Jan's Blob

Photos: above Three Doug Knight, from left to right Doug Knight, Speedy Arnold and Alice Knight; right Doug Knight on banjo with Joan Crane, Rod Driscoll and other musician friends. (photos courtesy David Bradford)

Saturday, November 8 I had the privilege of sharing the evening with Doug Knight and over 700 of his friends at a benefit concert for Doug at Ausable Valley Central School. I was just thrilled to be there, enjoying some of the finest talent this region has to offer. Doug Knight is a greatly talented man and his equally talented pals came out in full force out to lend their musical abilities to make the evening one of the finest events I've ever seen and heard.

I remember thinking at one point, "It's like the being at the Grand Ole Opry," as talented musicians came out to play about four songs each and then another group would take the stage. Doug later made reference to the Grand Old Opry as well - we were thinking alike.

I felt like my life was flashing before my eyes (and ears) as bands and musicians I have enjoyed for decades came out to entertain the packed auditorium and the overflow crowd in the school's cafeteria. The cafeteria people were able to see the concert thanks to a video feed that was piped in there, thanks to a team headed up by my pal Allison Arnold.

Doug has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. To my ear (I only have one I can hear in) and the other 1400 plus ears in the school, it has not affected his ability to entertain and enthrall an audience. Doug, Alice (Doug's wife) and Speedy (Arnold) received more than one standing ovation and they were in fine tune as they delivered great music with their usual humorous commentary (my favorites were "Iko, Iko" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (yes from the "Wizard of Oz"). Doug was a pillar of strength and greatly inspiring as he spoke of how he greatly misses the kids on his bus run since he has had to resign from driving to focus on his recovery; he spoke of his Dad and other family members he has lost to ALS and how he will focus on finding a cure for ALS to make the world better for others, especially his own two sons. His voice cracked a few times but as he said, "I'm surprised I'm not a blubbering idiot up here." His strength and character was awe inspiring as was that of Alice and Speedy and all his close friends.

Other musicians included Joan Crane, the acoustic group Crossing North, country-folk trio Bear Tracks, Eric Gibson of the fabulous Gibson Brothers (Eric's son joined him on stage and did a fine job on mandolin - the Gibson musical future is secure), the Two Tall String Band, harper Martha Gallagher, as well as Skip Smithson, Jeff Rendanaro, and Steve Light. It was great to see Junior Barber again. I remember seeing him decades ago playing his dobro at Channel 57. My old pal and former radio colleague Charlie Stone shared the emcee duties with Speedy Arnold. Charlie and I were both volunteers at Mountain Lake Public Radio in Plattsburgh for a great five year run.

The evening was a successful fundraiser as well. Well done everyone and thank you for the music. Godspeed on your recovery Doug!