"God of Thunder" Mel Schacher and Grand Funk Railroad at the Bluegate Theater

an American Band

    Grand Funk Railroad is one of those classic rock bands that seem to always maintain their existential elasticity. Their performance Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Bluegate Theater in Shipshewana Indiana is evidence of their perennial relevance. Their energy, sound, and attitude are witness to their constancy as an “American Band”. By the way, they seem to take seriously their identity as an American Band. Midpoint in the show they produce an American flag, front and center as their lead guitarist plays the national anthem ala Jimmy Hendrix.

    And as great as all of the musicians were, as fantastic as were the drums, guitars, keyboard, I found myself paying attention to Mel Schacher as the sounds of reverberating thunder were released by the pluck of his fingers. It seemed an almost intuitive relationship between bassist and instrument.

"God of Thunder" Mel Schacher

    No wonder his fans fervently refer to him as “The God of Thunder”!

    Ah, to be so revered in your craft as to acquire from amongst your devotees such an honorific as “God of Thunder”!

   I suggest for myself the tag “Parson Extraordinaire”. I choose the term “parson” so as to emphasize my admirable degree of humility.

   But, back to Mel…

    The God of Thunder stands on stage much like a well-disciplined sentry in protection of the musical integrity of the performance. Only a periodic and mischievous half-smile betrays his statuesque face indicating to the crowd that he enjoys this more than he wants to convey.

eager fans before the show

   But there was no masking the enjoyment of the crowd as Mel plucked from his strings the sonic medium through which the other instruments would be manifest.

   Each pluck of a string echoed from the walls to greet subsequent bass notes to create a fullness of sound, feel, and ambient attitude in the room. The rubber-funk sounds of Mel’s bass seemed to accentuate my heartbeat reminding me of what age eighteen feels like again!

Yes, indeed, his honorific of “God of Thunder” is well deserved!

Andrew and Alec

   But, speaking of eighteen, or at least being that young, I happened upon two brothers, Andrew Bencsics, 21, and Alec Bencsics, 17 who declared themselves classic rock fans, Kiss loyalists, who very much are into Grand Funk.

   Andrew said he had purchased “E Pluribus Funk”, on vinyl, and immediately became a fan. Alex has collected all of Grand Funks albums on CD.

    But these guys are not only spectators of the thunderous sport of rock; they want to perform it as well.

   Andrew plays guitar, rhythm or lead, while Alec plays bass. They need a drummer to fill out their three-man-group. Perhaps they could be the next Cream, Jimmy Hendrix Experience, or Mark, Don, and Mel!

Anyway, it was a great concert!

Tour information for Grand Funk can be found at:

https://www.grandfunkrailroad.com/tour.html

Catch a show! And tell them Mike sent you!

“You never get to know someone till they put their clothes on.”

South Bend Tribune photo by Andrew S. Hughes

   I really enjoy watching movies! Not only are they entertaining for their acting, scripting, production and direction, I discover many inspiring phrases which I take and then re-context for sermons or blog posts.

One such phrase is found in the 1963 Dean Martin movie “Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed”. Character Stella Irving, played by Carol Burnett, says “You never get to know someone till they put their clothes on.”

   And I thought “huh”. My sister in law, trained to be an actor and successfully having done so once stated “all clothing is costume”. I think she meant that when we choose our clothing, jewelry, shoes, we are trying to present an image of who we are to those whom we find relevant.

    We put on a costume designed to showcase our natural self or perhaps to mask our self doubts.

   In either case, the costume becomes the true “social self” by which we want to engage others.

   My Sgt. Pepper costume is to showcase that I am a festive and celebratory individual and that I quickly acknowledge that I like attention. Also, I am introverted just enough that when I am saturated with social attention I may remove the costume and resume my natural incognito condition.

    Ah, the best of many worlds by my choice of costume.

   Aside from the social application of this idea, there is a spiritual application.

Revelation 3: 5 says “If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your name before my Father and before his angels.”

   At least in the Western world, white indicates purity.

