When I first moved to San Diego from my small hometown in
Missouri nearly 27 years ago, aside from family and friends, the feeling of
community was something I missed the most.
Maybe it was something I idealized in my head (I was so young back
then), but Barnett, with its grand total of 203 residents, seemed to have that
sense of fellowship, neighborhood and shared values. It wasn’t until my mid-30s
when I ventured out of my small cave of books, my doctoral studies and work
that I discovered San Diego is full of community. Since then I have found it in my volunteer work with the San Diego Junior League, Habitat for Humanity, my gym CrossFit East County and especially within the San Diego music scene. As I attend
more concerts it is comforting to see the same familiar faces of other fans. There’s also a feeling of support between the
musicians. It is not uncommon for them to join together on stage. Don’t get me
wrong; I am not saying it’s a blissful utopia, I’m sure there are a lot of
behind the issues I do not see, but it’s refreshing nonetheless.
You’re probably wondering where are you going with
this? Actually I have a few points, last
week I had the pleasure of hearing Tim Flannery and friends play twice around
San Diego. Don’t discount Flannery’s
roles as a former Padres player and current 3rd base coach for the
San Francisco Giants, but he has a heart as big as his voice. As I hear him more and listen to his stories
and music I can’t help but picture him as the icon for this idea of community I
am referring to. Not only because of his music, but also for his way of
bringing so many musicians together and all he does to give back.
The Venues
First, I heard Tim Flannery with Randi Driscoll and Shawn
Rohlf at the Cardiff by the Sea Library.
The mission of the friends of the library is “…to aid and support the Cardiff-by-the-Sea branch of the San Diego
County Library; to maintain a membership of persons interested in the library
and the community; to focus public attention on library services, facilities
and needs; to help the library be responsive to the needs of the community; and
to expand the resources of the library.” Every first Wednesday they bring performers
to the community. The events are free to
the public. They even provide snacks, but encourage donations. I later found out more than 160 people
attended that evening. The concert was
only an hour very relaxed and cozy.
Saturday I traveled to Fallbrook to hear Tim
Flannery and the Lunatic Fringe play at the Mission Theatre. True to the description on their website the
theatre was very enchanting, pleasant and quaint. There wasn’t a bad seat in
the house and I definitely felt the small town vibe.
The Music and the Musicians
 |
| Eve Selis and Marc Twang |
I have heard Tim perform many times. I immediately bought his new CD “Outlands”
after hearing a small teaser at a Steve Poltz show. The evening at the Mission Theatre was my
first time hearing the whole band live.
Let’s just way I was completely blown away!!! Tim Flannery was joined onstage by Dennis Caplinger, Jeff Berkley, Doug Pettibone, Randi Driscoll, Shawn Rohlf, and Dean
Smith. They played many of the songs
featured on the Outlands album along with some other favorites. There was even a surprise guest appearance by
Calman Hart, Jeff Berkley (again), Eve Selis and Marc Twang. It was pure musical heaven for this fan. I
can’t even describe the chemistry between the musicians, their positive energy
and how incredible they sounded.
There was definitely the feeling of community I
explained earlier. Tim Flannery
explained how all of the proceeds from the concert and album sales would be
given directly to the Bryan Stow family. If you don’t know about the
heartbreaking story, Bryan Stow, a Giants fan, was viciously attacked outside
of the Dodger Stadium in 2011. To this
day Bryan needs 24 hour care. Tim
Flannery is dedicated to assisting with this support. To the Stow family Flannery
not only provides some sustainability for the challenges that lie ahead for
them, but also a restored sense of humanity that there are genuine goodhearted
people in this sometimes crazy society. To the world he gives us songs about
life, history and love. When I hear him
sing “Hillbilly Rain,” “Tornado Song” and “Bourbon County” I am reminded of my
own experiences growing up in a small midwestern town. When I hear him tell the story about “Kerry
Town” I am inspired to research and read more about Billy the Kid. “Footprints
of Love” his song for his dance with his daughter on her wedding day provides a
new sense of hope the love he speaks of does exist. Well the song and seeing his beautiful wife Donna of 32 years at the merch table.
Randi Driscoll is such inspiration. She is also an
avid supporter of the community. She responds
to human tragedies the ugly sides of life.
Her songs “What Matters” and “Love Is” provide support for the Matthew
Shepard family and their efforts to help erase hate. She held the True Beauty Benefit in support
of ARCh (Association for the Right of Citizens with Handicaps). She contributed the track “Angel Choir” to
the “Introducing Angel Songs” a charity CD to support Newton, CT and Sandy Hook
victims. Personally, her song “There’s
Always Time for Life” is the song I have chosen for motivation and encouragement
for 2014. This is for another blog, but
if asked the question if I could have lunch, heck forget lunch I’d take 20
minutes, with anyone who would it be? Without hesitation I would say Randi
Driscoll.
 |
| Shawn Rohlf |
You’ve probably seen Shawn Rohlf around town performing
with Steve Poltz, Sara Petite or at the Hillcrest Farmers Market with his group
Shawn Rohlf and the Buskers. I recently purchased his CD “Tiny Xs” and I love
it. I haven’t heard his band live yet, but it is definitely on the top of my list
for 2014.
Dennis Caplinger, Doug Pettibone, and Dean Smith are
also on my radar for 2014. Berkley Hart
Selis Twang…you’re going to have to wait to hear more about them. I am actually
getting ready to go to their concert at the Carlsbad New Village Theatre.
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