I GUESS WE’RE GROUPIES
Have you heard of Taylor Swift?
I guess she’s kind of a big deal. In fact, apparently, she’s such a big deal that people will actually travel internationally just to have a chance to see her perform. I know several that have done just that during her most recent world tour.
Now, those are fans! I think they sometimes call themselves, “Swifties”.
Well, not to be outdone by the dedications of the “Swifties”, my wife and I recently hit the road to take in a musical performance of our own.
Our musical dedication led us to a jazz/rock/fusion band called Tün. They were on their own world tour, and they were performing in Hannibal, MO. This was their last stop on their world tour.
Technically...this was their first stop too.
You see, this was their first and only public performance...ever. They called it their “One Stop World Tour”. I guess you could say it was a fairly limited world tour.
So, why road trip all the way to Hannibal, MO to see the first and only performance of a band called Tün? Because the band...and their one and only concert...was the creation of a friend of mine. His name is Robert.
During the years I’ve known Robert he’s shared many stories about his old band days. He played bass guitar along with several of his friends in a rock band they formed back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I’ve seen pictures and they looked pretty much like you’d expect a rock band for the late 60’s and early 70's to look... long hair, some sweet threads, and a look that I’d describe as “groovy”. That may or may not have been the look they were going for, but I feel like it fits. Regardless, based on the stories, it sounds like they were pretty good.
But that was 50 years ago. What does that have to do with last Sunday at the Bluff City Theater in Hannibal, MO? The full story would take some time to share, but suffice it to say Robert felt a calling to play guitar again. And the perfect way to do that.... get the old band back together.
However, reuniting former bandmates proved to be a task that couldn’t be accomplished, so he did the next best thing... he set out to create a new band. A man with a cause, not unlike Jake and Elwood Blues and their mission from God, Robert set out to recruit the requisite musicians.
His search led to a piano player which led to a guitar player, a drummer, and a saxophone player. He had his band and together, with Robert as the bass guitar player and band leader, Tün was created.
A few practice sessions later, they polished enough for public performance and were ready to launch their “One Stop World Tour”. And we got to be there.
The concert was incredible! The level of talent gathered onstage was impressive and for a brief moment on a beautiful late fall Sunday afternoon on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, they held the crowd in the palms of their hands. They only played one set, sharing a few stories along the way, received a well-deserved round of applause, and then gave up their stage for their first... and last time. Their “One Stop World Tour” was over and I consider myself lucky to have been part of it.
Our journey to their show did not involve international travel. We did have to cross a state line and pay at least one toll, so I’d say we’re pretty loyal fans. Does that make us...Tünies???
Anyway, it was a fun afternoon and I finally got to see Robert perform. It was an experience I’ll treasure for a long time.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
On a side note...
The second half of the afternoon’s event was a performance by Dawn Weber and her group, Dawn Weber & Good Company. I didn’t know who Dawn was at the time, but I very quickly learned she is a phenomenal vocalist, a very talented musician, and an amazing performer. The rest of the group comprising the “Good Company” were pretty darn amazing as well. I became an instant fan.
I also learned she has bright pink hair. She’d be pretty easy to spot in a crowd.
It turns out Dawn’s been in the music business for quite a while. I’ve since found a lot of her stuff out here to listen to. If you like jazz/rock/fusion, you should check her out.
Unfortunately, you’re not going to find any music by Tün out there. All that’s left there are memories and stories.
They were good. You’re just going to have to take my word for it.
Just a couple of weeks left until Christmas. Are you ready?!
—Cameron Rees
holiday gift card special!
Are you a "plant person" or do you need to shop for a "plant person" this holiday season? Or are you looking for a gift that can last from year to year and continue to bring joy? Then we have a deal for you. When you buy $100 in Skinner Garden Store gift cards, you'll receive one $20 gift card free! That's an extra gift for a friend, family member, teacher, neighbor, or anyone who might enjoy picking out something fresh and green to brighten their space! It just makes “cents”!
STILL DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
By now, a lot of the holiday decoration is probably already done, but if you still have a little to do, find yourself hosting a get-together, or find a spot that just needs a little extra touch of cheer, please keep us in mind.
We still have a lots of fresh winter greens, homemade winter porch pots, table centerpieces and fresh-cut Christmas trees for adding a nice fresh green touch to your holidays!
skinner buck$ WINTER redemption period ends tomorrow!
use ‘em or lose ‘em!
The Winter Redemption Period runs from November 25-December 15, 2024! After the 15th, all 2024 buck$ will expire. But fear not! We’ll begin a new year of collecting and saving with NEW Skinner Buck$. As a reminder, there are three redemption periods throughout the year. They take place in summer, fall, and early winter! See details below. It’s a great way to save on purchases.
EVENTS, SALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Keep scrolling for all the important info and extras you don’t want to miss!
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Now that we are off Daylight Savings and darkness is settling in a little more quickly, we’ll be closing up a little earlier. From now until the end of winter, we’ll be closing at 5 pm, not 6 pm.