    In a sense Jesus kinda cheats the Devil out of a win. Because while our natural selves have been muddied enough to preclude our entrance into God’s Kingdom, the costume of purity with which Jesus adorns us presents us to God as acceptable.

The choice of the costume of purity will indicate the true spiritual self, regardless of accumulated mud.

Remember as Stella Irving would say “You never get to know someone till they put their clothes on.”

You are invited to put on the clothing of Christ!

Epiphanies Await the Diligent!

Just as the wise men were guided to Bethlehem by scripture, King Herod also sought Scripture but with bad intent. We need scripture to find our way to Jesus. It was scripture that got the wise men to the specific place that Jesus was. It is scripture that will conclude our journey as well.

We can say that we will dedicate our work to God. We can say that we use our hobbies as a way of worshiping God. Those will surely show our service to God. But it will be through scripture that we are delivered to the birth-place of Jesus in our hearts.

This new year, as you receive your personal epiphanies and many they may be, use not only your own history,  not only your own past understanding of the world,  also use scripture that you may be faithfully and accurately delivered to Jesus.

Let us not maintain, as did Herod, Pilate, and the Pharisees, our own comfortable understanding of scripture. Let us allow scripture to enlighten us, even challenge us in our understanding that we may grow closer to Jesus.

I am convinced that Scriptural epiphanies await the diligent!

Review: Twila Paris "He Is Exalted"

Integrity Music owns copyright

    Not often do people write reviews for albums which are thirteen years old. But the live worship album “He is Exalted” by Twila Paris deserves another hearing.

    On this album, Twila presents a very faithful summary of the Christian faith. The songs chosen for this album speak of such Christian themes as glory, being loved, being saved, and spiritual comfort.

    Twila’s voice is well composed and pleasant to receive.

    The choir as backing vocals also brings a sense of sincere spiritual centering without which the music would be absent something significant and meaningful.

Lifted Higher

    I love the line… “see the passion in the art” ! Twila projects a passion for sure. And the theme of the song “his name is lifted”, well, 2.5 billion Christians live on this planet. Yes, his name is lifted.

     The chord changes inspire a sense of joy as they sing “higher, higher, higher”. You will find yourself singing along.

He is Exalted

        Obviously inspired by the many Psalms of the Old Testament.

        The drums and percussion emphasize and punctuate a musical paragraph of worship which seems to linger in the heart long after hearing it.

Hosanna

   “May you receive only honor in all that we do”

     Great guitar work. This song comes across like a soft-driving rock song.

All Things Work Together

Twila’s introductory narration of encouragement introduces a “declaration, a statement of faith” to the promise that “all things work together for those who are called”. Her voice is particularly comforting here.

God is in Control

           Another rock-driving sound, heavy on guitar and drums this song seems to envelop the soul with a steadfast faith that God is indeed in control.

Messiah

     Pulling forth the Old Testament promise of Messiah and making that Messiah real in a contemporary world. Just as the studio effect enhances the recording, Twila’s voice accentuates the prophetic voice in “Messiah”.

We All Bow Down

    Another inspiring introductory narration…

  “Let your kingdom come…in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, our families, relationships, in our church, that we may reflect you.”

The use of ascending, repetitive prepositional placement seems to lift you from an ordinary spiritual place to one of glory.

Days of Elijah

   This tune, heavy on guitar, should cause baby boomers to tune in to a new manifestation of “peace and love”!

Enter In

          “I open up the door to life forevermore” focuses very intimately on Twila’s vocal qualities. You can embrace her control and sincerity. The accompanying piano and strings accommodate the invitation to a spiritual “entering”.

You Are Holy

              A humble, yet glory-filled anthem of praise “You are worthy”!

  

We Have Seen Your Glory

     “The word became flesh”, this song is anchored in Scripture and moving in emotion.

Hold Me Close

   A slower moving ballad of surrender and faith, swelling strings serve as a backdrop of assurance and love.

The whole of the album is spiritually arresting and promises to rapture the spirit of any who would take the time to become still and allow the spirit to move through the tones, vocals, and instrumentations of this collection of song.

