Well, it's been quite a year.
2001 started with the country divided over the election
of President George W. Bush and the controversy of the Florida
ballots. It mercifully came to an end with the country rallying
behind that same President like never before as we wage a war against
terrorism.
Although Oracle had long been performing the tune
"Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood, the events of
September 11th gave new meaning to the song, and the crowds singing along
with it at the end of each evening gives us a renewed spirit of hope and
patriotism.
During the course of the year Oracle performed for
many different events, and experienced an addition to it's personnel
roster as well.
On this page we're going to take a brief look back at
2001, remembering the up times, and learning from the down times, as we
set our sights on a prosperous and happy 2002.
New Years 2001
Ushered in to the tune of "2001 A
Space Odyssey", Oracle brought in the year 2001 at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church in Odenton. A large crowd came out to hear the band,
and they weren't disappointed as they danced their way into the New
Year. |
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Most people missed the
after party celebration where Mike had a little more than his share
of Champagne!
(Just kidding of course, but he DOES look a little
toasted...don't you think)???
;-)
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As the new Year progressed, the band's
sound started to take on a new dimension as sound engineer and
trumpet player Steve Kimbell started attending and doing more and
more performances with the band, first as an engineer and then
increasingly as a performer.
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April saw the band's first
performance at The Ott House in Emmitsburg, Maryland. A number
of their faithful following came up with them, and in short order a
new following in the Frederick area started to emerge.
Subsequent performances up there have been resounding successes, in
spite of the driving distance for the majority of the fan base.
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2001 saw quite a bit of
international travel for individual members of the band. Here
Mike & Veronne stand in front of the gate to Buckingham Palace
in London.
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Later in the year Jeff
would head out to Italy for an extended vacation. While he was
away, the band performed for a luau at the American Legion in
Severna Park. Long time friend and guitarist Scott Poe filled
in admirably for Jeff while he was away.
A former bandmate with Jeff and Steve in a group
called Cross Tie Walker, it was fun watching Scott sing songs that
nobody EVER thought he'd be performing in public. It just goes
to show you that a good musician can jump in and perform with
anyone! |
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Of course Scott did have a wild and
crazy side, such as when he snuck a guitar pick onto Veronica's back
during the Luau!
What was really amazing was how long it stayed
there without her knowing ;-)!!! As Scott so
often puts it..."it ain't nothin' but a good time!" |
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