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Roy
Firefly
USA
2627 Posts |
 Posted - 01/01/2007 : 10:34:16
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When Gathering III took place, there was one person who supplied the glue that held it all together. There was very little organization of the musical presentations...none of us had a clue regarding what to expect, one of the main reasons for that event was to provide some type of closure for the Porch People who came to Austin. We had lost our friend and musical icon with no opportunity to morn together.
Enter Ron Lyons and his exceptional audio bio of Mickey Newbury, "An American Treasure".
Over a hundred of us sat for an hour as we heard for the first time his labor of love. When it ended, there wasn't a dry eye in the room and I'll never forget the standing ovation that was given to Ron as he walked from the back of the room to the stage. We had our closure.
I can't remember Ron's exact words, but I believe he said that other than his wedding and the birth of his children, this was his proudest moment. It was an exceptional moment for all of us who were there, one I will never forget.
At Gathering IV, Ron was there to introduce each and every person who played. There was a special time when he did a recitation of something he had writen as Marie and Jonmark played behind him. It sent chills through all who were there.
At Gathering V, Larry Moore and I tried in vein to take some of the MC duties off of him, but there was no comparison. He was The Voice of the Gatherings and it was foolish to try to replace him.
Last year, not only did he introduce and provide a small bio of all who performed, he produced the sound track for each of the production numbers, including the fantastic opening that set the stage for the rest of that wonderful event.
I am told that it would be a miracle if Ron could be at Gathering VII. I believe in miracles...I'm not taking his name down from the list of those who have stated they will attend. I know that nobody can replace him, and I can't think of anyone who might even try to do what he has done in the past. He has had as much to do with the growth of these annual events as anyone. Laura Shayne said that he,
"made a difference". He has left his mark on all who have known him and many who never had the chance to shake his hand.
Love is an overused word. In Ron's case, it doesn't say enough. I love Ron Lyons and I'm proud that he's my friend. God, I'm asking for a miracle! |
Edited by - Roy on 01/01/2007 16:03:49 |
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Laura-Shayne
Swinger
USA
680 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2007 : 08:35:39
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| Amen. |
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larry larry
Firefly
USA
3814 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2007 : 19:29:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Laura-Shayne
Amen.
Same from me, Roy. God, I can't believe I'm agreeing with Laura Shayne about anything. She's still just a punk kid in my book.
LL |
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Lee F.
Firefly
USA
2550 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2007 : 11:17:49
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| AMEN ALSO!!! What a voice of the Gathering!!Praying he will be up to par and his usual great self by this Gathering!!! |
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Bill Smith
Windchimer
2361 Posts |
Posted - 06/18/2007 : 11:18:50
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| I'm counting on giving my buddy Ron another big old bear hug in Austin! |
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Roy
Firefly
USA
2627 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2007 : 20:17:21
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Bill...I wish I could say that Ron will be there in person, but it's not going to happen. It's breaking his heart, but the travel would just be to hard on him at this time. He's called several folks here on the board to let them know his regrets, but I held out hope that his condition would change for the better.
We will be with is in spirit and we will have a touch of Ron in the program. |
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Gloria
Rocker
USA
289 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2007 : 21:18:47
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Just wanted to tell all of you it was a real treat to spend time via the net with all of you this weekend. and my husband is in trouble because it will be the last one I will miss in person.
See you all next year.
Gloria Comingore |
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Roy
Firefly
USA
2627 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2007 : 21:12:46
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We will hold you to that, Gloria.
It really can be a life changing event. That's hard for some people to understand, but Mickey told me several times how the Porch People were alike in many ways...but the most important one was they way that they shared the love of music and the love for each other. We kid a lot on the Porch...sometimes you might think that Larry really does have a problem with Dave..or I pick on him a lot...but the truth is that we all love and respect each other.
The artists who come to the Gatherings are blown away by the appreciation that is shown to them. They are used to playing bars and places where they have to sing over people talking, such is not the case at a Gathering. Those that come...do so to hear the music.
It was such an honor to have Paul Colby back for a second time. It took a big effort for him to be there...confined to a wheel chair now, this man who is a part of music history, wanted to return because of his experience at Gathering VI. When you can impress someone like Paul, you've done something.
We'll look forward to meeting you in person next June. |
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