Nevah, the progressive Bluegrass-Newgrass band, played at the August 20th "Champion the Cure Challenge" this past Saturday. What a blast. I wish you'd all been there. However, if you weren't able to make it, here's a little taste of what happened.
While most of the expected crowds were out running, walking, motorcycling or biking to raise funds for this very worthy event, several bands along with
Nevah, had the privilege of entertaining those who were waiting at the "journey's end" sheltered from the hot summer rays under a very large, beautiful white tent.
When we arrived at the Champion the Cure Challenge site we were allowed to park in the back, near the side entrance to the performance tent. And luckily for many of us who hadn't eaten there were ample drinks and amazing pizza available. Not to say that I had three or more slices, I'm not saying that, but if I'd wanted that many slices I could have had them. They were there (the slices), waiting for someone.
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Nevah's name seen on the poster
at Champion the Cure Challenge |
In the meantime, after bypassing the food area, I carried my banjo to the far side entrance of the tent. A couple of NEVAH band members,
Jack Anderson and
Phil Pitula were there already starting to organize and set up personal gear. Just inside the tent and off to the right of the mini-stage, the "
Queen City Big Band" was midway through their final number. An amazing Big Band of very talented musicians, many of these folks are personal friends of the
Nevah band.
Upon their final note and enthusiastic response from the crowd, Queen City packed up as the next music act "Jazz in Blue" set-up their instruments and got miked for the start of their set. Meanwhile this gave us ample time to get our instruments ready, tuned up with all necessary cords and gadgets used to keep the Nevah sound in check and allowed additional time for the rest of the group to arrive and set.
Ed Russell, Larry LeBlanc and Eric Brown all appeared within a few moments of each other. We talked, looked at set lists and waited for our turn.
Jazz in Blue did a super job entertaining the crowd. Being a small group it only took them a couple of minutes to exit the stage area at which time Nevah took the spot. The stage was a bit crowded for our six member band (our seventh member, Richard had a prior engagement) but we managed to fit with just enough room so we wouldn't bump instruments. A special thanks to
Brian Spencer of the Whoopy Kats who supplied and ran all the sound equipment. Brian had us plugged in and up in running in a matter of a few short minutes. Upon Phil's cue we started, and I must say from the response of the crowd during the show and the wonderful comments we received afterwards from spectators and the
Whoopy Kat band members, Sara (vocals), Brian (bass) Chris (lead guitar) and Daniel (drums) that
Nevah, the progressive NewGrass Band was a huge hit.
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Nevah plugged into Whoppy Kats Sound System
at the
Champion the Cure Challenge |
We ended our set, broke down as quick as possible and just as we were about to carry things to our cars it began to rain, so we stayed under canvas and listened to the Whoppy Kats "Classic Rock" set. Very very cool. Terrific sound and they really got the crowd pumped up. Nice job.
When they finished the sun came out and it was time for us to go, I'd like to say we'll nevah have to perform at a "cancer" fund raiser again because the CURE has been discovered, but I think the ultimate solution is still a short way down the road. Therefore, I'm sure everyone from Nevah would be more then happy to return and play again to help raise funds for the next "Champion the Cure Challenge".
Take care,
Hal
The Nevah Banjo guy
