amidst the stormy backdrop.
What a night to remember! On July 11, 2025, the skies above Rams Riverhouse seemed determined to test our resolve with torrential rains, fierce winds, and even tornado warnings. As we drove into town under ominous clouds, our excitement about performing with legendary saxophonist Paul Weddle kept spirits high, even as we became thoroughly drenched hauling our gear inside.
The Challenges and the Triumph
Load-in was truly an adventure. Wind gusts and driving rain made it difficult just to get our equipment through the door. As we shook off water and started setting up, the question lingered: would anyone brave such monsoon-like conditions to join us?
After completing what seemed like a successful soundcheck, we confidently started our first song—only to be interrupted 15 seconds in by loud crackles, pops, and sudden silence as the mixer abruptly shut down. We quickly switched to a backup mixer, only to encounter the same distressing sounds again. With tension rising, Tom noticed an erratic red light flickering on one of the mixer channels. Thankfully, we discovered a faulty keyboard cable was the culprit. Once replaced, everything finally fell into place. Third time truly was the charm!
Musical Highlights
From the moment we overcame the technical hurdles, the show took off spectacularly. Opening with energetic classics like “Be-Bop-A-Lula” and “Hello Mary Lou,” we immediately connected with an enthusiastic audience determined to enjoy the night despite the storm.
Setlist Standouts
- “New York State of Mind” showcased Paul’s incredible musical instincts and powerful sax solos, elevating the soulful vibe of the evening.
- “The Way You Look Tonight”, beautifully sung by Paul himself, captured the room with its timeless charm.
- “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty was an undeniable highlight. Paul’s rendition of that iconic saxophone riff thrilled everyone present, and it’s already on our must-repeat list.
- “Spooky” was a crowd favorite, made even more special because Paul has toured with the Classics IV—the very band known for this hit. He took full advantage of the venue, weaving through the crowd and mesmerizing everyone with his engaging performance.
A Night with Paul Weddle
Playing alongside Paul Weddle was extraordinary. Paul’s extensive experience touring with legendary artists like the Doobie Brothers, B.B. King, and Elton John was evident in every note. His effortless sax playing added layers of sophistication to our music, gracefully complementing vocal lines, creating dynamic fills, and delivering thrilling solos. Paul’s generous musicality truly brought our sound to a whole new level.
The camaraderie and mutual enjoyment we experienced were unmistakable. After the final notes faded, we lingered for nearly an hour in conversation, sharing stories and expressing our genuine excitement to collaborate again in the future.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
despite the stormy weather.
We’re deeply grateful to Steve Baxter, owner of Rams Riverhouse, for his generous hospitality and unwavering support. It warmed our hearts to see so many familiar faces, including our good friend Paul Ganahl—who hosts fantastic open mics at Rams Riverhouse and our favorite Port Byron venue, Tuggers—as well as Tom’s parents, wife Malissa, and son James, who all braved the stormy weather to support us.
Most importantly, a massive thank you goes out to the resilient and enthusiastic audience. Your energy and applause made this evening incredibly special, turning what could have been a challenging night into one of the most memorable performances we’ve ever had.
If you were inspired by this event, book us for your next event, and let’s create lasting memories together!
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