A few weeks ago Scott and I were called upon by our friend, Ashley, to throw together some music with her friend, Jon Fishman (yes, of Phish fame) for a benefit. Her cancer had returned and friends were looking for a way to help her focus on healing so a benefit was planned and a band was needed. I don't think I can yet accurately put the entire experience into words. It was overwhelming and emotional in ways that are impossible to describe. I would have had a panic attack over any last minute band show, especially after giving up on bands two years ago. To be tossed into a sudden pick-up band with Jon Fishman at one of the most beautiful estates in the country brought next-level panic.
I texted him never expecting a response and when the phone rang a couple days later, it was Fishman. We talked about what Ashley had been envisioning and what we could come up with on short notice. When he said we could just "sing" drum beats to him and that he could play anything, I believed him, but I was unsure of our beatboxing skills . To my surprise, when I asked him to come to the house for a quick run through some tunes, he said yes.
We asked our friend Charles Ellingwood (aka Charlie, Sir Charles) to fill in on bass and Charlie brought a kit to set up prior to Jon's arrival. Jon was right on time and probably would have played all night, but Scott had concerts to prepare for and we had to call it around 6. After years of working with musicians who always seem to be in a hurry to wrap things up, we were dumbfounded. He shared stories and some tidbits of wisdom and we were no longer nervous about getting thrown into a band with a legendary drummer. Jon is just a warm, jovial guy who loves his craft and would go all night if you're willing to stay the course. He's the best damn drummer I've ever had the privilege of playing with, hands down, and he has a magic way of playing the drums as though they are an extension of his soul. He listens so intently and is an absolute master of his craft. Jon left an invigorating energy in this house in his wake and I played for 6 hours straight the next day until I thought my fingers might fall off.
I knew that emotions might be high at the event. To add to the controlled chaos, brother Doug was going to jump up and play with us and he couldn't make the rehearsal. We knew Doug might have feelings about the whole thing, he's been a Phish fan for most of his life. It was one of the reasons I'd hoped to get us all together ahead of time, but if you know Doug, you know he's as cool as a cucumber even when held to the fire. He showed up and settled right in with that smile and sway we all know and love. Alyssa Cohen performed an opening set for us to help fill some space but when I got up to do a few originals, Jon jumped right up on the drums with Charlie in hot pursuit. I told him there wasn't any way he and Charlie could play this particular song never having heard it and he said, "let's do it anyway". In all honesty, it was a bit of a mess, but I guess no one could tell, and it was fun as all get-out. I realized then that we weren't there to be perfect, we were there to be there together for Ashley and to be in the moment enjoying each other and music. And that's what we did. And I danced like I haven't danced in a decade or more.
The event was a huge success in no small part to all of the hard work of so many incredibly talented friends. I met a few new friends who already feel like old friends and some I know I'll treasure for the rest of my days. Over 20,000 dollars was raised for Ashley and money continues to roll in through an online auction with offerings from fully signed Phish posters to getaways and artwork. The auction will be open through the month of June and you can fight Scottie and me for a stay at Ashley's beautiful camp on Schoodic lake, where we've shared magical memories with Ashley and friends and family.
So much gratitude to Jessica Cole Eriksen and Brady Brim-DeForest for opening the grounds of Oak Hall estate for the whole affair. Melissa Gates put so much work into the PR and online auction, and everyone who helped with the cake auction and tie-dye stand and generous offerings for the online auction.
You can donate to the Go-Fund me for Ashley or check out the incredible items up for grabs here: https://airauctioneer.com/ashleys-auction-2/table
An impromptu band of Ashley's friends warm up for event organizers with Angel From Montgomery