I would like to thank my friend Kim Wyman, a choir vocalist on this album,for introducing me to this singer and album.

Of course, I had previously heard Twila on the radio, but taking time to focus on her vocal qualities on a full album leaves me with a greater impression of her spiritual depth!

Jeordie exceeds on "Good Luck Sun"

As a child of the emerging context of rock music in the 1960s I name three producers who made a significant impact on my appreciation of such music.

Of course there was George Martin without whom the Beatles may have been a good but unremarkable band. There is Lou Adler who very masterfully mixed and “stereo-ized” the embracing vocals of the Mamas and Papas. And then there was the most impactful producer of my listening experience, Peter Schekeryk. Peter, producing the wonderful sounds of his wife, Melanie, created a range of music, sound, effect, and style that left him without category or equal.

   His lasting influence is evident in his daughter, Jeordie, who brings forth all of those same qualities and attributes in a faithful and natural manner on her latest CD “Good Luck Sun”.

   The most dramatic song on the album is “Feel” which sounds as if it were lifted faithfully out of the late 1960s San Francisco music scene and fused with a contemporary “feel” itself. The vocals, guitar work, and song sound to me very much as if Crosby, Stills, and Nash missed out by a couple of generations on who would have made them the most complete band of the late sixties and early seventies…Jeordie.

Just in time for Christmas, Jeordie provides the very entertaining, uplifting and somewhat humorous “Unwrap You”. With jingle bells, delightful melody and lyric, Jeordie speaks of Christmas as if it were the romantic holiday much superior to Valentines Day. Much fun!

My personal favorite “Everybody Wants What You’ve Got” prompts me to imagine it as a soundtrack for a late night on the desert in Arizona, around a fire, a couple holding each other, slow dancing, looking into each other’s eyes with the comfort of reconciliation as a canopy of stars enviably bear witness.

The whole album is great! It too defies being categorized as it blends rock, soul, blues, and country into a very pleasant sound experience. Each lyric, literate and emotionally consumable, causes the listener to anticipate the next with an eager sense of discovery much like opening a wrapped Christmas gift.

Jeordie, with “Good Luck Sun”, will cause you to “tune in” musically to a contemporary sound that invokes the wondrous talents and skill which preceded her in her mother and father.

Peter, I continue to honor you. Your daughter, Jeordie lives up to, and exceeds your expectations. Be proud!

I invite you to know more about Jeordie. Please visit www.Jeordie.com

You can keep up with her on Facebook also!

I further encourage you to purchase her new album. And do so soon!

Celebrating the White Album "May it serve you well."

   

photo by Keith Priser of Sally Priser's original release.

    On November 22, 1968 the Beatles released their first album as a group on their own record label “Apple”. It was catalogued as “The Beatles” but quickly became more commonly referred to as “The White Album” due to its white cover. Upon hearing it for the first time in 1968 when I was thirteen my impression was that it seemed to be a return to the Beatles natural progression in recording. While I regard “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” very highly, that album seems to be an explorative interruption from their more straightforward type of recording which had been absent the wizardry and gimmickry of studio tape manipulation. Not that Revolver or White Album contain no tape manipulation at all, “Tomorrow Never Knows” on Revolver is very studio-deep. It’s just that Sgt. Pepper exuberated on such technical aspects.

    On “The White Album” we hear a return to very strong vocals uncluttered of studio effect. There are hard-rock moments such as “Helter Skelter”, “Back in the USSR”. George continues with his religious “Long, Long, Long”. And Ringo closes the album with a John Lennon song “Good Night” which sounds like a family movie soundtrack.

    It was 1968. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy had been killed. NASA had landed a spacecraft on the surface of the moon and returned it to Earth (this was a trial run before they sent humans). John Carlos had attracted attention for his Black Power salute on the podium having won a gold medal at the Olympics. The movie “Wild in the Streets” had been released.

   The world, for this thirteen-year-old, had become intriguingly sophisticated in science and radicalized in politics. “The White Album” in all of its lyrics, instrumentation, and topics, seemed a concurrent musical articulation of the events which were emerging in history.

