepped forward, "You must be looking for this?" I purchased the guitar and we talked
oldies music.
Month or so later a birthday invite came in the mail. Did I mention the young man was the
son of Don Wilson lead guitarist of the Ventures and a legend in guitar music. I had to
be honest thinking the invite had come by mistake. Thinking I was an old musician friend
of his dad. I was assured it was not a mistake he thought I would enjoy the party. Bands
playing on stage. "Fleetwood Mac" all legends of fifties music coming to honor this legend
of guitar music and we had a front row seat. In the middle at a special table mixing with my
heroes of Rock music.
Thrill of a lifetime. Recently I found this poem. About Grandpa and how things had changed
since his generation. I sent it to all my friends. A few on this site. An email came back.
"Been about to get in touch with you Dandy. How are you and your family doing? Wanted you to
know Dad in February is celebrating his 85Th birthday. I well be sending you and your wife an
invitation. More friends of dad and same location.
PS: It passed through this time. Interesting things about the night. Guests included a
four Star General who played drums on one of the groups. Not Fleetwood Mac but one of
the ladies from the original Fleetwoods. She was the songwriter of the group. Trust me on this
not sure without looking it up but I think it was "Come softly to me.", Someone asked
what I sang. I said, "In the Shower." They didn't remember it. Teaser aren't I? Not many of the
old timer's left but Don still going steady. First date official with wife Elvis Presley at
the Seattle Space Needle. One of he highlights of the birthday party was General George Babbitt
onstage playing, "Walk don't run" General Babbitt at age 17, an original drummer on the Ventures.
This morning I looked it up. Rare footage the same video can be found looking up General Babbitt
and the Ventures in the computer. Don Wilson and the band are also on video. Just as Sharon and
I saw it sitting at a table with legends of fifties sixties and some cases seventies music
mixed in with the legends. There well be some missing and some added but cannot wait to see
the repeat. Last week we were treated again with ticket to Johnny Rivers show."Secret Agent Man!"