March 14, 2009 - Crystal Lake Holiday Inn

Third year in a row for the Marian Central Alumni Dinner and Auction. Crystal Lake is a hike and a half for most of us. Thankfully Peter McCormack took all the equipment after the last Hackney's gig and took care of set up hisself. Admirably done, sir.

We've been blessed in the past few months by having our merry group of weekend warriors augmented by some of the most talented musicians in Chicago. Last night was no exception. Mike Bazin sat in on tenor, Rich Clark on trombone, and a 1st timer - trumpet savant Kirk Garrison. Kirk blew some amazing shtuff from the back row. Claudia, who was all hopped up on Dayquill, manned up and dealt with the ravages of a cold and temperature. There was a cash bar, so the merriment was somewhat muted by $4.50 Heinikens. Here's Phil drinking from the carton again.

Herder's 'Bus of Fun', carrying Vince, Phill, John Ruf and Jim Byrnes, made an unscheduled stop at the Crystal Lake Denny's. The new 'Grandslamwhich', is pretty freakin good, but the maple flavorred bread is more of a distraction than an asset. Just sayin.