   While the Beatles of 1964-1966 offered a stage-performance focus on writing and recording which was light on ego, and Sgt. Pepper” was the artistic manifestation of the group’s collective ego, “The White Album” seemed to reconnect with the simple idea of album as a collection of individual songs unrelated to each other. The listener was relieved of the expectation to discover some ambiguous theme as was the case with Sgt. Pepper.

    After “Sgt. Pepper” I had expected the Beatles would continue toward yet more experimental recording, perhaps more deeply into philosophical and religious material. All summer in 1968 I had read reports of the Bealtes, their wives, and friends studying under the Maharishi. My anticipation as to what the next album would contain intrigued me and tickled my sense of imminent discovery. Though the “White Album” did not deliver on my expectations, it nonetheless was consistent with the Beatles knack for remaining relevant and timely to a broad audience.

  Mostly, “The White Album” was a return to the “Beatle Formula” (evasive as that is to define), with the additional attribute of being super-loaded with personal ego of the individuals.

   The singular exception to the “Beatle Formula” on this album is “Revolution Number 9”. A sound-collage of various recordings, it seems more appropriate to be on John and Yoko’s “Two Virgins” album. And yet, I grant that “Number 9” permits the “White Album” a bit of mystique it would otherwise lack.

   Please don’t take it that I insult the album. I love it! And this post is intended to celebrate the album.

 On November 22, take some time to listen to the whole album, or any part of it and “tune in” to the youth revolution of 1968!

 “May it serve you well!”

I invite you to read the review of the album by Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone Magazine dated December 21, 1968:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/review-the-beatles-white-album-186863/

Happy Birthday Sherry 2018

I just want to take the opportunity to say ”Happy Birthday” to my wife Sherry Borglum!

Sherry is supportive and encouraging in all things I am involved with.

When we went to the Ringo Starr concert, and I wore my Sgt. Pepper outfit, she was supportive! I’m sure many wives would have been embarrassed and would have tried to dissuade me from making a fool out of myself. Sherry seems to be quite accommodating at me making a fool of myself! That’s a rare and prized attribute!

   Also, Sherry is wonderful at finding gifts of importance to me.

   Knowing Jimmy Carter to be my favorite President, she acquired a personalized autograph from him.

 She surprised me with a painting I had shown interest in while in Berea Kentucky.

An inspiring pastor’s prayer.

A singing bowl for use during All Saints services

A puzzle from when we were dating. It has very personal, and private, significance.

Sherry, you are a wonder! Happy Birthday!

Hendricks County Courthouse

The original Hendricks County courthouse, designed by Isaac Hodgson and built in 1862, resides only on a mural in the rotunda of the 1912 building designed by Clarence Martindale.

Mr. Hodgson’s designs seemed to consistently sport a towering structure in the front-center.

 The current Martindale structure looks consistent with most Indiana courthouses I have seen.

   Upon entering the courthouse you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful and impressive rotunda which seems to pull you toward its center where, upon the floor, a tile star positions you perfectly to look up and be awed by the multicolored dome.

   Clean, white marble staircases invite you to explore upper level elements of architectural style.

   Perhaps built in 1912, but the Hendricks County Courthouse impresses as though it were build last month.

   Whoever attends to the cleanliness and upkeep of this property does an excellent job.

Putnam County Bridges and Indiana National Road

1891 bridge across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East

Last night, October 18, 2018, the Indiana National Road Association held our yearly business meeting and social dinner.

 

from left: Rene, Scott, and new friend Barry

I had an opportunity to catch up with my friends Scott and Rene Booker of Indianapolis. Scott is working on a book about US Route 40 as it travels through Indiana. I am looking forward to reading it as he has shared a couple of stories that will appear in the book. Quite humorous! One story has something to do with Fifi’s Lunch Box (a restaurant in Terre Haute) and a train conductor. But I’ll let Scott deliver that story with his gift for amusing intrigue in his book.

