Last Saturday night I sat in the Mean Bean Caffeine Lounge in Delaware, Ohio and thought about how lucky I was. Here I was sipping on a java listening to this incredible original music, watching these talented players and the thought runs through my head. "You know what? These people are my friends."

Gina "Rie" Lewis started off the evening with her exceptional vocal ability. Showcasing it perfectly as she delivered beautiful songs, full of pain and joy and hope. The bluesy "Real Roses Only Please" was, for my taste, the best vocal I have heard from her as she delved into the grittier parts of her palate.

Jeff Dernlan was next up and, as usual, delivered the kind of performance that had me sitting there thinking, "how am I supposed to follow this?" He played several cuts from his new (unreleased) record Cobblestone and even took a request for the weighty "World of Sin" delivering it in a way that left people hanging on every lyric.

Fortunately for me, I took the stage with the back-up of Mike Jackson and Keith Flint. Both of whom dove into the songs with a fervor adding nuances and layers that really brought the tunes to life.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as I looked around the room that night. My friends, talented, thoughtful, amazing people these are the kind of people I consider friends.

Here was a review that was emailed to me:

What (we) loved about last night is that the music was central…we could concentrate on the music and enjoy the messages and stories. For us children of the 70s it was a throw back to the hippie coffee shop era where the music and story was central. Great experience. Love your passion and the addition of Jackson on electric. I met Gina and chatted … she's very nice. You have some great friends.