A Night To Remember

Sarasota, FL      High:  74    Low:   67

Sparky's daughter, Kelly, has a great musician friend by the name of Steve Arvey. Steve is an accomplished musician, and when we were here in Sarasota last year, he played at Ocean Blues, a wonderful bar and grill in downtown Sarasota. They have terrific entertainment there. He rocked the bar--he's a great blues, rock, and everything else guitarist and singer.  Steve is one of those people who are a straight shooter. He's genuine, warm and friendly, and a big teddy bear of a guy. He is very appreciative and supportive of our servicemen and women. Kelly has known him for several years.

So when Kelly found out that Steve was back performing in the Sarasota area, she wanted to bring her family to hear him. She didn't have to twist Sparky and Eldo's arm, we knew he puts on a terrific show. He so gets into his music. Sparky loves his expressions on his face as he plays his guitar as smooth as smooth can be. He makes his guitar talk and sing!

What was cool about last night was, you can bring children to Island Time, a restaurant on Anna Maria Island in Bradenton, FL. It has panoramic views of the gulf with inside and terrace seating. So Kristi, Eldy's daughter, and Brian and Lori and their two kids Cate and Trevor were able to come with us to hear the music. Now you need to know that Cate is a Beatles fan, a HUGE Beatles fan. She asked for everything Beatles for Christmas. (She got a Beatles beach towel for starters.) Kelly requested a Beatles tune for Cate as soon as we got there. Steve promptly complied with "Fool On the Hill." Cate beamed.

Cate, Eldy, Brian and Trevor

The night continued...Steve and his band were playing from 7:00-10:00 PM. They rocked the house with some great tunes and then a second Beatles tune...."I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends". Cate grinned even bigger. We were rockin' at the table...Trevor was playing a mighty air guitar...Cate was singing all the words....Kelly, Kristi, Lori and Brian, Trevor and Cate, Sparky and Eldo--we were practically dancing at the table. Yet, another Beatles tune..."Come Together".  Cate was texting her friends that she was having an "AWESOME" night! Finally, the next to the last song, Steve launched into "Dear Prudence" with an incredible guitar performance. What was even more remarkable was that the band--a bass player, the drummer and Steve, had never performed this song before together. It was amazing and a testament to fantastic musicians who can go with the flow and sound like they had practiced the set thoroughly. This was one of the longer Beatles songs, and Steve and company ended our evening with a fantastic tribute to the Beatles that all started with Cate's wish to hear a Beatles song, which sent the band in a completely new direction for the night. Afterwards, Steve came up to the table, talked to the family for awhile, telling us how appreciative he was with the request, giving him and his band a chance to perform new material and liven up HIS night! Then, to top off the night, Cate had her photo taken with him.

Thank you, Steve Arvey, for a memorable night!

Happy New Year, everyone!

On New Year's Day
and the whole year through,

I hope the kindness
you've given to others
returns many times to you.

May hope, love, and warmth
be in your heart's possessing,
and may the New Year
bring you and yours
many blessings.