    One of the bits of information I learned last night was that there is this bridge in Putnam Count which crosses Deer Creek which I just had to see for myself. Indiana Landmarks describes it:

 “When the Indiana State High Commission made the decision in the early 1920s to construct a modern concrete bridge, the Putnam County Commissioners had the 1891 metal span disassembled and relocated upstream to become a crossing for County Road 25 East over Deer Creek. Waste not, want not!”

   

   As I love discovery of an obscure moment of history, I had to seek out that 1891 bridge. I must say; it is well hidden away and hard to find. It took me quite a while. So, I will deliver what I think are some informative details. The 1891 bridge does in fact rest across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East. You gain access to that one-lane, in the woods, road from the north side of US 40 as you travel west-bound approaching the lovely town of Putnamville. Notice a structure which looks as though it had at one time been a motel, County Road 25 East is just a brief moment to the west of that building. Turn right. You will arrive at a stop sign, please stop. And then continue on, very soon you will see the 1891 bridge in all of its rusting humility! I felt a connection to history!

   This 1891 bridge had been removed from its original location, just around the corner on County Road 550s. At the intersection of County Roads 25 East and 550s, looking west, you will see the 1923 cement bridge resting on what was the original National Road. Again, I felt a sense of presence with historic figures. 

1923 cement bridge

   Please note, if you visit these bridges, there are “No Trespassing Private Property” signs posted. Please respect those as well.

I invite you to visit the website for the Indiana National Road Association and consider becoming a member,

You can find out more about the Association at: http://www.indiananationalroad.org/

You are also invited to learn about our companion organization Indiana Landmarks at:

https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2016/07/deer-creek-historic-national-road/

Tipton County Courthouse and Second Blessing Thrift Store

   I love history! Nothing attracts my attention to historical site more than a county courthouse! I imagine the court proceedings that have taken place over the decades. I imagine folk getting marriage licenses, paying property tax, and living out other personal and civic responsibilities.

   Friday, October 12, 2018, Sherry and I traveled to Tipton Indiana. Tipton is the county seat and so I discovered another courthouse.

   The tower is impressive. I wonder how the clock is maintained. I wonder how narrow a stairway one must ascend to reach the mechanical aspects of the clock.

   The floor is actual, rather than synthetic, tile. It shows the craftsmanship of long forgotten workers.

   The courtroom, while unintimidating, presents itself as a “down to earth, all business” facility with the customary pictures of Washington and Lincoln.

I am told by the county assessor that the black iron staircase was the way the judge reached his office back in the day! Ascending that twisting walkway, one would have to exercise good judgment!

    The elected officials and staff I spoke to were very welcoming, pleasant and professional! Tipton County knows how to pick-'em!

    While I was taking photos of the courthouse, Sherry visited “Second Blessing” A church-sponsored thrift store in town.

   Once I arrive to reunite with Sherry, I got some photos there as well.

Larky, store clerk, was very helpful. She is very well invested in the store as a personal mission.

   If you happen to visit Tipton Indiana, I suggest you visit Second Blessing.

And tell Larky that Mike sent you!

    Second Blessing is located at:

138 E Jefferson St, Tipton, IN 46072

Cracks and Thumps: Lafollette to Elkhart

small creek before wooded area in Tennessee

       In late September of 1963, eight years old, I would walk to West End Grade school in Lafollette Tennessee. I would cross a small creek. I would then make my way through a wooded area and then up a steep hill. The school lay beyond the hill.

 

in 1963 this was all wooded area in Tennessee, steep hill upper right

   I remember along the way through the wooded area, in the moist, crisp fog, walnuts would fall. I heard them crack upon tree limbs and then thump upon the ground. That experience and memory comforts me as if God reassures me through my walk in life.

    After school, along the path back home, I would gather many of those walnuts and, with my grandfather’s hammer, crack them open for their fruit. My goodness did my hands become stained with walnut oils. It was all much fun!

 

Woodland Conservation Garden Wellfield Botanic Gardens

    This morning, walking along the Woodland Conservation Garden at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart Indiana, I was inspired again as I heard some nuts crack upon limbs and then thump upon the ground. I don’t know if they were acorns or hazelnuts, but squirrels seemed not to care much as they quickly grasped them and hurried along.

