JOHN DADY IS BACK UP ON THE HORSE!

Getting back up on the horse after a devastating loss is something many of us must confront. Some choose to move forward, while others do not. My loss occurred in 1966 when I suddenly went blind. I, like John Dady, chose to get back on the horse and start riding, and I have a strong admiration for those who do. John, however, despite all the heart break he experienced during the past year, is not only back on the horse, but he is riding it like a winning jockey in the Kentucky Derby. The show he delivered yesterday in Quiote at Rio Tomatlan was simply outstanding! John’s incredible voice, exquisite guitar playing, heart-felt songs, and terrific ability to tell stories enthralled a packed house for two timeless hours. His humorous stories about his life with Joe on the road had the audience smiling through their tears. As a tribute to Joe he got the audience to sing along with two of Joe’s classics, “Man with a Banjo” and “By the Lord,” both songs bringing a thunderous applause from the audience. Maria Gillard and Scott Regan, two of our regular singer/songwriters in the series, were in the audience, and as a special treat, John had them do a couple of songs from their collaborative album, A LITTLE LUCK. It added a beautiful touch to an already perfect afternoon, and the crowd loved it! Congratulations to John for his upcoming induction into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Yesterday’s performance only verified this well-deserved honor! I’ll leave you with a video of John and Joe playing “Minstrel Man,” in their 2018 show in Quiote, "Minstrel Man."

Big thanks to John for a terrific show! Big thanks to Maria Gillard and Scott Regan for adding a nice touch to the afternoon! Big thanks to Raf, Erin, Teresa, Trevor, Hanna, Noah, Julie, and the rest of the staff at Rio for all the help you give us to make this event work! Big thanks to Scott Regan for promoting these shows on WRUR’s “Open Tunings!” Big thanks to you, the audience, for your continuous support of this venue! Without you, it would not be possible! Our next show in Quiote is on Mar. 8. Ben Haravitch (AKA Benny Bleu and member of The Brothers Blue) and Tyler Westcott (member of FolkFaces, the observers, Jazz Juice Band, etc.) will be our guests. There will be music for the brunch at Rio from Noon until Benny and Tyler take the stage at 3 PM. Stay tuned for more details about this show and “Sunday Music at Rio!”