The First Annual Steven Spring & Kipp Crawford Memorial Jam and Release Party!   

was held Thursday, January 27th  from 7:30 to 10 at the Ashland Community Center in Ashland, Oregon. 50 people came, watched the premiere showing of DRIVE, listened to some great music, and made the event a thorough success. DRIVE is a 48-minute, 2-person one act play that i wrote about grief, and the DVD features myself and former Oregon Shakespeare Festival actress Shirley Patton. Taking a serious dramatic look at the subjects of losing a child to cancer and coping with Alzheimer's disease, the play encourages a deeper examination of the nature and purpose of sorrow, with an eye toward finding acceptance, humor, compassion, and wisdom in the midst of pain and suffering. Many of those present expressed their appreciation to me for tackling these difficult issues, and a good number bought DVDs both for themselves, and to share with others in similar situations. I was, and am, so relieved and grateful that my efforts bore fruit. Then, we had Music!

    The house band of drummer Tom Stamper, bassist Jeff Addicott, keyboardist Dal Carver, guitarists Joe Diehl and Dirk Price, saxophonists Kent Heyward and myself, and vocalist Michael Maisonneuve was amazing!  Among the most in-demand players in the Rogue Valley, many in the band had played with Steven or Kipp and they played their hearts out in tribute, especially after watching the "bonus track" on the DVD of Steven playing with internationally renowned soul band Tower Of Power in 2001. We played spirituals, New Orleans-style traditional jazz, standards, funk, blues, and original compositions. After some rehearsed pieces, the Jam included trombonist Gary Nelson, blues harpist Bob Miner, and drummer Brian Scalise. More musicians came that didn't get a chance to play, and for that i have some real regret and apologies to offer, along with a promise to make sure that next time everyone gets a share of the stage.

    The last Thursday in January is the day that i remember and honor as the day that Steven went home to God in 2002, and this "anniversary" left me feeling truly happy, fulfilled, and energized. And spent! I know that's a paradox, but, to quote Margo in my play--"That's how life is, you know...". I'm already looking forward to doing it again next year, and working to make it even better: making it just Music, starting earlier, and getting more musicians in on the act. There is absolutely no doubt in my heart or mind that Steven was there with us, and his happiness was the foundation that ours both rested and built upon.

    I also feel so grateful for the earthly help that made this wonderful event possible--particularly to the incredibly fearless Shirley Patton; to the thoroughly professional and personable Jessey Riley and his crew who shot and put together the DVD; to my brother and friend John Swinnerton who recorded the music for the companion CD "Songs For The Living: A Musical Journey Through Grief"; to the whole Tower Of Power family for their openness, friendship, and support; to all the wonderful musicians who volunteered their time and talents and especially to Michael Maisonneuve for belief in the project and assistance at the event; to The Ashland Food Co-op for providing delicious, healthy sustenance; to Tom and Linda Fredericks of Cabin Fever Sound for support and speakers; and, finally, to the absolutely indispensable Peggy Smith who allowed me to truly and fully Enjoy this magical, healing experience.

Yours in Peace, Love, and Harmony,

peter