   Shallow rain puddles adorned the walkway as these squirrels jumped and skittered about.

   I love autumn. It is truly my favorite season.

   Also, neither acorns nor hazelnuts stain your hands!

If you get a chance, you ought to visit Wellfield Botanic Gardens for a wonderful seasonal experience!

You can read more about this place at their website:

 https://wellfieldgardens.org/

And tell them Mike sent you!

A gift of a Beatles ticket from Sharon

   The ticket pictured belonged to Sharon Sommers until she, as a wonderful gesture, gave it to me last night at the church’s Administrative Council Meeting.. Sharon has learned what a Beatles fan I am and figured it carried more sentimental value to me than ever it would to her. I explained that receiving it was “a very big deal, as if Neil Armstrong were to give you something related to his moon mission.” She responded “seeing the smile on your face is worth it!”.

   Sharon, far left in photo, serves as Financial Secretary at the Claypool United Methodist Church in Claypool Indiana, she serves food at our community dinners, and she serves to enhance my collection of Beatle memorabilia by her gift.

   She explains in her note, kept from 1964,  that she had been asked to go to this concert by a friend.

I asked her to describe the event. She said “It was loud!”

   I’m sure Beatle fans out there who, like me, were never able to attend a Beatle concert will understand…as I looked at the ticket, felt its texture, and “lived” her description of the event, I could almost imagine myself there at the Indiana Fairgrounds, outside, as a group of four people from England ascended the stage and performed a radically different popular music. I imagined the energized crowd of fans, perhaps still numb from the Kennedy assassination just months earlier, eager for some new, fresh experience to begin the process of a “cultural resurrection” of some kind.

Thank you, Sharon, for this great gift. Of course I shall cherish it along with your story which accompanies it. Imagine receiving such a gift at a church business meeting!

And also, I’m sure as many other Beatle fans read this, they are stirred with envy!

Mike's Once in a Lifetime Beatle Moment

South Bend Tribune photo by Andrew S. Hughes

Originally set to be at the Morris Performing Arts Center, it was moved to the Century Center

Mike and Son, Eric waiting for the doors to open.

Sir Richard Starkey, also known as Ringo Starr, former Beatle, performed along with his All-Starr Band at the Century Center in South Bend on Sunday, September 9, 2018.

   Having been a Beatle fan since that culture-defining moment on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964, I have always sought opportunity to be in presence of a Beatle. I was pleased when my Son, Eric informed me of this concert.

I immediately committed myself to attending. I purchased three VIP tickets the moment they went on sale. I planned to wear my Sgt. Pepper costume. I was going to make this event much more than an experience of rock and roll music. I intended to make it a once-in-a-lifetime celebration!

totally sold out

   Having purchased the Sgt. Pepper costume for a 50^th Anniversary Party for the Sgt. Pepper album in 2017, I felt wearing it may be my best chance of being recognized by Ringo. Our seats were close enough to the stage. And I made myself as prominent as I could without gaining unwanted attention from security. 

 And sure enough I was successful!

Ringo and band

 Often referred to as a “Shout Out” in concert vernacular, Ringo pointed at me and said from the stage “Sgt. Pepper, I see you there.” then, turning to the other side of the venue added “Sgt. Pepper is over here. You can’t see him, but he looks good.”

   Bam! Or whatever exclamation one may choose, I was recognized by a Beatle, by Ringo Starr, by one knighted by the Queen of England! Each of those three personal roles is significant to me in many ways.

    What may be a passing moment of trivial regard to most people is a story-worthy, self-esteem enhancing experience to me. After fifty-four years of me recognizing Beatles, one has finally noticed me!

    Feeling quite proud of my humble personal accomplishment, there is another, yet more satisfying experience to report.

   I was indeed hoping to get the attention of Ringo by wearing the Sgt. Pepper costume. But, it turned out to be something that enhanced the experience of other concert-attendees. Many people asked me to pose with them for selfies. I was pleased to say “Yes!”

