Bands, lovers, friends, (Romans? Countrymen?),

Steve Oliva here, co-founder of The Club is Open Festival, and junior partner in its organization and promotion.  Of course, that's only if you consider "co-founder" to mean "one of the two wise-asses sitting at the 506 on a February night, swilling Orange Whips and drunkenly bloviating about 'leaving a mark on this town, man.'"  (I, in fact, do consider this a reasonable definition.  Don't take this away from me, you bastards.)  Before we kick this deal off tonight, I wanted to say a quick word or two about everything that's gone into it.  Bear with me for just a few, and then I'll get back to writing dick humor and vague threats on the Rat Jackson page, and you can get back to huffing paint fumes for recreation.

This thing started, as mentioned earlier, way back in February (ah, to be young again… *sigh*), with the idea that we would put together a big party as a sort of going away bash for Rusty and the jokey band we play in together.  (It turns out, though, that both will be sticking around.  Lucky you!)  The list of bands we wanted to ask to do this grew way too long for any sort of small event, and the idea for a week-long festival, with no competing shows, was born.  The idea to give all the proceeds to charity (hear that ladies?) dove-tailed nicely, and so we added that wrinkle.  And from there, we were off.  Beth and Jay Kutchma turned us on to the idea of linking up with Carolina for Kibera way back at the beginning, and since then, their help has been integral, with Beth basically holding our hands all the way up to this point.  Our gratitude to you, Beth, is immeasurable.  Thank you.

I didn't hack into this site to write a time-line, though.  (Brace yerselves here, because I am, for once, going to be extremely earnest… don't worry, more immaturity and offensive ribaldry to come down the road.)  I wanted to say thank you, for everyone to see, to my best friend, and the real spearhead behind this festival, Rusty Sutton.  Most of you have probably assumed to this point that Rusty was the sole driving force, the main man, the problem-solver, and the brains of this entire operation.  I am here to tell you that all of those assumptions are correct.  I have seen him work as hard and as diligently at this project as anyone I know has ever worked at anything.  His commitment has been total, his effort tireless.  Anyone in any way associated with this festival has spoken or e-mailed with him repeatedly, and knows him to be professional, courteous, and intelligent.  I have done my best to help him with whatever he has needed or asked for.  That is to say, I've not done much. 

This festival is, more than anything, the culmination of the almost five months of diligent effort and tireless attention to all detail of one Rusty Sutton.  It has been one of the pleasures of my life to help him with this project, and I am overcome with pride and excitement as its commencement draws near.  So bands, fans, and friends alike, I ask you; take a moment and let the big guy hear it.  Thanks for yer support, and we'll see you at the club.

.. ..

Steve