There are many memories that stand out about my time with the Jackass Menagerie. However, there are 2 that really stand out. The first was when we played at the YMCA crafts fair. It took us about 45 minutes to set up, though we were supposed to be set up in 10 minutes, so we only had about 20 minutes to play. It was actually a great show. We never did get asked back. My band, Uncle Larry had played the year before and were well received. So, when they asked us back, I suggested my "other band". It was really supposed to be an acoustic thing, but I really wanted us to play out:>)

Another favorite memory I have is with Nicholas. After we finished recording our CD live in one day of recording, we needed to help mix and master it. Nicholas and I drove to the DC area to meet up with Brian who had recorded the CD. We spent a very long day mixing it and we had a blast. We stopped and stayed over at one of Nicholas's friends on the way home (really cool folks). This was a great learning experience and bonding moment that I will never forget. 

I have a couple of memories that stand out. First one was playing in some dive bar in the middle of nowhere in West Virginia. It was one of those seedy, dark, smoke filled bars full of serious rednecks. We set up and folks were staring us down from the bar. We started to play and you could see that we were not what they were looking for. We were a classic country band and they were a modern pop country crowd. We played the whole night and I don't think one person acknowledged our presence the entire evening. 

Another favorite memory was of course Larigras. The band surprised me by celebrating Lari-gras instead of Mardi-gras. The entire crowd pulled out Larry masks. It was embarrassing and flattering all at once.

Another great memory was when we played at Stepping out in the center of Blacksburg. There were thousands of people hanging out listening to us. It was a real trip.   

We only played a few gigs together as Cody and Company, but my favorite gig was when we played in Candy Woodbury's barn. It was so beautiful. Jerry Perron had bid on a dinner at an auction and they hired us to be the entertainment for the dinner. The barn was decked out including a menu. The people were so wonderful and we played a heck of a show. Very fun! 

3 things really stand out about my time with the Hickory Horned Devils. The first is a fond memory of driving down to New Jersey/New York and playing at a celebration of life/funeral. It was a heart warming event. 

Another fond memory is of the time that we all stayed at Will and Britt's cabin in Maine and hung out, swam in the river, and played music all weekend. 

Another memory that stands out is of a time when Ray and I drove to Blacksburg, VA to attend Bill Richardsons annual July 4th celebration. The time we spent talking was inspirational and the music that we played that weekend was incredible. I was so inspired by Ray that I wrote the song Mississippi based on the tales of his life. 

We only played one show live, but it was awesome. We played at the New Boston Fair and we rocked so hard that Robbie Cramped up and Sam Perron had to swoop in and finish off the night on drums having never rehearsed with us. Nice job Sammy! 

I wish I could have played a while longer with these guys. They were so talented. We made a good run. 2 favorite memories stand out. The rehearsals were really fun. I liked working on originals with them and playing so many different instruments. One thing about trying to play out while playing so many instruments is a serious set up challenge. It took us about an hour and a half to set up. Then trying to play in the band, play several instruments and sing and also do sound all at the same time was just too much for me. I was wearing too many hats at once. Especially after all those years of setting up and breaking down all the sound gear with all my previous bands. Our most memorable gig for me was a private party in Bradford that was supposed to be the Tyler Road band. They could not play, so we borrowed Drew on Cajone and one of Ross's Friends Nick Pangaro, mando, guitar, vocals and harmonica, and my old band mate Cody Howe on guitar and vocals. The music was outstanding. We pulled together a couple of seriously rockin' sets.