This is Peggy who saw the Beatles live in 1964 and 1965

   That people would invite me to be part of their personal celebration and memorabilia of this singular moment made me feel very special, like a part of a huge family!

   I have often said “If one is willing to make a fool of one’s self, unexpected opportunities will present themselves!”

   I had fun at this concert!

   Of course who would not!

    Ringo, dressed in black leather pants, a t-shirt which looked as though it had photos of flowers imprinted upon it, and a jacket of plaid red and black adorned with sparkles, performed energetically and sang with strong voice.

    Even jumping about on stage to the beat of music, at age seventy-eight, I was impressed with his performance.

    Along with Ringo was his band, comprised of  Colin Hay ("Who Can It be Now", "Land Down Under"), Steve Lukather ("Africa", "Hold The Line", "Roseanna"), Gregg Rolie ("Black Magic Woman", "Evil Ways") and new member Graham Gouldman of 10cc ("I’m Not In Love", "Things We Do For Love").  On percussion and sax is Warren Ham and on drums Gregg Bissonette.

    As Ringo was singing "Don't Make Me Cry" it occurred to me "I wish Ringo would sing that with Mick Jagger!" Their voices would sound great together on that song.

    

    On the back of the Beatles 1967 “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” album there is this promise. “A splendid time is guaranteed for all.” Ringo continues to fulfill that promise!

I would like to thank my wife, Sherry, for taking the photos. Also, Sherry much enjoyed the concert. She especially enjoyed the Greg Rolie performance of Santana material.

South Bend Tribune photo by Andrew S Hughes
I stand in aisle making myself available for selfies

The Ghosts of Al Capone, Rita Hayworth at the Barbee Hotel

It is the provocative nature of legend that inspires poetry, song, and a sense of having been “in the room” or “witness to history in the making”. It is the creative nature of entertaining an audience, even of one, that accommodates the gift of story-telling.

   The Barbee Hotel on Barbee Lake in Kosciusko County Indiana accommodates legend and story-telling.

   Legend has it that Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Rita Hayworth, Al Capone and other such notable folk have stayed at the Barbee, and not only while they were living, but afterward as well.

  A brief survey of Google searches will confirm that these stories about ghosts, Prohibition day bad-boys and hide-away movie stars are many and multi-perspectived.

   Now, I don’t want to seem dismissive of these stories which many folk claim with a sense of “local pride”. By golly, I sincerely hope they are all true! But also, I know how the slightest suggestion of fact invites that fact to attract hearsay evidence and present it as “how-dare-you-contest-it” reputable.

My post here about the Barbee and its famous history is surely not to confirm or debunk the truth. I leave that to the haunts and their witnesses.

My intent is to celebrate the Barbee Hotel as the home of legend and story, to whatever degree of truth it may host.

   Sherry and I had dinner at the Barbee Hotel Restaurant tonight. The food was great. Amy, our waitress, provided excellent service!

    Sherry and I had sensible meals, but, when our waitress asked about desert, our spirits must have been inspired by the haunting cinematic history of the place and we felt like Indulgent movie stars. So, we shared a Black Raspberry Ombre Cake.

 But the reason why I wanted to have dinner there was to “be in the room” of the stuff of legend. Much like sailing a ship through the Bermuda Triangle, the story, the sincerity of belief of the tellers, means more to me than the factual qualities which may or may not be substantiated. The sensationalism of folklore is much more appealing to me than the dry fact of someone’s supposed signature on an ancient hotel register.

So what if Al Capone stayed in room 301! So what if he did not!

I hope with all that I am that after I depart there will be stories that Mike Settles stayed in some notable hotel, drove some unique automobile or otherwise made wonderfully great some otherwise good but common thing or place. I envy Rita Hayworth her continuing role as a spirit at the Barbee. I hope that the ghost of Mike Settles haunts some movie theater or restaurant thereby enriching its legendary cultural identity.

I invite you to visit the Barbee for dinner.

And tell them Mike sent you. They will still insist that you pay.

You can find out more about the Barbee Hotel at:

https://www.facebook.com/Barbee-Hotel-112898158721460/