Aside from the tragic events of Friday night/Saturday morning in Hastings, it was an excellent weekend for BAD DAZE. The crowd at DAVEY's Saturday night was, as always, perfect, and our debut at PELLEGRINE's, Altoona, the next night couldn't have been better. HARRY and the rest of the crew at PELLY's were awesome, JIM PRICE was in the house and the party atmosphere and full room of kick-ass partiers were killer. Thanks to all involved.
Back to the tragedy in Hastings. We cannot express our grief and condolences enough to the families of those three people lost in the horrible house fire. A 50-year-old woman, her 15-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old little boy, all trapped inside the house, died early Saturday morning.
I can tell you, there is nothing more painful, surreal or disturbing than the smell of smoke from a blaze that claimed lives. When I arrived for our show, that smell, coupled with the ominous vision of the gutted home right across the street, hit me hard in the chest.
As news of the fire reached us Saturday afternoon, we struggled with how we could throw a "party" in the wake of this disaster. What we tried to do was put a positive twist on the emotions of the night and we were able to, at the very least, collect some money for the families.
Those who came to party gave very generously and we want to thank the quality people at DAVEY's for their thoughtfulness. The night was successful because people — many of whom didn't know the victims or the families — gave without hesitation. They gave from their hearts.
When the fire broke out, DAVEY and JUSTIN from DAVEY's didn't blink, didn't think, they just grabbed a ladder and ran across the street to start pulling whoever they could out of the burning house. They, along with local firefighters and police officials who responded in minutes, saved three people who would've otherwise perished.
Selflessness: This is what being "neighbors" on this planet is all about. Thank God for people who don turnout gear and enter burning buildings every day. Thank God for people like Davey Gunther and Justin Goss who react when it's time to react, who put others before themselves — who do the right thing.
Don't take these types for granted. Hold them in high esteem. Thank them for their service, their compassion, their gigantic hearts.
r:>)
I'd like to bring my acoustic act (there's 4 of us) and/or jam with any musician there. I'd bring my drum kit and let all the bands use it. I'll bring my conga and tamborine for all to use too. 
