Monday night we gathered to pay tribute to our friend Rick Hendricks.  It was a very emotional night that took on a more profound meaning for us all when, halfway through the evening, we got the news he had died.  I wanted to share some of it with folks who weren't able to come, or couldn't stay all night  Together we created a remarkable event that said so much about how we all love Rick and how powerful we are as a community.  Nine different groups (plus extra folks sitting in!) that all had a strong musical connection to Rick played their music for him.  An enormous amount of people were crowded into Amnesia Bar.  The event raised $755.00 for the Coming Home Hospice where Rick spent his final days.

The contributions were incredibly heartfelt and the moments to remember were endless.  Shawn McGee opening the doors and saying - “forget bluegrass Mondays, tonite is for Rick.”  Belle and the Brewglass Boys joined by Kevin Johnson on Rick's “Long Lonesome Day” and the “Johnson County” sing-along with lyric sheets for all - great idea Pam!  Steve Norris, who introduced me to Rick in 1991, giving a compact display of harmonica virtuosity.  Doug Wiliford coming to video the event.  The Babar Jug Band getting more people (was it 20?) on the Amnesia stage than have possibly ever been there before, and blowing us away with “I'll Fly Away.”  The tremendous amount of cooperation by all the musicians in getting on and off stage quickly in an extremely tight space and time frame. Ted Kratter and friends - a late addition, with “Catfish John” and the line that settled on you - “I was proud to be his friend.“  Misisipi Mike making a poster that just made me cry when I saw it.  Jivano's Cutlery Service - I first met Jivano as he was holding Rick's hand at the hospice last Friday. It was a real treat to hear his music and think of Rick playing those tunes along with him.  Russ Roesner snapping tons of photos, showing the best ones around.  The Anchor Band - the fucking Anchor Band! - Horns! - these folks can party! - with the addition of Bay View Boat Club Bruno sitting in.  Mike and Anne Altman from Iron Springs Pub in Fairfax - not only there in spirit but they sent beer along for all the musicians - how cool is that?  The Jiffy Mellows with Misisipi Mike filling in on guitar (and doing a way better version of Rick's “Young Love” than the Shut-Ins ever did - I thought that was Rick's first tune, but someone said it was “Long Lonesome Day” - anybody know for sure?) Jimmy and Mark and everyone shared many deep, honest expressions of their feelings for Rick. 

Our sound man - sorry I didn't get his name - wrestling mics, etc., for an ever changing stage set up (nine bands - what a hassle!). Steve Dirkin and friends rocking out (with horns!) on “Dead Flowers.”  Pam showing up with a bigger-than-life-size poster of Rick to put onstage to oversee the proceedings. The Shut-Ins (more horns!) - astoundingly coherent given the hour - remembering the Rick songs: “Grandfather's Clock” and his own “Reno.”  Gayle Lynn singing “Norma Jean” with Jordan Klein playing Rick's licks right off the record.  All of the hugs….

Most of all, it was incredible to be with so many of Rick's friends and loved ones when we heard the news he had died.  Rick's daughter Kelsey was there, as were many, many long time friends like Dennis Montalto and Joe Byrnes and Rick's friend from the music community.  As hard as the moment was when we heard the news, it was better to all be together.  

Thanks to all the musicians and contributors for bringing so much.  Overwhelmed and thankful, Tom Drohan

Ted Silverman and Gayle Schmitt both wrote about the evening.  Gayle's is below, Ted's is at: http://www.cbaontheweb.org/rea…..mp;search=

Dear friends,

I’m not sure if all of you have heard the sad news of Rick Hendricks’s passing last night, December 7 around 10 PM. For me it was deeply sad but beautifully appropriate to receive the news in the middle of the musical tribute to Rick at Amnesia Bar. I know many of you were there and experienced the chilling moment when Tom and Rick’s very close friends, Dennis and Joe, announced his passing from the stage. Could Rick have hoped for a more perfect way for us all to hear the news? At a bar where Anchor Steam is on tap, where his friends are playing music he used to play, songs he’s written, drinking too much and sharing life? I felt like we were all at the village square hearing the news of one of our neighbors. Rick despised email and I’m sure cell phones which is of course how we all would have received the news had he not died right then. Plus it seemed like he was with us then – free from that terrible illness – I mean when would Rick ever miss such a great gig?

I love being part of this musical village with all of you, I feel very fortunate and grateful to have such creativity and support and love fill my days. This morning I was so sad realizing the quirky, enthusiastic, loving, hopeful, nïave, beautiful singing and guitar playing being that was Rick Hendricks is no longer with us. I know we have a lot of memories with many more on the way but I’m so sad today.

Love to you all, Gayle