Bob Lucas, Ruthie Allen, et al at the Bus-Chum

[Jeff Foster]

I'm wondering how many folks here saw the reunion concert last night at the Buskirk-Chumley that Mark Haggerty organized, "When the Chickens Come Home to Roost". We had the legendary Bob Lucas, Ruthie Allen, Caroline Peyton and Mark Bingham drop into town, accompanied by many other local musicians who either never left Bloomington or have since returned (seems to be a trend, that). These are all players who were part of the music scene back in the 60s and 70s, who did so much to shape Bloomington's highly creative counter-culture in those halcyon days.

For me the high point was getting to play a bit. Stella & Jane (I play guitar in the band) opened the show. So I got free admission. Nice little perk. lol

But even better than that was to hear Bob Lucas again. His beautiful tenor voice was in good form, he played his banjo like there was no tomorrow, and his command of the stage was as easy-going and uplifting as ever. As an old Eclectricy fan and friend of the band, I could only have wished that Willie Schwartz and Miriam Sturm had been there, too. Now THAT would be a reunion to catch!

Anyway... anybody else catch the show?

[Bob Stoner]

Had a great time!! Bob, Caroline and Mark were great. Should have heard more of them. Wish more of the accomplished musicians of the time had been playing as well, eg. Jeff Foster, Brian Paulson, John Rau, the String Bean String Band, Frank Jones, Bill Schwartz, and many of the Needmore folks. It was nice to hear the street musicians, but it was great to hear the greats!